Conor McGregor has opened up about the crossroads he’s approaching in his fighting career. As his long-anticipated UFC comeback draws closer, he’s also thinking ahead to what may happen once his current deal reaches its end.
Thinking beyond the return
The former two-division UFC champion has recently confirmed that a fight is already set for him to step back into action in 2026. The bout is expected to take place at the White House as part of a historic card marking the United States’ 250th birthday celebration.
McGregor hasn’t competed in the Octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021. He had hoped to fight in 2024 during International Fight Week, but an injury disrupted those plans. That delay means he now has two fights remaining on his contract.
At the same time, McGregor has repeatedly expressed interest in competing for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he also holds a part-ownership stake. His growing involvement with BKFC was on full display at a recent press conference face-off with Mike Perry ahead of their Newark event.
McGregor: UFC has a decision to make
In a conversation with BroBible, McGregor admitted that what comes after his contract plays a big part in his uncertainty. He explained that the UFC will soon need to decide whether they want to keep him under their banner or allow him to explore other ventures.
“Let’s see how the future shapes out. Obviously, I’ve got my UFC contract, I’ve got the fight at the White House coming up in eight months’ time. Then, I’ve got one more fight on the contract. The UFC have to come to me with business. They may try and secure me for longer, I don’t know what they’re going to do. They have a decision on their hands to make. Do they secure me, or do they let me go? I’m unsure but all that matters to me is my preparation and then what lies ahead after that, I’m ready.”
McGregor has made it clear that, for now, his focus remains on preparation and performing in his comeback. But after those fights are done, his path could change dramatically depending on how negotiations unfold.
Conor McGregor talks about his UFC contract with two fights remaining:
“The UFC have to come to me with business. They have a decision on their hands to make; do they secure me, or do they let me go? I am unsure.”
🎥 @BroBible pic.twitter.com/BbkEfaWiUy
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 3, 2025
Had things gone differently in 2024, McGregor might be in a very different position. His planned summer comeback at T-Mobile Arena would have left him with just a single UFC appearance remaining afterward. That scenario would have set up his expected 2026 White House fight as the last bout of his contract — and possibly his UFC farewell.
Because the injury delayed everything, however, McGregor will likely need to complete both remaining bouts before he can fully decide his competitive future. His interest in BKFC remains strong, but any move there depends on how and when his UFC obligations conclude.
For now, McGregor’s comeback is the priority. Training plans are already underway, and his presence in both the UFC and BKFC worlds ensures that his next steps will be closely watched. Whether the promotion chooses to extend his contract or let him move on could shape one of the biggest storylines in combat sports over the next two years.
