Conor McGregor’s UFC future is uncertain at the moment. The former two-division champ, of course, was found liable for as**ulting Nikita Hand back in 2018 by a civil court in Ireland a few days ago. While the damages amount to around $260,000 which is not a significant sum for a man with McGregor’s wealth, it has been a huge reputational risk for him.

With video game developers IO Interactive and the whiskey brand Proper Twelve already having cut ties with him, many expect his troubles to compound in the following days. But the most burning question MMA fans have at the moment is what the UFC will do with ‘Mac.’ After all, the Irishman is officially in breach of the UFC’s Fighter Conduct Policy, and as such could be cut by the promotion.

But on the other hand, some mitigating factors may see the Irishman continue his association with the promotion, as UFC co-creator Campbell McLaren pointed out in a recent tweet. Responding to a tweet from an X user who asked him about this, the UFC co-creator had this to say. “Snarky dear that is a tough one. He’s not criminally guilty. It’s easy to say I would not book him but he is one of the biggest draws in our sport. Folks don’t blast me for being honest,” he wrote.

Of course, there are even more reasons that the UFC may choose to continue with McGregor. After all, the Irishman is the biggest star in the history of the sport and more than capable of selling massive amounts of pay-per-views and tickets. In addition, he has vowed to appeal the decision and that may give the promotion some wiggle room.

Not to mention the MMA world, right from the top, is all in on Donald Trump, who also lost a civil suit for ra*e this May. And since the UFC was more than happy to welcome and support Trump, the argument goes, nothing much would to McGregor. However, it is not as simple as it seems.

TKO Holding share prices falling biggest potential concern for Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback

UFC CEO Dana White said at the UFC 309 post-fight presser that Conor McGregor will be back in action next year. The Irishman, of course, has been out of action since 2021, having pulled out of a scheduled clash against Michael Chandler earlier this year. It is worth noting, however, that White’s comments came before ‘Mac’ lost the civil suit, and should not be taken as still applicable since the verdict has shaken up the MMA world.

On the other hand, McGregor himself has been quite vocal in calling for his comeback fight and reiterated this desire yet again after the verdict. However, there is also the small matter of the UFC’s parent group, TKO Holdings, which might object to this. After all, the parent company’s share value may fall depending upon the magnitude of backlash the UFC gets for deciding to have McGregor fight for them soon.

After all, having a man with ‘Mac’s track record back in the octagon will perhaps create a bit of a furor in the media, advocacy groups, and some sections of the fans, which may spook TKO investors. Some would point to Donald Trump’s example, but it is important to remember that he is not signed with the UFC, and was elected President by the American people despite losing his New York case.

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Only time will tell what happens to McGregor’s slated UFC comeback, but at the moment there doesn’t seem much danger of him being booted by the UFC. What do you think about Campbell McLaren’s take on the UFC having Conor McGregor back?