Conor McGregor Accepts 'No-Name' Opponent Amid Frustration Over UFC Return
Conor McGregor has hinted at a significant level of frustration regarding his long-awaited return to the UFC, as he continues to target a summer fight. The Irish mixed martial arts superstar has not competed since 2021, when he suffered a devastating broken leg in a second consecutive loss to Dustin Poirier. Despite this lengthy absence, McGregor remains arguably the biggest name in the sport, generating immense fan interest and speculation about his comeback.
White House Event and Contract Disputes
With the UFC planning an unprecedented fight card at the White House on 14 June, followed by their annual International Fight Week event this summer, there are readymade opportunities for McGregor to make his return. However, it currently appears unlikely that the 37-year-old will feature at the White House event. UFC president Dana White stated last week that "the card is built", before adding about McGregor's next fight: "If it was done and he accepted it, I would announce it."
These comments followed a now-deleted social media post from McGregor, who wrote: "It's a no name up next for me possibly, folks [...] I ACCEPT. Send the contract, lads." He later returned to social media on Monday to reiterate: "Day 15 of 'I accept, send the contract.'" White had previously been coy about McGregor's chances of fighting at the White House, despite the former champion's clear desperation to feature on the historic card.
Contract Negotiations and Pay-Per-View Changes
In any case, McGregor suggested last month that his contract needs to be completely reworked due to fundamental changes in the UFC's broadcasting model. "They've got a new deal with Paramount... and my contract essentially is void right now, because there's no more PPV [pay-per-view], whereas my contract was based on PPV sales," McGregor claimed. He emphasised his status as "the highest-generating PPV fighter of all time [in the UFC]" and noted that "the PPV system is done. I'm due a new contract. So, we're going into negotiations in February, and I'm very interested to see how it goes."
McGregor was referencing the fact that the UFC is no longer airing its events on traditional pay-per-view in the United States. The promotion's new Paramount+ deal revolves around a subscription model, which fundamentally alters the financial landscape for fighters like McGregor whose earnings were heavily tied to PPV sales.
Opponent Speculation and Weight Class Considerations
Fans continue to speculate wildly about McGregor's opponent for a potential comeback, but White has ruled out Michael Chandler, whom the Irishman was due to face in 2024. McGregor withdrew from that bout on just two weeks' notice, citing a broken toe, and Chandler went on to lose to Charles Oliveira that November. McGregor and Chandler had been linked since early 2023, even filming a season of the reality television show The Ultimate Fighter together, where they served as opposing coaches.
It is widely expected that McGregor's return will take place at welterweight (170lb), where he has fought on three previous occasions and where he was due to face Chandler. McGregor holds a 2-1 record at this weight, having traded memorable wins with Nate Diaz in 2016 before stopping Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds four years later. However, his greatest successes undoubtedly came at featherweight (145lb) and lightweight (155lb). By capturing the titles in those two divisions in 2015 and 2016 respectively, he made history as the UFC's first ever dual-weight champion. McGregor's overall professional record currently stands at 22 wins and 6 losses.
