OK, don’t start booking your flights for Floyd Mayweather (49-0 boxing) vs. Conor McGregor just yet, but “The Notorious” is at least one step closer to making such an unlikely contest a reality.
Following an initial report from ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, California State Athletic Commission officials today confirmed that McGregor has been issued a license to box in The Golden State.
UFC President Dana White declined to comment when contacted by MMAjunkie.
The move certainly comes at an interesting time for McGregor and the UFC. The ultra-popular Irishman made history earlier this month, becoming the first man to simultaneously hold two UFC titles after downing Eddie Alvarez to add the promotion’s lightweight title to a trophy case that already held the featherweight title, as well.
UFC boss White said McGregor would have to let go of one of the titles, though the 28-year-old famously said he wasn’t planning on willingly making such a decision.
This past weekend, UFC officials announced that McGregor had relinquished his 145-pound title, with interim champ Jose Aldo accepting undisputed status, and top contenders Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis battling for an interim title at UFC 206.
McGregor has yet to officially respond to the UFC’s move.
Of course, the UFC still owns the promotional rights for McGregor’s combat sports career, so booking a long-discussed fantasy fight with boxing great Mayweather isn’t as simple as getting a license and signing a promotional deal, but the move to gain licensure in another sport certainly seems pointed, especially coming from a fighter who has proved masterful at blazing his own path.
More on this in just a moment.
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