Conor McGregor's $100 million request to compete in next year's White House UFC card would undoubtedly raise some eyebrows for a man who hasn't walked into the ring in four years.
Searching for the Big Bucks, McGregor
Along with 100 U.S. "Golden Visas" for myself, my family, and friends, I will also receive $100 million to fight at the White House. I'm excited to amuse the fighting community once more. I never take this pleasure for granted!
On X, McGregor wrote that. As part of the celebrations for America's 250th birthday, the UFC is now collaborating with the U.S. government to construct a temporary stadium that can hold 5,000 people and have a UFC event on the White House grounds for spectators to watch next summer.
McGregor was prominently voicing his desire to participate as soon as U.S. President Donald Trump announced the news in July. Additionally, tens of thousands of people will watch the spectacle in a nearby park that has a stage with live music and larger-screen televisions.
Event on the White House Lawn
Last week, UFC President and CEO Dana White appeared on Fox News to show off the live event's graphics.
“My vision for this thing is we have this big arch, with the lighting grid, because what I want is the White House on the back, and when the fight goes around to the other side, you’ll see the Washington Monument,” said White.
Gold Card for Immigration
McGregor's reference to "Golden Visas" most likely alludes to the Trump Gold Card immigration scheme. The cost of these was recently reduced by Trump from $5 million to $1 million. Residency will be expedited for those who pay that.
McGregor has stated that he would like to face Michael Chandler. Last week, Chandler expressed interest in fighting McGregor on Fox News.
Since injuring his leg during a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, McGregor has not competed in the UFC Octagon. He had to withdraw weeks prior to his scheduled rematch with Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 because to a toe injury. In his last four UFC bouts, McGregor has suffered three defeats.
After all, McGregor has spent the last four years marketing whisky, cigars, a run for Ireland's presidency, and a Prime Video TV movie cameo opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. Perhaps there is a good chance that this will all work out because White did mention last week that he and McGregor have been speaking a lot lately.
Sandhagen Responds to the O'Malley Challenge at UFC 320
Preparing for a title battle against belt-holder Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320 for one (Sandhagen +300, Dvalishvili -440 at FanDuel) is the top priority for Cory Sandhagen, the fourth-ranked bantamweight fighter.
Sean O'Malley, the top-ranked bantamweight, discussed the UFC 320 bout on his podcast, "BrO'Malley Show," this week. He also discussed his future plans with Sandhagen, including their eventual battle. He also has his sights set on the White House UFC celebration.
“The White House card, Cory out there and wins [at UFC 320], I beat whoever’s next, that’s interesting,” he said. “But regardless, I want to fight within the next four or five months, whatever it is, and then I’ll also be ready for that. Being on the Sphere card, being on the White House card, these are just legendary moments. They’re once in a lifetime f—ing moments.”
Bantamweight Title Fight
Sandhagen though doesn’t sound as excited, in an interview with CBS Sports.]
“I think that Umar and Yan are the more deserving guys right now,” Sandhagen told CBS Sports. “I definitely want to be an active champ. This fight is in October. I’d like to fight in the first quarter of next year against [Petr] Yan or Umar [Nurmagomedov]. Once I get one of those back, we’ll see what happens for the summer card, whether it’s O’Malley or Yan or Umar.
“I think that O’Malley and I at the White House would be sweet. Hopefully, he gets a couple of wins so we can do that. He needs to get some wins because he’s fallen a little bit behind.”