Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather is ‘largely at a standstill,’ according to Showtime executive

The ongoing negotiations for a potential superfight between UFC superstar Conor McGregor and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather have seemingly hit a roadblock. According to Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President of Showtime Sports, the dream matchup has a lot of working parts that are currently out of sorts.

“The biggest battle in Mayweather-Pacquiao was both guys really thinking that the other wanted to do it,” said Espinoza during a recent interview with Chris Mannix. “That part has happened [with McGregor and Mayweather], so I think the real question - and it’s sort of a black box right now - is where’s the UFC really, on this? Do they, in fact, want it? Dana - speaking on behalf of, I assume, the UFC - is making noises that he’s more open to it but talk is talk. I haven’t seen a lot of progress either internally in the deal between the two of them or externally, the deal between that side and this side.

“It’s largely at a standstill. There hasn’t been a ton of progress and I think if they don’t move relatively quickly, people may move on. People may tire of it. But it really is something that needs to happen this year or it probably won’t happen. Floyd’s on 18 months, two solid years come September since he’s fought. He’s still in great shape, but at a certain point, he’s not gonna do it after a while.”

For what it is worth, UFC president Dana White feels obligated to make this fight for McGregor, considering the Irishman has been the company’s primary cash cow over the past few years. But White and company need to be careful. A big enough payday could trigger an exit from MMA for McGregor and leave UFC without its biggest star.

“I think part of the fear on the UFC’s side is that they’ll never see Conor again. If he makes 50, 60, 70 and then you never see him in the ring and he retires in Ireland and so much for their megastar.”

Fight fans obviously want this superfight to go down, but the clock is ticking. McGregor’s baby hiatus is nearly over, UFC needs “Notorious” back in action as soon as possible, and Mayweather isn’t going to hang around forever considering he’s already 40 years old. In order for this thing to actually go down, all sides, UFC included, need to come together and work out the kinks.