Jake Paul has given his take on Conor McGregor’s delayed comeback to the UFC.
McGregor’s last fight was a UFC 264 loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021. He broke his leg, which kept him out for a prolonged period. His was set to fight Michael Chandler on June 29 at UFC 303. But McGregor broke his toe, leaving fans waiting. The Irishman wanted to headline UFC 306 at The Sphere. However, that is not possible as Sean O’Malley will fight Merab Dvalishvili.
Dana White then ruled out McGregor fighting this year, although he later said he could not dismiss the possibility. The UFC’s contract with ESPN+ comes to an end this year, leaving them open to speaking with other broadcasters. McGregor has two fights left on his UFC deal. Paul felt that making McGregor wait until next year was to the UFC’s benefit, as it gives them more leverage to use McGregor’s name and get a better broadcasting deal. But since McGregor was willing to fight Chandler in June, Paul’s comments have divided opinion.
“Conor has two fights left on his fight deal, but the UFC is trying to renew their rights deal. They license their content, which are the fights, to platforms. So they’re trying to renew their deal, and they’re negotiating with multiple people. But, let’s say they’re going with ESPN. They’re trying to renew the deal and get the most amount of money, a part of that negotiation is, ‘Hey, we have Conor McGregor for two more fights.
“But, if he were to fight now, that wouldn’t be part of the negotiation. ‘Oh we only have Conor for one fight’. So, that’s why Conor isn’t fighting now, and this is what they do to the fighters… Each contract is different, but you don’t want to win, because you’re locked in for more three more fights. They also have all these [contract] triggers… You’re owned across the board,” Paul said
Reaction
I hate that’s he actually telling the truth lol 😭
— Sports Master (@SpxrtsMxster) September 5, 2024
Does anyone care about Jake anymore?
— Xavier (@SamyNebula) September 5, 2024
Conor literally had a bout scheduled for June 29th and promoted for June 29th, a whole press conference in Dublin, people flying out to it, media and all. That’s where his logic flies out the window
— Khy5 (@2024is4khyree) September 5, 2024