Conor McGregor is once again at the center of major UFC headlines, this time not for a fight announcement, but for a dramatic claim about his contract status with the promotion.
The former two-division UFC champion has stated that his current UFC deal is now “void” due to the company’s massive new $7.7 billion media rights agreement with Paramount, which eliminates the traditional pay-per-view model that formed the foundation of his existing contract.
McGregor made these comments during a recent livestream, where he also confirmed that he expects to begin formal contract negotiations with the UFC in February.
As chatter intensifies around a possible McGregor return at the UFC’s historic White House event scheduled for June, the Irish superstar is positioning himself for a new deal that reflects the UFC’s evolving business structure.
This article breaks down everything McGregor said, what the Paramount deal means for his contract, how this affects potential fights in 2025, and why the UFC’s upcoming White House card could be the biggest stage for his comeback.
McGregor Says His UFC Contract Is Void: What He Actually Meant
During his livestream, McGregor didn’t sugarcoat his belief that the UFC’s media rights shift changes the terms of his relationship with the promotion.
He stated clearly:
“My contract, essentially, is void right now because there’s no more PPV, whereas my contract was based on PPV sales.”
This is a bold claim considering reports that McGregor still has two fights left under the current contract he signed years ago.
That deal was structured around McGregor earning a major share of pay-per-view revenue—something made possible because he is the highest-grossing PPV fighter in UFC history.
With the UFC moving to a Paramount-driven broadcast model, which McGregor says replaces the PPV structure entirely, he argues that the key pillar of his deal is no longer applicable. He framed it this way:
“They’ve got a new deal with Paramount worth $7.7 billion. The company has 4x’d its profit. I’m due a new contract.”
What remains unknown is whether the new media rights agreement renders his contract legally void or whether McGregor is using this moment as leverage to renegotiate a fresh deal ahead of his highly anticipated return.
As always with McGregor, the truth likely involves both business strategy and public pressure.
Why the Paramount Deal Matters for McGregor
According to McGregor, the UFC’s shift away from the pay-per-view model represents a significant change in how fighters, especially megastars like him, should be compensated.
Historically, McGregor’s biggest earnings were tied to:
- Guaranteed base purse
- Pay-per-view points
- Increased percentage of revenue as sales climbed
- Promotional bonuses and sponsorship tie-ins
This model worked because a McGregor PPV could generate millions of buys, bringing in enormous revenue for both him and the UFC.
But under a set-fee broadcast rights model where revenue is predictable and not tied to per-event sales, the financial equation changes.
McGregor’s stance is straightforward:
If the UFC is making significantly more guaranteed money from the Paramount mega-deal, then he deserves a renegotiated fighter contract that reflects his drawing power even in a non-PPV era.
This is not an unreasonable expectation, especially for someone who has repeatedly carried the UFC to record-breaking global numbers.
Still, the central legal question is whether the Paramount deal actually nullifies the PPV clauses in his existing contract, or if this is simply McGregor positioning himself for a better agreement ahead of a major return.
The UFC has not publicly addressed this claim.
McGregor Eyes UFC White House Event As Possible Return Stage
Beyond the contract drama, McGregor also made it clear that he is preparing for a return on the UFC’s historic White House card scheduled for June.
He stated:
“I’m warming up now for the White House fight. I’m gonna be at it, for sure. It’s gonna be insane, the White House card is gonna be.”
This event is expected to be one of the biggest in UFC history, partly due to its symbolic location and partly due to the promotion’s ongoing restructuring of its event schedule.
While no opponent has been announced, McGregor’s confirmation that he is preparing for this card adds a major spark to early promotion.
Fans and analysts have been speculating about possible opponents, ranging from long-rumored rival Michael Chandler to high-profile names scattered across lightweight and welterweight divisions.
At this stage, everything depends on the upcoming February negotiations.
What McGregor Says About His Training and Mindset
Despite the uncertainty around contract terms, McGregor says he is already in full preparation mode. His approach, as he described it, is centered on discipline and focus.
He explained:
“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.”
He also emphasized mental toughness:
“External noise is non-existent for me. I don’t absorb it… Keep the internal dialogue strong.”
This rhetoric suggests McGregor wants to show fans and critics that he is taking his potential return seriously—especially after multiple fight cancellations, including the UFC 303 bout that was scrapped due to a toe injury.
He added that he wants to lead by example:
“I’m here, showing the kids, showing my team what it takes. You’ve got to live and breathe it.”
For a fighter who has been away from competition for an extended period, this focus on routine, discipline, and personal accountability sends a signal that he is trying to rebuild momentum.
Is the Contract Actually Void? The Unanswered Question
McGregor’s assertion that his contract is void remains unverified.
Here’s what we know:
1. Reports indicate his UFC contract still has two fights remaining.
This has been consistent across multiple credible sources for over a year.
2. UFC CEO Dana White has not acknowledged any contractual change.
White has only said that matchmaking for the White House event will begin after UFC 324.
3. The Paramount deal may alter the PPV structure, but that doesn’t automatically void fighter contracts.
Contracts often contain clauses addressing media-rights changes, revenue restructuring, and future financial mechanisms.
4. McGregor’s comments may be a negotiation tactic.
Public pressure has always been part of McGregor’s strategy.
In short, the legal status of his contract is unclear and may become a major storyline in the coming weeks.
What the Negotiations Could Look Like
McGregor will enter negotiations in February with a strong hand. Even after years of inactivity, he remains the UFC’s biggest mainstream star.
Possible negotiation points may include:
1. Higher guaranteed purse
Without PPV incentives, McGregor may demand a record-high base salary.
2. Revenue-sharing from the Paramount deal
He may ask for a percentage of:
- Broadcast bonuses
- Viewership incentives
- Sponsorship expansion tied to marquee events
3. Ownership or equity stakes
This is something McGregor has hinted at in past interviews.
4. Freedom to pursue boxing mega-fights
These remain lucrative and influential bargaining chips.
5. Priority placement on big cards, including the White House event
This aligns with the UFC’s promotional needs and McGregor’s return timeline.
What This Means for Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler has spent nearly two years waiting for the McGregor fight. But after the UFC 303 collapse in 2024, the fight has remained in limbo.
With McGregor now renegotiating and focusing on the White House event, Chandler’s waiting game becomes even more uncertain.
If McGregor secures a new deal quickly, Chandler may still be a frontrunner.
If not, the UFC could pair McGregor with a different opponent for commercial or strategic reasons.
For Chandler, the situation remains frustrating—but nothing new.
Dana White’s Position
Dana White has not endorsed McGregor’s claim about the contract being void. His only clear statement is that matchmaking for the White House card will begin after UFC 324 concludes.
This suggests:
- No final decision on McGregor’s next opponent
- No confirmation of his contract status
- No public comment until negotiations are complete
As always, White plays matters close to the chest during sensitive business discussions.
What Fans Can Expect in the Coming Weeks
Here’s what’s most likely to happen next:
1. Formal negotiations in February
This will be the biggest moment in McGregor–UFC business history since the Mayweather crossover deal.
2. Clarification on whether two fights remain
Either those fights will be renegotiated or replaced entirely.
3. A decision on McGregor’s role at the White House event
If both parties align, this becomes the biggest UFC event of the year.
4. Announcement of potential opponents
This could include Chandler—or someone unexpected.
5. McGregor stepping up his public training updates
A familiar PR pattern ahead of major announcements.
Conclusion: McGregor Makes His Move as UFC Enters a New Era
Conor McGregor’s claim that his UFC contract is now void is one of the boldest statements he has made in years.
Whether it holds legal weight remains to be seen, but it clearly signals his intent to negotiate a fresh, high-value deal under the UFC’s new Paramount broadcast structure.
His focus on returning at the UFC’s inaugural White House event only adds fuel to the excitement surrounding his comeback. If negotiations go smoothly, June could mark the return of the sport’s biggest global star.
For now, one thing is certain:
McGregor’s next move will shape the UFC’s future just as much as his past fights shaped its history.