UFC chief Dana White warns Manny Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — Dana White, the UFC chief said over the weekend former eighth-time world champion Manny Pacquiao could not negotiate a fight with Conor McGregor since the mixed martial arts star is under contract with the UFC.

It was hot news earlier last week that Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing superstar, had confirmed that he’s having talks with McGregor for a potential fight for 2018.

Pacquiao said he might return to the ring in April.

While Pacquiao did not drop a name, date or venue, he was quoted as saying he’s had a talk or talks with McGregor.

White said after the UFC Fight Night 123 that if it’s true, then Pacquiao is not only courting the 29-year-old UFC champion from Ireland.

Pacquiao is courting trouble.

“That would be weird because he’s (McGregor) under contract with us,” White told the press who attended the Fresno card.

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

The Muhammad Ali Act, which protects boxers, and now including MMA fighters, from “coercive contracts,” may come into play.

McGregor, who is the UFC lightweight champion, fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing match last August, and reportedly earned close to $100 million.