Olympic legend Michael Phelps challenges Conor McGregor to swimming race

Conor McGregor pocketed around $100m by swapping the octogan for squared circle, and now Michael Phelps has floated the idea of the Irishman taking to water.

The 23-time Olympic gold medalist asked his 2.2 million strong Twitter following is he should step out of retirement and challenge McGregor to a swimming race - presumably with the fighter getting a sizeable head-start.

Phelps is no stranger to sporting novelty events, racing a 'shark' as part of a Discovery Channel publicity stunt earlier this year.

Of course, the shark was created using CGI and beat Phelps by two seconds in the 100 metre race that left viewers disappointed that history's most decorated Olympian hadn't jumped in the water with a deadly predator.

After McGregor's money-spinning venture in Las Vegas against Floyd Mayweather, Mixed Martial Arts fans are waiting to see what his next move will be.

At 29, the Dublin-born UFC star has plenty of fighting years left in him but also stated his intention to his 'take over the Irish whiskey market' with his own tipple 'Notorious'.

McGregor could even venture back into the boxing ring if the price is right, though a rematch with Mayweather appears unlikely after the American announced his retirement.

"I'm young, I'm fresh and I'm ready," McGregor said. "Right now I'm a free agent. I love a good fight and tonight was a good fight. I can't tell you exactly what's next but something will be next."

"I've already been raising the MMA (mixed martial arts) cheques. I'm still going to be raising the MMA cheques when I go back there," he added.

Source: independent.ie