Conor McGregor's long-awaited return may come in the ring instead of the Octagon.
The UFC superstar announced early Tuesday morning that he has agreed to fight Logan Paul in a boxing match in India, presumably sometime during 2025. UFC fans weren't thrilled to hear this news, but the buzz has already begun, and the early McGregor vs Paul odds are out.
In the early odds, Logan Paul is a -150 favorite over McGregor, the current +120 underdog.
Conor McGregor vs Logan Paul Boxing Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Logan Paul | -150 |
| Conor McGregor | +120 |
According to our sports betting calculator, Paul's -150 odds give him a 60% chance of winning, and a $100 bet on him nets $166.67. McGregor's +120 underdog status gives him an implied 45.45% chance, with $100 paying out $220.
Why is this fight happening?
McGregor hasn't fought in the UFC since 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier. He nearly returned at UFC 303 in June but pulled out of that fight vs Michael Chandler due to a broken toe. Since then, UFC boss Dana White has been adamant he has no timeline for McGregor's return as he pursues endeavors outside of the Octagon. His recent conviction in civil court also adds uncertainty to when, if ever, he fights again in the UFC.
The rumors of a bout with topurio are false. I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 17, 2024
I have agreed.
I will then seek my return to the Octagon.
If a UFC return is indeed off the cards and McGregor wants a big payday, this is a good route to go. Idle athletes like McGregor noticed the payday and attention Mike Tyson received for fighting Logan's brother, Jake Paul, and could be more willing to pursue such opportunities.
Conor McGregor vs Logan Paul: Who Will Win?
If this fight happens, I'd be deeply surprised if Paul wins, despite some physical advantages. Logan is 6-foot-2 with a 76-inch reach, making him a giant compared to McGregor's 5-foot-9 stature. Paul will likely try to overwhelm Conor with his size and use his strength to make this fight dirty. Maybe Paul can lean on McGregor and blast him in the clinch.
McGregor will simply be too fast and technical for Paul. Despite Logan's height advantage, he's only at a two-inch reach advantage over McGregor, meaning "Mystic Mac" can keep his distance and fire potshots at his larger opponent and win round by round.
Paul's technique in his last bout vs Floyd Mayweather was atrocious. More often than not, Paul saw red and swung his arms wildly, attacking a shelled-up Mayweather with awkward, swiping punches. That's an easy slip-and-rip for McGregor, who can toy with Paul all he wants.
If this fight comes to fruition, I will be picking McGregor as an underdog for the easiest plus-money bet I've ever made in my life.
