Conor McGregor: 'I’m Negotiating With the U.S.'

Conor McGregor has never been shy about making headlines, but his latest claim may be his boldest yet. As he eyes a long-awaited return to the octagon in 2026, the former two-division UFC champion says he’s not dealing with UFC brass in the usual way. Instead, McGregor insists he’s negotiating directly with the United States of America on behalf of Ireland to headline the historic UFC White House event. Speaking to Seconds Out at a BKFC event in England, McGregor painted himself less as a prizefighter and more as a statesman.

“I’m not negotiating with the UFC on behalf of myself for this fight, like usual. I’m negotiating with the United States of America on behalf of Ireland for this fight. So it’s a peculiar one. But Trump and the administration have been fully supportive and backing and I cannot wait to put on a show.”

The comments align with his ongoing campaign to secure a spot on the first UFC card staged on the South Lawn of the White House an event UFC CEO Dana White has promised will be “the best card we’ve ever built” as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.