Conor McGregor's manager teases potential UFC showdown with Jake Paul following octagon comeback: 'You never say never'
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: Jake Paul's desire appears to be on the verge of fulfillment as, in a recent statement, Conor McGregor's manager did not dismiss the possibility of a future showdown between Paul and McGregor upon the UFC star's return to the octagon.
The online sparring between McGregor and Paul is not new. They have had previous verbal exchanges, including the UFC star criticizing Paul's victory over Nate Diaz in August.
In a recent occurrence on X, Jake Paul seized the opportunity to mock McGregor's leaked earnings.
Jake Paul vs Conor McGregor might happen
In the wake of Paul's announcement about his upcoming fight against Andre August, McGregor's manager has hinted at the prospect of a future clash between Paul and McGregor.
According to the Daily Mail, McGregor's manager stated to Fox, "I think the challenge with combat sports is looking that far ahead. You never say never."
"Getting back into the octagon is step one, going in and handling business there. Then, not looking past that, but then, obviously, when you get past that, look at your options and see what’s next," he added.
McGregor, absent from the octagon since July 2021 due to a leg injury and a consecutive defeat to Dustin Poirier, is determined for a comeback.
UFC chief Dana White suggests a potential return next summer.
"He's good, he's ready. He wants to. He's got to sit out for the six months to get back into the drug-testing pool," White said. "So realistically... could be looking at him next summer."
However, McGregor's coach, John Kavanagh, provided a recent update indicating a delay.
As per the Daily Mail, Kavanagh mentioned on 'The MMA Hour', "We were hoping for April. That was the hope. That was what we were told. And now it seems to be the summertime."
"I don't know. That's literally what we were having a bit of a back and forward today," he added.
Jake Paul set to fight Andre August
Recently, Paul made a noteworthy announcement on X, revealing his upcoming professional boxing match against Andre August. The bout is set to go eight rounds on December 15 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.
Expressing his confidence, Paul stated, "Ask and I shall deliver. August has more KO’s than me, more wins than me, more experience than me, but I like to gamble. The path to world champ starts here. Just straight up boxing."
Ask and I shall deliver. August has more KO’s than me, more wins than me, more experience than me, but I like to gamble. The path to world champ starts here. Just straight up boxing. pic.twitter.com/5AoXxPmAPj
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 8, 2023
In response to the announcement, August, in a press release on November 8, trolled Paul, saying, "I don't talk very much. I’m all about that action!"
He went on to emphasize, "Jake Paul has the money, the fame, the team and the resources but he doesn’t have my hunger. When that bell rings, I am going to go straight to Jake Paul and ring his bell and send him back to YouTube for good."
🎙️ Andre August speaks about Jake Paul fight in statement:
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) November 8, 2023
'Jake Paul has the money, the fame, the team and the resources but he doesn't have my hunger. When that bell rings, I am going to go straight to Jake Paul and ring his bell and send him back to YouTube for good.' 😤⏳ pic.twitter.com/WDV9JinhJ8