Dana White finally sets deadline for those pesky Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayweather negotiations

Now we're talking.

Well, almost. Listen, UFC president Dana White isn't exactly the most reliable source when it comes to information. He tends to flip-flop, go back on his word and sell you one thing when in reality the opposite is true. That landmark sale of the UFC was a prime example. He had fervently denied that the promotion was in the process of being sold for months leading up to it being snapped up by WME IMG in the largest sale in sports franchise history. More recently, he had some jaw-dropping comments about the value the promotion's second most bankable star - Nate Diaz. These sort of spin tactics have the mouldy old whiff of business about them, but it's important to remember that this proposed megafight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather is an extremely lucrative business. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/860486299010162688 White confirmed at the UFC 210 post-fight press conference that he had already been in touch with Team Mayweather over the diamond-encrusted panty night, but a proper discussion over the almighty dollar is on its way very soon. He told “The Jim Rome Show” on CBS Sports Radio that first on the agenda is a talk with McGregor, then the following day he plans on chatting with Mayweather's people again. He is realistic about the chances of all parties coming to an agreement so soon into the process, but at the very least, it's a step in the right direction.

“I plan on having this thing locked up by this Sunday and then moving on to Team Mayweather and start to negotiate with them. If we really do get it done in that timeframe, then this thing could possibly happen. Again, I still have to go negotiate with them. There’s no guarantee that we’re going to come to a deal.”

“I think (the chances of a deal with McGregor) are pretty good. Hopefully Monday I’m going to sit down and negotiate with Team Mayweather. I just can’t keep messing with this thing. I have to run my business and I have to focus on all the other things that are going on around here."

No doubt he will be asked about these negotiations at the UFC 211 press conference, so that's another reason to tune into that stacked card headlined by the UFC heavyweight championship between defending champion Stipe Miocic and former king Junior dos Santos.