Following his landmark victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in New York City at the weekend, Conor McGregor offered a financial ultimatum to the UFC’s new owns after revealing he’s set to become a father in the New Year.
It took just two rounds for McGregor to become the first simultaneous two-weight UFC champion in the main event of the UFC’s debut in Madison Square Garden, defeating Eddie Alvarez via TKO to add the 155lb championship belt to his existing 145lb gold.
At the post-fight press conference McGregor provided some insight into what’s next. “28 is young, so we’ll see. Fresh, I am. Not a bother on me. I could go again. I honestly could go again no problem. I’m just going to go chill for a bit, enjoy these two belts and that’s it. I could keep going, but I’m aware of my worth. I’ve got a family on the way, I’ve got a kid on the way, and I’m coming for mine now.”
It may be a while until we see the brash Irishman fight again. Aside from the birth of his first child, McGregor wants to go back to the negotiation table with the new owners of the UFC, WME-IMG, and strike a new deal before he steps back inside the Octagon.
“They’ve got to come talk to me now because no one’s came and talked to me since the sale has happened as a businessman,” McGregor said. “I’ve been approached as, ‘Hello’ and that type of stuff, but I’ve earned something. Who owns the company now? People have shares. Celebrities. Conan O’Brien owns the UFC now. Where’s my share? Where’s my equity?
“If I’m the one that’s bringing this, they’ve got to come talk to me now. I’ve got both belts, family on the way. If you want me to stick around, if you want me to keep doing (this), let’s talk. But I want the ownership now. I want the equal share. I want what I deserve, what I’ve earned.”
Following the purchase of the UFC for over $4 billion, WME-IMG are under pressure to produce blockbuster PPV events on a consistent basis to continue to claw back that massive investment. With McGregor breaking gate and box office records left, right and centre he feels a new deal has been earned.
He finished: “I feel I’ve outworn the previous contract. Now it’s time for the real. I know I’m the highest paid already, but when I’m looking at what they’re taking in, that list that (former UFC CEO) Lorenzo (Fertitta) compiled to show the new owners, that’s like the gospel right there. That’s proof of what I bring.
“You want me to come around, stick around and service that debt and continue to push, bring me on board for real. Not just as this. I need to be set for life for this. If you want me to be truly in on this then I need to be all-in on this, proper. That’s a stake in the company.”
