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Showtime VP says UFC and Dana White are delaying Mayweather-McGregor Fight

Posted at 10:00 AM, May 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-01 13:17:03-04

Showtime Vice President Stephen Espinoza is blaming the UFC and specifically UFC President Dana White for the delay in finalizing a potential Mayweather-McGregor fight. 

“The biggest battle in Mayweather-Pacquiao was both guys really thinking that the other wanted to do it,” said Espinoza during an episode of the Chris Mannix podcast. “That part has happened [between McGregor and Mayweather], so I think the real question — and it’s sort of a black box right now — is where’s the UFC really, on this? Do they, in fact, want it?"

"Dana — speaking on behalf of, I assume, the UFC — is making noises that he’s more open to it but talk is talk. I haven’t seen a lot of progress either internally in the deal between the two of them or externally, the deal between that side and this side."

Dana White has recently stated that he's had meetings with Conor McGregor on his terms for the fight, but has yet to sit down with Mayweather's team. 

“It’s largely at a standstill. There hasn’t been a ton of progress and I think if they don’t move relatively quickly, people may move on. People may tire of it. But it really is something that needs to happen this year or it probably won’t happen. Floyd’s on 18 months, two solid years come September since he’s fought. He’s still in great shape, but at a certain point, he’s not gonna do it after a while.”

Espinoza has a theory on why the UFC and Dana White are dragging their feet with negotiations. 

“I think part of the fear on the UFC’s side is that they’ll never see Conor again," Espinoza said. "If he makes 50, 60, 70 and then you never see him in the ring and he retires in Ireland and so much for their megastar.”

With a September timetable floating around, negotiations will have to pick up quickly. Floyd Mayweather isn't getting any younger and fans will only be hungry for the spectacle for son long.