Back in March, Conor McGregor sparked controversy across both the MMA and political spheres when U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed him to the White House on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. During his Washington, D.C. visit, McGregor leveraged the platform to elevate his public profile ahead of the upcoming Irish presidential election. In a lengthy press conference, he criticized the current Irish government over ongoing immigration issues.

At the same time, Conor McGregor praised Donald Trump’s policies, stating, “Your work ethic is inspiring,” which consequently earned the president’s backing and support for the upcoming Irish election. However, by September, the Irishman had withdrawn from the presidential race, formally removing his name from the ballot. Despite stepping back, he continues to enjoy the support of President Trump as discussions about the UFC White House event move forward.

Conor McGregor sidesteps Dana White amid UFC White House talks

The Dana White & UFC brass are working diligently to finalize plans for the highly anticipated UFC White House event, scheduled for next year at the presidential residence on America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations on July 4. While top American fighters like Jon Jones and Colby Covington are eager to make their mark, Conor McGregor, in contrast, is determined to command the spotlight. Last week, he further fueled the buzz by posting a list of his staggering demands online, requesting $100 million along with 100 U.S. “golden visas” for his family and friends.

As a result, the announcement sent shockwaves through the UFC community and ignited intense debate. However, despite the headlines, McGregor clarified that he is “not negotiating,” with the UFC for personal gain. Speaking with Seconds Out after the wrap of the BKFC 81, he explained, “I am not negotiating with the UFC on behalf of myself like usual. I’m negotiating with the United States of America on behalf of Ireland for this fight. So, it’s a peculiar one. Trump and the administration have been fully supportive and backing, and I cannot wait.”

McGregor has now been absent from the Octagon for over four years. At UFC 264, he suffered a career-altering injury that derailed his momentum and fractured his trajectory in the sport. Though he attempted multiple comebacks, business ventures, intermittent issues with USADA, and Hollywood projects repeatedly delayed his return. Last year, at UFC 303, McGregor was on the verge of stepping back into the Octagon, only to suffer a snapped pinky toe just days before the fight. Despite these setbacks and ongoing uncertainty, Dana White continues to view McGregor as the premier choice to headline the UFC White House event.

McGregor’s staggering request gets straight talk from a UFC insider

Conor McGregor and money have always gone hand in hand—wherever he goes, money follows. From the outset, he made an unmistakable impact on pop culture soon after his UFC debut, reaching markets and audiences where previously only WWE had a foothold. Moreover, McGregor has earned a reputation not just for his flashy style but also as a driving force behind the promotion, ranking among the top athletes who generate record-breaking revenue in both MMA and boxing.

For instance, from the staggering PPV sales of UFC 229 to the live gate at UFC 205, McGregor has driven approximately 12.27 million PPV buys over his UFC career, earning millions. As a result, as he gears up for his return, McGregor has already submitted his demands to UFC CEO Dana White and President Donald Trump. Nevertheless, when it comes to Chael Sonnen, the narrative plays out as part of the show.

Known for consistently selling out arenas, McGregor continues to energize the sport with his presence. Sonnen weighed in on the situation, saying, “There’s no $100 million, there’s no 100 golden visas. By the way, the number one rule on getting a golden visa: you don’t tell anybody you got a golden visa. I mean, not for nothing, right? Like, this is part of the script…. appreciate it. I appreciate that the entertainer is coming back. I will tell you this: the sport is more fun with Conor. That really is true.”

How do you view Chael Sonnen’s take on the matter? Are Conor McGregor’s demands over the top, or do they make sense considering his history of earning $100 million for his “one-and-done” boxing showdown against Floyd Mayweather in 2017? Share your thoughts below.