McGregor issued boxing license in state of California
Conor McGregor's boxing aspirations could soon come to fruition.
The UFC lightweight champion has been issued a boxing license in the state of California, ESPN's Brett Okamoto confirmed with state commission director Andy Foster, echoing a report from MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani citing McGregor's manager Audie Attar.
McGregor also intends to apply for a license outside of the Golden State, says FOX Sports' Damon Martin. "The Notorious" has long campaigned for a boxing match with retired five-division champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. - and a $100-million payday - but his recurring call-outs have amounted to little in the way of a date in the ring.
Whether McGregor tangles with Mayweather or not, the newly acquired license thickens the incessant speculation surrounding his future with the UFC.
"The Notorious" became the promotion's first fighter to simultaneously hold two titles when he added the lightweight strap to his featherweight belt with a second-round knockout of Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205, but the triumph was short-lived.
McGregor - expected to be sidelined until May while he awaits the birth of his first child - demanded a stake in the company after headlining the record-setting event, only to lose the featherweight strap two weeks later when an injury to Daniel Cormier left UFC 206 without a main event. The promotion announced this past Saturday that McGregor would vacate the 145-pound belt, thereby promoting Jose Aldo from interim to undisputed champ and anointing co-main event opponents Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis the new headliners in an interim title bout.
The Irishman only held the belt for 11 months and hadn't defended it since dethroning Jose Aldo by knockout in just 13 seconds at UFC 194. McGregor's coach John Kavanagh recently claimed the title wasn't relinquished, but "stripped." McGregor himself has not commented on vacating the belt.
Prior to obtaining the license, McGregor's manager revealed his camp would also entertain a foray into the WWE if offered.
The Irishman is still under contract with the UFC.