Conor McGregor has made a bold claim about his UFC contract status, asserting that the promotion’s massive new media rights agreement fundamentally changes his existing deal with the organization.
In a recent livestream, McGregor revealed his plans to attend the anticipated White House card in February while explaining why he believes his current contract no longer applies under the UFC’s new business structure.
“They’ve actually got a new deal with Paramount. It’s worth $7.7 billion. So the company is 4x profit. And my contract essentially is void right now because there’s no more pay-per-view,” McGregor stated.
He continued: “Whereas my contract was based on pay-per-view sales. I’m the highest generating pay-per-view fighter of all time. Pay-per-view system is done. I’m due a new contract.”
The Irish superstar indicated that negotiations are on the horizon. “So we’re going to negotiations in February. And I’m pretty interested to see how it goes,” he said.
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
Despite the contractual uncertainty, McGregor emphasized his focus remains on training and preparation. “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,” he explained.
McGregor’s presence at the White House card would mark a significant return to the UFC spotlight, though the specifics of his potential involvement remain unclear. The former two-division champion confirmed he will attend the February event but stopped short of confirming an actual bout.
“External noise is nonexistent to me. I don’t absorb it. You know, you might be aware of it, but you don’t let it seep in. My internal dialogue is strong,” McGregor said, addressing the speculation surrounding his future.
Meanwhile, speculation about potential matchups for the White House card continues to swirl. Jorge Masvidal recently addressed rumors linking him to various opponents for the event, though he remained deliberately vague about specifics.
“Give them what they want, not what they expect,” Masvidal said during an interview. “I can say some big news. You know, I have some fight news coming soon and it’s very big news. And I can’t deny or confirm what you just said.”
The Miami native expressed particular enthusiasm about the White House venue itself, regardless of opponent. “It’s the White House. I really don’t give a f**k, you know? I’m very, very easy to negotiate for in this particular fight,” Masvidal explained. “Anybody does not matter. As long as I’m in the White House, it does not matter who, what, when, and where.”
Masvidal highlighted his connection to President Trump and the personal significance of performing at the White House. “I’m a Latin [person], you know, from immigrant parents of both sides, putting my crafts and skill on display at the highest level in the White House lawn. Like, who’s ever done that? Nobody,” he said. “It’d be a great honor for me and also to represent my Latin community.”
However, UFC CEO Dana White has seemingly dampened expectations about certain matchup possibilities for the White House card. When asked directly about McGregor facing Michael Chandler at the event, White responded dismissively, calling that pairing something from “a couple of years ago” and indicating he would not entertain it for the White House card.
Masvidal acknowledged the potential for a non-prominent card placement, noting he heard the entire main card might feature championship bouts. “I might end up in the prelims because I heard the whole main card is all championship fights. I don’t have a belt, you know,” he admitted, adding that for this particular event, he’s “a team player” willing to accept any position.
The veteran confirmed ongoing conversations with UFC executives. “I’ve been talking to him and so has my manager,” Masvidal revealed, referencing his manager Ali Abdelaziz’s involvement in discussions with Dana White and Hunter Campbell.
As February approaches, the MMA community awaits official announcements about the White House card lineup and resolution of McGregor’s contractual situation.
For now, McGregor remains focused on his training regimen while the business side unfolds. “You’ve got to live it. You’ve got to live and breathe it,” he concluded.
