Conor McGregor appears to be preparing for a fight at the UFC White House card next summer. He may have posted his conditions for taking part, signaling high stakes for the event.
Many believed McGregor would never return to the Octagon, given the fortune and brand he has built. However, since U.S. President Donald Trump and the UFC first suggested a UFC card on the White House lawn for the 250th anniversary of the United States, McGregor has consistently advocated to compete. He has arguably pushed harder than any other fighter for this historic matchup.
McGregor Seeks $100 Million and 100 Golden Visas
In a recent social media post, McGregor outlined his potential demands. He suggested he would need a $100 million payday to participate in the special UFC card in Washington D.C. He also requested 100 “Golden Visas” in the U.S. for his family and friends.
“I look very forward to entertaining the fighting world once again,” McGregor wrote. “A pleasure I never take for granted!”
The “Golden Visa” McGregor referenced may relate to a new plan by President Trump. The initiative grants residency or citizenship to individuals who donate $1 million, or $2 million for corporations, to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
This plan would replace the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. That program allowed foreign investors to qualify for U.S. residency by investing in commercial enterprises and creating or preserving ten permanent full-time jobs for American workers.
McGregor’s History of Controversy
Earlier this year, McGregor teased a run for the Irish presidency before withdrawing. He remains no stranger to controversy throughout his UFC career. Most recently, he drew criticism after 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 had been scheduled to face Michael Chandler, his coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, at UFC 303 last year. He withdrew less than a month before the event.
Teasing the Headline Fight
Despite his absence from competition, McGregor recently hinted at a major showdown. On Fox and Friends, he suggested that a fight with Chandler could headline UFC White House. Fans will now watch closely to see if the unprecedented payday and visas will secure his return to the Octagon.
