When Floyd Mayweather boxed Conor McGregor earlier this year, it was one of the biggest, most lucrative fights in the history of combat sports. So naturally, rumors and discussions of a rematch have been swirling ever since. But according to Showtime Sports Executive Stephen Espinoza, we can probably put those rumors to bed now.

Speaking recently with TMZ Sports, Espinoza said that he hasn’t heard anything from Mayweather about re-unretiring for another fight with McGregor and that he doubts a rematch between the two ever materializes.

“I don’t think so,” said Espinoza. “Floyd seems pretty happy retired. I don’t think we’ll see him in the ring again, and it seems like the UFC really wants McGregor back in the cage. I doubt [it]. It’s Floyd’s call at some point, but I haven’t heard anything from him that makes it seem like he’s thinking about McGregor or anything else.”

Espinoza was asked to comment on the possibility because rumors have started anew after TMZ reported that people close to Mayweather say he’s considering a 51st fight. If he does, McGregor would surely jump to the front of the list as the UFC lightweight champion wants a rematch and Mayweather reportedly made over $300 million dollars for their first fight, a number even Espinoza admits could be tough to walk away from.

“It is [tough to walk away from another $300 million] but at a certain point, 20 years in the sport, 22 years in the sport, at a certain point he’s given enough to the sport, so I don’t begrudge him wanting to retire.”

But enough money on the table has a way of making the unlikely become the inevitable. When the idea of a Mayweather-McGregor superfight was first tossed out, few people paid it any attention, but the economic drivers involved eventually made the impossible happen. It’s not crazy to think another relatively easy $300 million dollar payday would be enough to sway Mayweather back for one more go, and if he does, Espinoza and Showtime Sports are ready to make a pile of cash off of that one too.

“If there’s a demand for it, and people want to see it, then sure we’ll get behind the business.”

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MUST-READ STORIES

MVM. Eddie Alvarez says his fight with Justin Gaethje will determine “UFC’s most violent man.”

HW. Rory MacDonald thinks he’ll be used as an alternate in Bellator heavyweight tournament.

Visa. Emil Meek explains his visa issues and status of fight with Kamaru Usman.

Bateman. Gegard Mousasi thinks Rory MacDonald looks like a “mass murderer.”

CSAC. Texas to discuss adopting California’s weight-cutting reform plan.

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VIDEO STEW

Embedded.

BJJ Scout breaking down Askren’s pummeling of Aoki.

Oscar doubling down.

Chael talking to Kevin Lee about the the possible Woodley-Nate fight.

218 promo.

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LISTEN UP

The MMA Hour. Alvarez, Meek, Gastelum, PVZ, and more interviews.

The Co-Main Event. UFC Shanghai and the big upcoming weekend are discussed.

Anik & Florian. Shanghai review and UFC 218 preview plus Brian Stann.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Conor had some other fight rumors running amok yesterday and here’s his response.

Gus out with shoulder surgery so if Volkan is a no go for DC, OSP or Manuwa could be getting the call up.

Chris Wade went off on Twitter yesterday.

Knowing your niche.

Picking fights.

Damn dude. Take a break.

He’s persistent, you gotta give him that.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kinberly Novaes (9-3) vs. Janaisa Morandin (9-1); Invicta 26, Dec. 8.

Henry Corrales (14-3) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (27-7-1); Bellator 192, Jan. 20.

Saad Awad (21-9) vs. J.J. Ambrose (28-7, 2 NC); Bellator 193, Jan. 26.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

This is a link to a bunch of yearbook stuff of Sage Northcutt and you all will be absolutely shocked to find out that Sage was named Most Polite in the senior superlatives section.

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EXIT POLL

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