White on McGregor-Mayweather: 'I do think it's going to happen'

A potential superfight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather seemingly took another step in the right direction Wednesday, as Dana White said he wouldn't stand in the way.

Just hours later, the UFC president doubled down.

In an appearance on "Conan," he conceded that he believes a bout between the superstar fighters will eventually come together.

"I do think it's going to happen," White said, according to Brett Okamoto of ESPN. "I think it's going to be a tough deal, because, obviously, there are a lot of egos involved in this deal and a lot of people, so that always make it tougher.

"(But) on the flip side, there's so much money involved, I just don't see how it doesn't happen."

White's newfound optimism is a far cry from his initial efforts to downplay the chances of a cross-sport matchup. As recently as December, he said, "It ain't happening."

Progress in that regard from the UFC, which still has McGregor under an exclusive contract, is a major step in the right direction for a fight that was once considered a pipe dream.

It may now only be a matter of time before Mayweather and McGregor are going head to head in a boxing match that figures to shatter all-time pay-per-view records.