Former two-division champion Conor McGregor has declared his current UFC contract null and void, setting the stage for major renegotiations next month. The Irish superstar cites the promotion's seismic shift to a new broadcast partnership with Paramount+ as the catalyst, a move that eliminates the traditional pay-per-view model which previously formed the basis of his lucrative earnings.
Contract in Crisis as Broadcast Model Shifts
McGregor, who has not competed since breaking his leg in a trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, made the bold claim this week. He argues that the UFC's landmark deal with streaming service Paramount+, which does not rely on the classic PPV structure, fundamentally alters the financial landscape. This, he asserts, renders his existing agreement invalid and necessitates a fresh round of talks.
The 37-year-old is eager to end his lengthy hiatus from the Octagon and has a specific target in mind: the UFC's planned event at the White House in June 2026. Such a spectacle would be a historic first for the mixed martial arts promotion, and McGregor is openly campaigning for a spot on the card.
White Non-Committal, Chandler Ruled Out
UFC President Dana White, however, has been notably reserved regarding McGregor's comeback timeline. While not dismissing the possibility, White has avoided confirming any specific date or event for the Irishman's return. In a significant development, White has also explicitly stated that Michael Chandler is no longer being considered as McGregor's next opponent, dashing the hopes of a long-anticipated matchup that has been teased for over a year.
McGregor's path to competition is also currently blocked by an 18-month anti-doping suspension, handed down by USADA. The ban was backdated to September 2023, meaning the 'Notorious' one will be eligible to fight again from March 2025. This timeline theoretically allows for a training camp ahead of a potential summer booking.
Negotiations Loom for a Historic Return
With his suspension window closing, McGregor confirms that contract discussions with the UFC's hierarchy are scheduled for next month. These talks will be crucial in determining not only his financial terms in the new Paramount+ era but also the viability of a headline-making return at the proposed White House spectacle.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the UFC's biggest star and its most powerful promoter can align on a deal that satisfies both parties. A successful negotiation could pave the way for one of the most dramatic and high-profile comebacks in combat sports history, potentially on one of the world's most iconic stages.
