Conor McGregor’s potential return to combat sports has been a hot topic throughout 2024. With three years having passed since his last fights, fans are eagerly anticipating his comeback to the UFC octagon. However, the road to his return has become far more complicated than ever before. There is a possibility of him competing outside the UFC.
During his hiatus, Conor McGregor became a co-owner of BKFC and hinted at fighting in the promotion. A bare-knuckle debut for McGregor or return to boxing would generate incredible buzz and excitement. However, former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez believes McGregor’s UFC contract creates significant hurdles for such a move.
For him, making the company hundreds of millions of dollars, I don’t think it’s going to be an easy exit. I think he still has two more fights with the UFC…he’s not getting any younger. So it’s going to be tough for him to fight those fights out and move onto another contract.
Eddie Alvarez via MMA FightingÂ
Over the years, MMA has witnessed numerous instances of fighters grappling with contractual challenges. Recently, Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull accused PFL of holding him hostage under their contract, making headlines across the sport. One of the most notable examples of a fighter voluntarily leaving the UFC is Francis Ngannou, whose departure became a lesson.Â
McGregor had previously expressed his disappointment with the UFC matchmaking process and even mentioned parting ways. However, as Alvarez said, irrespective of McGregor’s influence, getting out of contract isn’t that easy. CEO Dana White has already revealed that McGregor will fight in 2025. However, with the ‘Mystic Mac,’ nothing is sure.Â
Dana White talks about Conor McGregor’s influence in UFCÂ
Conor McGregor elevated MMA and the UFC through his unmatched charisma, fight skills, and ability to captivate global audiences. He became the first UFC fighter to hold two titles simultaneously, achieving historic success inside the octagon. His fights broke pay-per-view records, introducing MMA to mainstream audiences and generating massive revenue.Â
Conor McGregor (via Imago)The Irishman’s trash-talking and showmanship made MMA a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a new generation of fighters and expanding the sport’s global reach. Over the years, Dana White has seen McGregor up close and is thankful for their collaboration. In a recent interview, he gave McGregor his credit.Â
All the things that he accomplished, he ignited, not just Europe but the entire world and became the biggest superstar. Not just in this sports but in all the sports. Other athletes mimicking him…all the stuff that he did to advance this brand, this company and the sports itself.Â
Dana White via ComplexÂ
Conor McGregor has recently faced backlash due to a civil lawsuit which has affected his revenue streams. As a result, he is desperate to get back into fighting and one of the biggest opportunities is the rumored fight with Logan Paul. While there has been no official announcement regarding it, fans are pretty hyped about it.Â
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