Conor McGregor Tweet Spikes Speculation Re: Manny Pacquiao Fight

Recently there’s been speculation that Conor McGregor had responded to Khamzat Chimaev’s recent callout. But, now it looks like the Irish star wasn’t talking about the rising welterweight after all.

In fact, due to a new tweet from McGregor, speculation about him possibly fighting Manny Pacquiao is firing around the internet.

Has McGregor accepted a challenge from Pacquiao?

Recently Chimaev called out the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Nate Diaz and McGregor. Then, not long after, the latter tweeted out “I accept”.

As a result, a lot of folks concluded he was likely responding to Chimaev. The tweet also came after Chimaev claimed he went to Ireland in 2018 to confront McGregor, over comments he had made about Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team.

Even Dana White told the media the following, when asked about McGregor’s initial tweet (quotes from MMA Junkie).

“That was (for) Khamzat,” White said. “Khamzat posted, ‘I want Nate Diaz, Masvidal then McGregor.’ And McGregor said, ‘I accept.’ That’s what that was.”

Well, following that, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reached out to McGregor, and the star reportedly said the tweet had nothing to do with Chimaev.

Since then, McGregor also tweeted out this:

“tinatanggap ko”

Now, “tinatanggap ko” is a Filipino phrase, which translates into English as “I accept”. Since Pacquiao is Filipino, and because he’s pushed for a boxing match with McGregor before, speculation about that fight happening has spiked.

Could this happen?

A lot would have to fall into place before it could become a reality. First and foremost, the UFC would need to be on board. It wasn’t that long ago when White was saying the promotion wanted McGregor to focus on MMA, not boxing, say, Floyd Mayweather Jr. again.

But, there are reasons to think this might happen. First, Pacquiao recently signed on with the same management team as McGregor. 

While Pacquiao’s best pugilistic days are behind him, he remains a huge name in boxing, and chances are this fight would generate some serious revenue. So, if the UFC determines this is the only way to make some money via McGregor competing right now, you just never know.

Also, if McGregor were to lose to Pacquiao in the boxing ring, it wouldn’t really impact his position in the UFC title shot mix. Sure, if he lost badly, then one could argue there might be less mainstream interest in him fighting say, Khabib Nurmagomedov or Justin Gaethje.

But, a loss in the Octagon is what would solidly punt his title shot chances.