Conor McGregor rules out Floyd Mayweather rematch in MMA octagon

Conor McGregor has claimed that talks between him and Floyd Mayweather to meet in an MMA rematch have ended unsuccessfully after the unbeaten American boxer decided to remain in retirement.

Following their initial boxing encounter last August that Mayweather comprehensively won via a 10th-round stoppage, the 40-year-old had been teasing a potential rematch in the Octagon, with McGregor repeatedly calling him out to try his hand at mixed martial arts [MMA].

But those attempts appear to have been unsuccessful after Mayweather dismissed speculation over a rematch, with the 50-0 boxer stating: “I already beat Conor.”

Appearing at an NBA match on Saturday night, the comment triggered a response from McGregor, who also appeared to state that there will not be a rematch between the pair, and that he was now turning his attentions away from facing Mayweather again.

“I am happy for Floyd and his recent announcement that he is out of these current fight negotiations,” McGregor wrote on Instagram.

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“It is the reason I never seeked the rematch in the first place. I was happy for him in retirement.

“My game is a very unforgiving one. It is not like other games. I understand completely him staying retired. I will now carry on in my negotiations and see where it goes.

“Have a great retirement Junior. Now come here and give your old man a hug for old time’s sake. I'm proud of you son. Yours truly, Senior.”

McGregor is weighing up his next move after a 15-month hiatus from the UFC, where he still remains the lightweight champion despite Tony Ferguson being installed as the interim champion in the Irishman’s absence.

The Dubliner has previously spoken about the numerous offers that he has on the table, with options varying between the UFC, boxing, Hollywood and the WWE.