LAS VEGAS — Floyd Mayweather has often teased the idea of competing in MMA with posts on social media. Although it would likely yield him a massive payday, the undefeated boxer would be at a serious disadvantage if he ever decided to enter the world of mixed martial arts. Still, some question if there is a dollar amount that would drag the 41-year-old into an Octagon.
The short answer is "No."
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Mayweather addressed the possibility during a media day for his upcoming boxing exhibition against Japanese kickboxing star Tenshin Nasukawa that will likely headline Rizin 14 on New Year's Eve in Tokyo. Mayweather held court to address details regarding his three-round exhibition that will have no judges and will be fought under boxing rules. When a reporter asked why Mayweather wouldn't allow the fight with Nasukawa to be under MMA rules, the five-weight world champion seemingly grew annoyed with the question.
"Everything is always on my terms because I am the 'A' side," he said. "I'm not going to fight in an MMA ring. If I do fight in an MMA ring (it will be) boxing only. Everything is my rules, my way. I work hard to put myself in the position where I call all of the shots. He may be a kickboxer, but he has to abide by my rules, simple and plain."
The retired champion said he would be earning a seven-figure payday for his exhibition and will be taking home more than most fighters who put themselves through grueling training camps for a 12-round fight.
"No disrespect to Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, but I'm making more in a nine-minute exhibition (than) what they made after their heavyweight fight last weekend," he said.
Mayweather also shot down a return to boxing. He said he was happily retired and in the business of entertaining. He also teased that this wouldn't be his only exhibition and that he was interested in putting on more shows like this across the globe. As far as money is concerned, Mayweather suggested that he doesn't need the payday but is happy to "work smart and not hard" when an opportunity like this presents itself. He made it clear, however, that he'll never put himself in a position where he could lose.
In August 2016, Mayweather stopped MMA star Conor McGregor in the 10th round when the Irishman decided to step into the world of boxing. McGregor has offered to fight Mayweather under MMA rules, but The Money Team fighter said he has no desire to fight any MMA fighter under their rules.
"I'm not going into somebody else's cage and do what they do. Everybody knows that Floyd Mayweather is a boxer. If anybody wants to fight against me, it's in a boxing ring," he said.
