The world of combat sports often sees high-stakes negotiations, but few compare to the protective ultimatum delivered by Floyd Mayweather Sr. to UFC President Dana White, specifically concerning his legendary son, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr.’s potential foray into mixed martial arts.
White, a prominent figure in the combat sports landscape, is no stranger to boxing promotion, famously co-promoting the monumental 2017 crossover bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor. This successful venture sparked discussions of further collaboration between the boxing icon and the UFC supremo, hinting at broader ventures beyond the octagon.
Following his triumph against McGregor, Floyd Mayweather Jr. briefly announced his return to retirement, a declaration often met with skepticism given his history. However, whispers of a comeback soon resurfaced, prompting significant speculation about his next move and potential partners in the fiercely competitive world of professional fighting.
It was amidst this speculation that Floyd Mayweather Sr., the revered trainer and fiercely protective father, stepped in. His message to Dana White was unequivocal and stern: while he seemingly tolerated other boxing endeavors, there was one specific discipline he forbade his son from entering, threatening direct physical intervention if White dared to cross that line.
“What’s that thing called? It better not be MMA,” Mayweather Sr. declared emphatically in an interview. He further added, “I don’t think he’d take nothing like that because I’d go out there and whoop Dana’s ass. I will. I’d go back there and whoop the s— out of him. Even though Floyd is a grown man, I’m gonna be the grown one to take over that.”
This candid and fiery warning underscored the depth of Mayweather Sr.’s conviction that MMA was not a suitable path for his son, a sentiment rooted in his extensive experience and concern for Floyd Jr.’s legacy and physical well-being. His words highlighted the significant parental influence that still resonated even with a globally recognized athlete.
Ultimately, the highly anticipated further collaboration between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dana White, particularly involving MMA, never came to fruition. Thankfully for the UFC boss, the senior Mayweather’s stern warnings were heeded, ensuring his safety from the veteran trainer’s promised ‘whooping’ and preventing a potential crisis in the combat sports world.
Since his last professional boxing match, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has instead opted for a series of high-profile exhibition bouts against various personalities, including YouTubers, reality stars, and even a grandson of a prominent mafia figure. These matches have kept him in the public eye while steering clear of the mixed martial arts arena that his father so vehemently opposed.
