Conor McGregor believes his business relationship with the UFC has entered a new phase following the promotion’s recent media rights shift.
While appearing on a live stream, the former featherweight and lightweight champion explained that the UFC’s reported agreement with Paramount has changed the financial structure underpinning his deal. According to McGregor, that shift directly impacts a contract that was built around pay per view revenue.
Speaking openly about the situation, McGregor said his focus is now on upcoming talks with the organization.
“I’m warming up now for the White House fight,” McGregor said on stream. “I’m gonna be at it, for sure. It’s gonna be insane, the White House card is gonna be.”
He then addressed the contractual issue at the center of the discussion.
“I’m going into negotiations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in February. I’m very interested to go. They’ve actually got a new deal with Paramount, it’s worth $7.7 billion. So the company has 4xed its profit, and my contract, essentially, is void right now because there’s no more PPV, whereas my contract was based on PPV sales. I’m the highest generating PPV fighter of all time. 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.”
At present, it remains unclear whether the broadcast change legally alters McGregor’s UFC agreement, which reportedly still has two fights remaining. Whether his comments represent a firm contractual position or a strategic negotiation stance is something that will likely become clearer once talks officially begin.
Conor McGregor said he has to negotiate a new contract with the UFC next month 👀
“My contract is essentially void right now.” pic.twitter.com/c7wVzFEkIG
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) January 18, 2026
McGregor shifts attention to preparation
Despite uncertainty surrounding the business side, McGregor insists his day to day priorities have not changed. The Irish star says his energy is being directed toward physical readiness and discipline rather than speculation.
“And what am I doing for it?” McGregor said. “I’m focusing on what I can control. I’m in the gym. I’m living in the gym, focusing on my health, focusing on my rest, listening to my coaches, following the game plan. External noise is non existent for me. I don’t absorb it. You’re aware of it, but you don’t let it seep in. Keep the internal dialogue strong. I’m here, showing the kids, showing my team what it takes. You’ve got to live it. You’ve got to live and breathe it.”
McGregor has not competed since July 2021, when he suffered a serious leg injury during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier. A planned return at UFC 303 last year was canceled due to injury setbacks.
UFC CEO Dana White has stated that the promotion’s upcoming White House themed card is expected to take place on June 14, with matchmaking expected to begin in the coming months. Whether McGregor is ultimately part of that event may depend on how February’s negotiations unfold.
