Conor McGregor. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Conor McGregor shares important update on future with UFC

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 5/21/24

Many have questioned how much longer Conor McGregor (22-6) actually wants to fight in the UFC.

Well, if he has it his way, his fighting career will stretch well beyond 2024 as the 35-year-old Irishman recently disclosed that he’s in talks with the UFC about extending his contract.

“I have two fights left on my UFC contract,” McGregor said during a Duelbits live chat. “We’re currently in negotiation stage with the UFC. Let’s see what happens. Let’s see what takes place.”

The former two-division champion is two months away from being out of action for three years, though he is scheduled to fight Michael Chandler (23-8) in a welterweight bout as the headlining fight of UFC 303 on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Conor McGregor on his upcoming fight against Michael Chandler:

“I’m ready to go. I’m calm, I’m composed. I’m cold in the soul for this man, yeah…

I’m coming back with a vengeance, and I’m coming back with skill.”

@TheMacLife #UFC303 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/jAiDnIOM0L
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 21, 2024

It’ll mark McGregor’s first fight back since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Despite his three-year hiatus, McGregor admitted his grudge match with Chandler should be the first of several fights for him this year.

“[My plan is to fight] June 29, September 5 — Mexican Independence Day — and then December,” McGregor added. “Three bouts this year. Now, I’ll say this, God willing, because life has showed me sometimes different with injuries and madness takes place. Please God, three bouts. June 29, Sept. 5, and something tasty in December, end of year.”

The September card McGregor mentioned is the planned UFC 305 event that will take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Many fighters, including McGregor himself, have lobbied to be on that card.

McGregor let it be known he wanted a trilogy fight with longtime rival Nate Diaz at UFC 305 — an idea that UFC president Dana White shot down pretty quickly. However, McGregor is arguably the biggest draw in the UFC, and if White wants his debut card at The Sphere to draw a possible record-setting crowd, McGregor might be his best bet as a headliner.

More must-reads: