Conor McGregor signs deal to fight Floyd Mayweather
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 18/05/17 12:46pm
UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor says he has signed a deal to fight Floyd Mayweather.
McGregor (21-3) concluded negotiations with UFC president Dana White over a proposed boxing match with Mayweather on Tuesday, with the Irishman describing the contract as "historic".
Mayweather told Sky Sports in January that he was "most likely" to return to the ring for a crossover fight with McGregor, but he is yet to sign terms on the bout.
"The first, and most important part of this historic contract has now officially been signed off on," McGregor said in a statement to Themaclife.com.
"Congratulations to all parties involved. We now await [Mayweather's adviser] Al Haymon and his boxer's signature in the coming days."
Mayweather retired from boxing in September 2015 after equalling Rocky Marciano's unbeaten record of 49-0 and has since being involved in an ongoing war of words with McGregor on social media.
White revealed he would now begin the process of negotiating a deal with Mayweather and the American's promoter Al Haymon, but stressed there was no guarantee that the fight would take place.
"The McGregor side is done," White told ESPN. "I'm starting to work on the Mayweather side now.
"I'm not saying the fight will happen, but I've got one side done, now it's time to work on the other. If we can come to a deal with Haymon and Mayweather, the fight's gonna happen."
