We’ve almost made it halfway through the year and still there hasn’t been a set date, or even a solid confirmation, of the biggest online UFC betting story of the decade. Over the last couple of months, Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather have made it their mission to stay relevant in the eyes of the fighting community. They’ve done this by consistently going at each other’s throats. What began as a sly comment during a post-fight press conference evolved into the biggest story of the year. But since then, not much has happened.

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The original comments were made by McGregor following his victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205. With his victory, McGregor became the first dual-division champion in online UFC betting history. This prompted the media to ask the Irishman what lies in front of him and McGregor responded truthfully win uncertainty. But Notorious is known for being a loudmouth and he did not fail to live up to his reputation. In fact, McGregor egged the media on telling them that he doesn’t know anyone that can compete with him and that he might have to drag Mayweather out of retirement. It wasn’t long before one of the biggest names in boxing would have a response.

Mayweather’s Antics

Mayweather decided to respond to McGregor’s quasi-callout by doing a media tour in which he dismissed McGregor as a threat, and by hosting Nate Diaz – the only man to beat McGregor in the UFC, on his social media accounts only to berate and trash talk McGregor. Ultimately, things escalated from here to the point where McGregor held his public interview confirming that Mayweather was at the forefront of his mind. In the end, Dana White’s statements confirming that he was in fact willing to negotiate the terms of this mega-fight made it seem like it was set it stone. However, months keep passing and nothing has amounted.

Has Fear Afflicted Mayweather?

Nevertheless, Mayweather’s most recent comments to TMZ make it seem like the fight is still on schedule. However, his comments make it seem like Mayweather is done taunting the Irishman and is starting to respect, and perhaps fear, the MMA fighter’s hitting strength.

“Conor McGregor is the 2^nd biggest name in MMA,” Floyd told TMZ reporters, alluding to the fact that he’s the biggest name in the fight business. “So, I’m not gonna sit right here and knock Conor McGregor. He’s gone out there and done what he’s had to do. It’s obvious he’s done something right thus far to get to the point where he’s at.”

The difference in tone in Mayweather’s statements is appalling. Publically, Mayweather never really trashed McGregor, but his social media accounts do have some eye-popping statements.

“I’ve been off for a couple years and I’m 40-years old now. So, I’m a lot older and he’s still in his 20s and I’m in my 40s now,” Mayweather continued. “So that could play a major key, we don’t know. And he’s a heavy hitter.”

These types of comments are unprecedented coming from a fighter, let alone Mayweather himself. Perhaps Mayweather is starting to realize that the results of this matchup are not clear-cut. Or perhaps he’s playing into the mind-game of combat sports, ultimately giving McGregor a false sense of hope.

“Does he have a good chance of upsetting Floyd Mayweather? I can’t say, but anything can happen in the sport of boxing.”