Crawford Dismisses McGregor's $200M Fight Claim Amid Retirement

Retired boxing sensation Terence CrawfordPlayer·Terence Crawford has directly addressed claims made by mixed martial arts star Conor McGregorPlayer·Conor McGregor regarding a lucrative $200 million crossover fight offer. Crawford, who concluded his illustrious career with an undefeated record, firmly denied the existence of any such formal proposal, dismissing McGregor's statements as untrue.

McGregor, currently preparing for his highly anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 329Competition·UFC 329 against Max HollowayPlayer·Max Holloway in Las VegasVenue·Las Vegas next weekend, has been vocal during his media appearances. The Irish fighter previously asserted that Turki AlalshikhPlayer·Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, had extended a $200 million offer for a two-fight series involving both boxing and MMA rules. According to McGregor, Crawford declined the deal due to reservations about competing under MMA rules, specifically citing concerns over kicks and elbows.

However, Crawford's recollection of events differs significantly. Speaking to Yahoo Sports, the Nebraska native stated, "That was a lie. Complete fabrication. There was never a $200 million offer." He acknowledged informal discussions, recalling a FaceTime conversation where he told McGregor, "You're not going to kick me, Conor." Yet, Crawford emphasized that a concrete offer of the magnitude McGregor described was never presented to him. "If I had been told, I could say there was an offer, but if nothing was presented to me, I can't say what is what. In my head, he's making up numbers," Crawford added.

Crawford's career culminated in December 2025, following a significant victory over Canelo AlvarezPlayer·Canelo Alvarez in September 2025, securing his status as one of boxing's all-time greats with a perfect 41-0 professional record. He retired as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, having achieved all his professional goals. Reflecting on the hypothetical offer, Crawford, who possesses a background in wrestling from his youth, indicated that he would have considered a genuine $200 million proposition at an earlier stage of his career.

"I would have done it. Why wouldn't I?" Crawford remarked. "Now I don't need it. Then it would have been a good deal. At the moment I am in, I don't need to do it. I am at a different stage of my life where I don't have to accept such fights. Then I probably would have accepted it. I would have said: 'Okay, let's do it.'"

Despite his past grappling experience, Crawford expressed confidence in his striking ability against McGregor in a stand-up exchange. "Conor is not the best wrestler. I'm not saying I'm the best wrestler either, but I know that standing up, it would only take one good punch and I would put him to sleep," Crawford commented. He further noted that McGregor would likely attempt kicks and takedowns, to which Crawford suggested he would adapt.

Currently, Crawford remains steadfast in his retirement. "I am happily retired and I don't see myself coming back," he affirmed. "I'm done for good." This stance reinforces that any future crossover bout with McGregor is highly improbable. Meanwhile, McGregor's return at UFC 329Competition·UFC 329 marks his first fight in five years. He has two bouts remaining on his current UFCCompetition·UFC contract, with another scheduled for April 2027. McGregor has expressed a desire for a more active fighting schedule and is open to competing again before the end of 2026, hoping to extend his tenure with the UFCCompetition·UFC beyond his current agreement.