Conor McGregor says 'cross-style' fight with Mayweather would make 'half a billion'

As well as being a world-class MMA fighter, Conor McGregor is also a businessman. The brash Irishman claimed that his ultimate goal is to own the UFC in an interview last month, and now the 27-year-old sees dollar signs in a Mayweather bout.

According to the newly crowned interim featherweight champion, a 'cross-style' fight with Mayweather is good business. McGregor claimed in an interview with The Guardian yesterday that a showdown with the undefeated boxing stud in his own backyard would generate 'half a billion' dollars.

"But if you're talking about a fight that could generate half a billion - it's this one," McGregor said. "There's never going to be another boxing fight like this. Only a cross-style match between Mayweather and me could generate that kind of interest and revenue. So maybe it could happen. I would certainly be up for it. I am capitalising on every single opportunity. It's a strong word, one of my favourite words: capitalise. I'm ready to capitalise on everything."

While McGregor entertains the idea of a boxing fight with Floyd, the Dubliner would prefer to settle things in the Octagon.

"In a real fight I would dismantle him in seconds," said McGregor. Ronda Rousey would dismantle him in seconds - 100%. When you don't know how to grapple you don't stand a chance. For us, it's like playing with a baby. People who don't understand the sport cannot understand how vulnerable they are. There are always clinches and Ronda is a judo Olympian. She would throw Floyd on his head in a second. Me? I would knock him out. Cold."

After Conor McGregor TKO'd Chad Mendes in the second round to seize the interim featherweight title at UFC 189, the SBG fighter was strapped back into the drivers seat as a coach on the upcoming Ultimate Fighter series. The show will air on September 9th and McGregor will coach opposite Uriah Faber in a Team Europe vs. Team USA showdown.

After TUF is wrapped up, the Irishman will lock horns with Jose Aldo in a title unification bout in Las Vegas on December 12th, Dana White confirmed yesterday.