UFC chief to sue Pacquiao if boxer negotiates with McGregor

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao may find himself embroiled in a legal battle if he’s indeed keen on holding talks with UFC star Conor McGregor for a fight.

UFC president Dana White has drawn the line, saying Pacquiao has no business dealing directly with McGregor, who is still signed with the world’s top mixed martial arts promotional company.

The Filipino icon recently made headlines when he tweeted a Thanksgiving greeting to McGregor — a post that appeared to be a subtle invitation to fight each other.

Pacquiao, who hasn’t fought since losing to Jeff Horn last July, further fanned the flames when he reportedly said they’ve already had exploratory talks with McGregor’s camp.

And that’s where White started telling everyone to calm down.

“That would be weird because he’s (McGregor) under contract with us,” White told reporters after UFC Fight Night 123 in Fresno, California over the weekend.

The UFC’s top executive then threatened to take Pacquiao to court if he starts formal negotiations with McGregor, who is still enjoying the $100 million payout he got in losing to Floyd Mayweather in their boxing match last May.

“If that’s true, I will be suing Manny Pacquiao and whoever’s representing him. So, I’m assuming that’s not true,” added White.

Pacquiao, who reportedly plans to fight again in April next year, better look at someone else.