It is February 2026, and the MMA world is holding its breath once again for the return of “The Notorious.” Conor McGregor’s record currently stands at 22-6, a statistic that has remained frozen in time since that fateful night in July 2021 against Dustin Poirier. But while the record hasn’t changed, the landscape of the Ultimate Fighting Championship has undergone a seismic shift.
The dawn of 2026 brought the end of the ESPN era and the beginning of the UFC Paramount Plus deal. This $7.7 billion agreement has fundamentally altered how fans watch fights—killing the traditional Pay-Per-View (PPV) model in North America. For fans, it means cheaper access to big cards. For Conor McGregor, it means a potential financial catastrophe.
As rumors swirl about a historic event on the South Lawn of the White House this June, McGregor claims his contract is “void” due to the disappearance of PPV points. In this deep dive, we explain the business of his return, the “White House” rumors, and why the biggest star in the sport is locked in a high-stakes standoff with the promotion.
The Paramount+ Deal: Why McGregor Claims His Contract is Void
To understand why we haven’t seen McGregor in the cage yet this year, you have to follow the money. For over a decade, the biggest stars in the UFC—specifically champions and McGregor—made the bulk of their income through “PPV points.” This was a cut of the revenue for every Pay-Per-View buy sold over a certain threshold.
The New Reality: regarding the UFC Fight Night vs PPV explained, the new Paramount+ model moves all numbered events (like the recent UFC 324) onto the streaming service for a flat subscription fee. There are no $80 PPVs to buy anymore. This raises a critical legal question: How do you pay a fighter “PPV points” when PPV no longer exists?
- McGregor’s Argument: His existing contract stipulated bonuses based on PPV sales. With that revenue stream gone, he argues the contract is materially breached or “void,” giving him the leverage to renegotiate a massive flat fee.
- The UFC’s Stance: The promotion likely argues that the Paramount+ licensing fee ($1.1 billion annually) replaces the PPV revenue, and fighter pay should be calculated based on a share of that licensing revenue—a figure McGregor likely deems insufficient compared to his backend potential.
This dispute is the primary reason the Irishman was not booked for UFC 325 in Sydney or any immediate Spring card. He is holding out for a deal that reflects his value in this new subscription-based era.
The “UFC White House” Event: A Historic Stage
If there is one thing that can lure McGregor back, it is spectacle. And nothing screams spectacle louder than the rumored “UFC White House” event scheduled for June 14, 2026.
Dana White has confirmed that the UFC is planning a card on the South Lawn to celebrate America’s 250th birthday (Semiquincentennial) and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. It is a logistical nightmare but a promotional dream—precisely the kind of “one-off” event McGregor craves.
The Leaked Fight Card
According to recent leaks following the UFC 324 results, the main event for the White House card is rumored to be a Lightweight Unification bout:
- Champion: Ilia Topuria (who recently dethroned Charles Oliveira).
- Interim Champion: Justin Gaethje (who secured the interim belt by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324).
McGregor has publicly stated he wants on this card. However, inserting him into a title fight after a five-year layoff is a hard sell, even for the UFC. A co-main event slot or a “BMF” style showcase seems more plausible, provided the contract dispute is resolved.
Analyzing McGregor’s 5-Year Layoff
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Ring Rust. When we look at the Conor McGregor record and biography, we see a fighter who has not competed since July 2021. By the time the White House event rolls around in June 2026, he will have been inactive for nearly five full years.
History is not kind to fighters who take half a decade off. While Georges St-Pierre returned after four years to win the Middleweight title, he was a grapple-heavy fighter who took little damage. McGregor relies on timing, precision, and speed—attributes that are the first to fade with age and inactivity.
The Physical Toll
At 37 years old, McGregor is no longer the featherweight who ghosted Jose Aldo. He is a noticeably heavier fighter. His training footage suggests he has maintained power, but his cardio and reaction time are massive question marks. Comparing this to the Volkanovski stats or the active schedule of the current lightweight elite, the disparity is glaring.
Who Could He Fight?
If the UFC and McGregor settle their financial feud, who stands across the octagon? Dana White has explicitly ruled out Michael Chandler for the White House card, putting an end to the longest “will they, won’t they” saga in MMA history.
- Jorge Masvidal: Rumors of a “BMF” revival match refuse to die. It fits the “White House” theme perfectly—two veterans, massive names, less emphasis on rankings.
- Charles Oliveira: If Topuria fights Gaethje, Oliveira is left without a dance partner. A fight with McGregor would be a stylist’s dream.
- Max Holloway: The trilogy. Both men have moved up in weight classes since their 2013 meeting. It remains one of the most respectful yet highly anticipated potential rematches.
The Financial Impact on Fighter Pay
The UFC bonuses explained guide needs a rewrite in 2026. With the Paramount+ deal, the “backend” points are gone for everyone, not just McGregor. Champions are now reportedly negotiating higher flat purses (e.g., $2M–$5M guaranteed) rather than betting on PPV buys.
McGregor, who claims to be the “highest-generating PPV fighter of all time,” likely wants a guaranteed purse in the $20M–$30M range to compensate for the lost upside. Whether the UFC’s new budget—flush with Paramount’s cash but devoid of PPV spikes—can accommodate that remains the billion-dollar question.
Conclusion: Will We See Him in 2026?
The stars seem to be aligning for a return, but the obstacles are legal, not physical. The “void” contract claim is a negotiation tactic, but a potent one. The UFC needs a marquee attraction to drive subscribers to Paramount+ in its debut year. McGregor needs a stage as big as his ego. The White House offers that stage.
For now, fans must wait. Check the UFC 324 results to see the current state of the lightweight division, and keep an eye on the headlines. The King is back in the news, but he is not yet back in the cage.
FAQ
Why does Conor McGregor claim his contract is void?
McGregor argues that because his contract compensation was heavily tied to “PPV points,” and the UFC has eliminated Pay-Per-View in the new Paramount+ deal, the contract terms can no longer be fulfilled, effectively voiding the agreement.
When is the UFC White House event?
The event is tentatively scheduled for June 14, 2026, to coincide with the Semiquincentennial celebrations and Donald Trump’s birthday.
Who is the current UFC Lightweight Champion in 2026?
Ilia Topuria is the current champion, having defeated Charles Oliveira. Justin Gaethje holds the interim belt after beating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324.
Has Conor McGregor fought since breaking his leg?
No. As of February 2026, McGregor has not competed since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
Where can I watch UFC events in 2026?
In the US, all UFC events (both numbered and Fight Nights) are now streamed exclusively on Paramount+, with select cards simulcast on CBS.
