Conor McGregor appears ready to return to the Octagon at the UFC White House card next summer. He may have publicly set the terms for his participation.
Many assumed McGregor would never fight again, given his wealth and global brand. Since U.S. President Donald Trump and the UFC proposed a White House card to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, McGregor has repeatedly pushed to compete. No other fighter has advocated for this event as strongly.
$100 Million Payday and 100 Golden Visas
On social media, McGregor signaled that he expects a $100 million payday to fight at the special UFC event in Washington D.C. He also requested 100 “Golden Visas” for his family and friends.
“I look very forward to entertaining the fighting world once again,” he wrote. “A pleasure I never take for granted!”
The “Golden Visa” likely refers to a new Trump administration program offering residency or citizenship to individuals who donate $1 million, or $2 million for corporations, to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
This approach differs from the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. That program allowed foreign investors to qualify for U.S. residency by investing in businesses and creating or preserving ten permanent full-time jobs for Americans.
Controversy and Career Break
Earlier this year, McGregor teased a run for the Irish presidency before withdrawing. He has remained a controversial figure throughout his UFC career. His profile has drawn particular scrutiny since being found civilly liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand in December 2018.
McGregor has not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. He was scheduled to face Michael Chandler, his coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, at UFC 303 last year but withdrew less than a month before the fight.
Teasing a Historic Showdown
McGregor recently suggested on Fox and Friends that a fight with Chandler could headline UFC White House. Fans now await whether his unprecedented demands will secure his return to the Octagon.
