re: Regardless of the actual fight, Mcgregor won last night. Actually, he dominated.

You're correct that Mayweather had the ultimate say if he wanted the fight and if he wanted another big payday. He also got to dictate financial and contractual terms. No argument there.

However, going by the timeline for at least the past 2 or so years, this wasn't his thing, he didn't come up with the idea to get a big payday on MMA, and didn't really have a choice who the opponent would be.

The timeline reflects it was Mcgregor who initiated and started this over 2 years ago, purposely taking direct aim directly at Mayweather and calling him out. Mayweather blew him off at the time and refused to acknowledge him.

Mcgregor kept on little by little because he's a cocky bastard and wanted huge money while he was becoming this MMA phenomenon (for lack of a better word) and when he ultimately just blew up into the main MMA superstar, Mayweather saw the potential dollar signs and public interest....which was created by Mcgregor. Once they dealt with the UFC contract / Dana White obstacle, things started to actually take shape.

Yes, Mayweather had the final decision. He had all the leverage in promotion, marketing, purse, etc. But this was not Mayweather's brainchild or genius big payday idea. He certainly couldn't choose anyone but Mcgregor.

Unless, I'm just missing some inside information or something or Mayweather truly implemented this idea years ago and I'm not that big of a nerd to go back that far, and somehow Mcgregor got worded this scheme....your theory doesn't add up.

Mayweather took the opportunity that Mcgregor presented because it ultimately became a financial nobrainer.