MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has given his thoughts on why Dana White seemingly trusts Conor McGregor more than Jon Jones heading into next summer’s UFC White House event.
It’s no secret that the UFC White House show is going to be an absolutely huge deal for the promotion if it happens. Dana White seems to be very serious about getting it done and more often than not, when that dynamic develops, he doesn’t stop until it becomes official.
Recently, Jon Jones and Conor McGregor have made it known they want to compete at the White House – but Dana White seemed to be more comfortable with the idea of McGregor fighting on that card than Jones. In a recent video, Chael Sonnen explained why he thinks that’s the case.
Chael Sonnen on Dana White, Conor McGregor and Jon Jones
“Jon really wants on the card. Jon did something that was deemed underhanded in his negotiations with Aspinall. This gets made public. Jon apologizes. He went to Dana White in a text message. Dana said, ‘I let it be known that I didn’t like how this whole thing went down with Aspinall.
“I thought that we had had an agreement. I’m not cool with that.’ And Jon came to him and apologized, said, ‘I’m sorry how this whole thing went down with Tom.’ And that goes a long way. I’m just following the golden rule in life, but put myself in Dana’s shoes. If I get this apology from Jon, that goes a long way. It doesn’t heal everything, but it means something.”
“Conor McGregor would be the go-to guy. Dana White gave Conor a tremendous compliment, saying, ‘Man, I can count on him. If I got a deal with him and things go awry—and they always do—he will do what he says, which is compete at the agreed-upon weight class for the agreed-upon price with whoever it ends up being.’
“That’s a big deal, especially for your top draw. Of the 700-plus athletes under contract, they’re all hearing that compliment. It does change with top draws—they get a little more difficult and if you change part of the deal, they see it as their right to change their part, which just means more money. So, Dana paying that compliment to Conor is a big deal.”
UFC boss Dana White has provided an update on Conor McGregor potentially competing at next summer’s planned UFC White House event.
We all know that Conor McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the history of mixed martial arts. Alas, in the last few years, his reputation has taken a bit of a battering, with many wondering if we’re ever going to see him compete again for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Following the announcement that UFC White House is likely going to happen in summer 2026, Conor McGregor made it known that he is interested in the idea of coming back for the card. Of course, it all comes down to whether or not he’s serious about his interest.
In a recent interview, Dana White once again made it clear that he’d be open to booking Conor McGregor on the card.
🚨 Dana White says there's a possibility Conor McGregor fights on the UFC White House card 👀
"I'll start making this card in February. If it all plays out that way, Conor can be on the card."
Dana White discusses Conor McGregor at UFC White House
“Yeah, we’ll see how this thing plays out. I’ll start making this card in February. If it all plays out that way, Conor can be on the card.”
The interviewer, Jim Rome, then questioned whether Conor can do what Dana needs him to do.
“This is the fight business. This isn’t tennis! This is the fight business.”
Before anything else, Dana White is a businessman – and he is well aware of the eyes that ‘Notorious’ brings to the sport. Who knows, maybe if the cards fall right, this event will end up being even bigger than UFC 300.
Conor McGregor in the prime of his career was a true phenomenon and a former compatriot of ‘The Notorious’ thinks that version of McGregor can put out the lights of reigning UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. This was a sentiment recently expressed by Artem Lobov during an interview with Jordan Ellis for Bloody Elbow.
‘The Russian Hammer’ covered several subjects during that chat ahead of his return to combat sports after over four years as Lobov will finally clash with long time rival Zubaira Tukhugov at PFL Champions Series 2 on October 3rd in a catchweight contest at 165 lbs. Conor McGregor and Artem Lobov had a publically documented fall out with each other but the latter does still hold the former’s fighting ability in high regard.
When touching on how a hypothetical mega fight would play out between the pair of fighters who’ve both held UFC gold at featherweight as well as lightweight, Lobov said,
“I’ll be honest with you. I’m a massive fan of Ilia. You know, his style is incredible. You know, he’s incredible striking, very ballsy, you know, he fights aggressively, you know, comes in fearless, you know, good wrestling. It’s; I put him up very, very high up there. I still do think, if I’m really honest, I might be a little bit biased. But I do think that in their prime, Conor still, I think, edges it, you know.”
“He was just honestly; just watching Conor like in his prime was incredible. Just untouchable, you know, and I watched him in trainings, you know. I annihilate and annihilate, you know, like five guys in a row one by one, you know. They all coming in fresh, including me and him not even breathing heavy. Like he was just a killer, you know.”
Conor McGregor could have beat Topuria as well as Mayweather and Nurmagomedov
Further expressing how pedigreed of a pugilist he felt that Conor McGregor was during his prime in the UFC, Lobov continued,
“So for me, as I said, I’m probably biased, but for me, it’s hard to imagine anyone doing anything to that corner, you know. I feel that Conor could have beat everyone that; that’s, you know, for me. He could have beat even [Floyd] Mayweather and Khabib [Nurmagomedov], you know, that corner. But Ilia is probably a very close second to me.”
“Right behind Conor, right behind top level Conor, you know. But right now Ilia is the best. There’s there’s no question about it. He’s the number one guy now. Yeah, he’s so dominant and so exciting to watch and yeah, I love watching his fights.”
Conor McGregor is no longer running for the Irish presidency.
Over the past few years, the former two-division UFC champion has been outspoken on Irish politics, regularly criticizing the government and its policies, particularly its stance on immigration.
Image: Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/UFC.com
McGregor’s political profile surged after he accused Irish authorities of making him a “scapegoat” for the 2023 Dublin riots. “The Notorious” alleged that the government deliberately shifted blame onto him in order to divert attention from a series of knife attacks reportedly carried out by immigrants, incidents that had ignited widespread anti-immigration protests nationwide.
The 37-year-old UFC superstar has long hinted at a presidential bid, and earlier this month he made his intentions official, declaring his interest in becoming Ireland’s head of state in 2025. In a video shot outside Dublin’s government buildings, he doubled down on his anti-immigration and nationalist positions, outlining the policies he would pursue if elected.
Conor McGregor Confirms He Will Not Contest 2025 Irish Presidency Elections
Conor McGregor was due to address county councils on Monday, as candidates for the Irish presidency must secure nominations from either 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities.
However, he had not received backing from any Oireachtas members or councils. On Sunday, “The Notorious” officially announced his withdrawal from the race in a lengthy statement posted on social media.
“Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race,” Conor McGregor wrote on X. “This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time.”
McGregor further alleged that the electoral system is stacked in favor of establishment-backed candidates. Although stepping away from the presidential bid, the former UFC champion vowed to keep speaking out for the Irish people and suggested he may re-enter the political arena in the near future.
“While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here. I will continue to serve my people by using my international platform to promote Irish interests abroad, to strengthen our economic opportunities, and to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life at home… I want to assure the people of Ireland that this will not be my last election. You will see me canvassing again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation.”
Conor McGregor has been out of action since a brutal leg break during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. His much-anticipated comeback was scheduled for UFC 303 in June 2024 against Michael Chandler, but a toe injury forced him to pull out just weeks before the fight.
However, “The Notorious” has now confirmed his determination to return to action at the UFC event tentatively scheduled on the White House lawn in June 2026. McGregor also disclosed that he has officially rejoined the UFC’s drug testing pool.
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has given his thoughts on Conor McGregor continuing to make a push to come President of Ireland.
As we know, Conor McGregor has been involved in plenty of controversies in the last few years – and that’s us putting it lightly. Now, in the present day, it seems he was one main focus above all others: becoming president back in his home country of Ireland.
Alas, while Conor McGregor is an ambitious person, pretty much anyone with any knowledge of Ireland’s politicial system has said that it’d be pretty much impossible for him to achieve this goal.
In a recent video, Chael Sonnen had some interesting views on Conor McGregor’s latest stunt.
“There’s no politician that you’ve ever seen on TV that is that politician. It’s a performance. There’s nobody on TV that is being themself. Not one single person you’ve ever seen, all the way down to your local weatherman. They’re all playing a character to some degree.”
“And he says, ‘I will not pass any bill through without sending it back to the people.’ … And there is always a mistake made in business to let people have it their way and to let people have options. There’s a book called The Paradox of Choice and one of the worst things that you can do is ask the consumer what they want… it’s a big mistake in politics.
“It’s a big mistake to think that people are paying attention and it’s a big mistake to think that we live in a democracy. … Democracy is a tremendously bad problem because that means if you have 51% of the people, they can control the other 49%. We do not live in a democracy. That is something that you’ve put in your heads. We live in a republic and there’s a massive difference.”
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has revealed that he’d be interested in a possible showdown with former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor.
As we know, Alexander Volkanovski is an absolute machine. He will take on anyone, anywhere, anytime. He is a two-time world champ at 145 pounds and he has never been one to shy away from a fight.
Of course, sometimes that’s led to his downfall, but he’s currently back on top of the mountain after beating Diego Lopes to win the title for a second time. With Alexander Volkanovski, though, he’s always looking ahead to the future.
In a recent interview, Alexander Volkanovski made it known that he’d be more than open to throwing down with the one and only Conor McGregor.
Alexander Volkanovski praises Conor McGregor and says he’d like to face him inside the Octagon 🍀🔥
"He was a great fighter. He was actually even a bit ahead of his time. He was really good. I don’t think people give him credit. He was sharp and all of that’s gone now. He’s… pic.twitter.com/7PXcnyAKzQ
Alexander Volkanovski is interested in Conor McGregor fight
“Probably Conor, man (I would pick to fight), a lot of people are gonna sit there and be like, ‘Oh yeah Conor is a boring answer’ but he was in the featherweight division, that era when he was just an absolute superstar,” Volkanovski told The Unscripted Show.
“The position you could put yourself in just fighting that guy. When you talk about building your platform, when we talk about money and all of that… The platform you on, you need to take advantage of it and that’s one fast track to getting people to notice you.
“He was a good fighter, he was a great fighter. He was another fighter that his accuracy, he was actually a bit ahead of his time, he was really good, I don’t think people give him credit… He had great timing, great set ups, good understanding of what works and what works for him, and yeah, he was sharp.
“A lot of that is gone now he’s probably gonna be reasonably sharp but he’s never gonna be the same Conor McGregor,” Volk continued.
Dillon Danis has given his thoughts on whether or not Conor McGregor should remain in the Ultimate Fighting Championship or pursue ventures elsewhere.
As we know, the future of Conor McGregor in the world of mixed martial arts – and combat sports as a whole – is uncertain. While his primary focus seems to be on becoming Ireland’s new president, he’s also been training pretty heavily, giving the impression that he’s gearing up for a return to the UFC. If he does, you’d have to imagine he will have his eyes firmly set on a spot on the UFC White House card.
Regardless of whether or not that comes to fruition, Conor McGregor returning to the cage is something that a lot of fans want to see. Sure, he has plenty of critics out there, but nobody can deny the star power that he still possesses, even if he isn’t at the same level that he once was back in his prime.
In a recent interview, Dillon Danis gave his thoughts on the future of Conor McGregor, the man who first introduced him to the limelight.
Dillon Danis’ view on Conor McGregor’s future
“I want Conor to stay in the UFC. I want to see him make another run at the title. I know him very well. When he trains right and trains the way he’s supposed to, no one’s beating him. From a friend standpoint, I want to see him be the best mixed martial artist. He is the best mixed martial artist, but I want him to show and prove it again cuz some people talk [__] on his name.”
Sean O’Malley admits that walking in Conor McGregor’s shoes was both his inspiration and his misstep.
O’Malley has repeatedly voiced his reverence for McGregor, crediting not just the former two-division champion’s fighting style, but even more so the larger-than-life aura that made him a global icon.
The former UFC bantamweight champion has always looked up to “The Notorious,” yet things took a strange turn last year when McGregor mocked him over his 2019 ostarine suspension. Still holding admiration for the Irishman, Sean O’Malley was left disappointed by the jab, sparking a brief exchange of shots on social media.
Image: @sugasean/Instagram
Sean O’Malley Admits Chasing Conor McGregor’s Persona Backfired
During a recent appearance on Between Rounds, Sean O’Malley reflected on his respect for Conor McGregor’s accomplishments in combat sports. “Suga” admitted that in trying too hard to emulate McGregor’s persona both inside and outside the cage, he drifted away from his true self, a mistake he now sees as a factor in his struggles.
“One hundred percent [I saw McGregor as a role model],” Sean O’Malley said. “The way he carried himself into fights, the confidence to say what he thought was going to happen – ‘I’m going to knock this dude out in Round 2.’ I got a lot out of that. I was like, ‘OK, I can be confident like that.’ I feel like I got lost, almost, in a sense, where I wanted to be like Conor too much instead of being like myself.”
O’Malley admitted that mimicking “The Notorious” brought him some success early on, but the illusion faded ahead of UFC 306. In what became a turning point, the 30-year-old Montana native fell short against Merab Dvalishvili, surrendering his bantamweight crown in a one-sided unanimous decision.
“That was my second title defense, and I was like, ‘I want this to be big.’ I didn’t feel like it was big. I didn’t feel like Merab was a big name. I had to force it. It was at The Sphere. I felt like I had to create something and I didn’t like how that made me feel, in a sense, because I didn’t hate Merab. I would have loved to knock him out. … I feel like I made that one too personal, and I didn’t like that – but that kind of the only time I really forced anything. The ‘Chito’ beef I felt was real. I didn’t like that. That was a real one, but the Merab one I feel like I forced a little bit.”
“Suga” last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 316 this past June, where his bid to reclaim the bantamweight throne fell short in a rematch with reigning champion Dvalishvili. O’Malley now holds a promotional record of 10-3 with one no contest, boasting six knockouts among his victories.
McGregor had no showed the press conference, and Feldman suggested to Perry and Stephens it’s because he’s in training to face whoever wins their fight.
BKFC President David Feldman teases Conor McGregor fighting the winner of Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens at BKFC 82 pic.twitter.com/LtrivyJF8W
“We were supposed to have my partner, my friend, Conor McGregor, was going to be here today, but he couldn’t make it last minute because he’s actually very, very focused,” Feldman said. “He’s focused because he said one of you two guys is probably his next fight.”
Could Conor McGregor Face Mike Perry Or Jeremy Stephens In BKFC?
Of course, McGregor and Stephens also have a history, with the two having a face-off in January and Stephens being the target of McGregor’s infamous “Who the f*** is that guy?” remarks during a UFC 205 press conference in 2016.
McGregor has not fought since his UFC 264 loss to Dustin Poirier, but he has recently been one of several fighters who have put their name in the bucket to compete on the UFC White House card in July 2026.
Perry’s fight with Stephens will be his first in BKFC since defeating Thiago Alves at Knucklemania IV in April 2024.
Stephens finished Eddie Alvarez at Knucklemania V this past January.
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has spoken about the depths of the rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
Back in late 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor via submission at UFC 229. He largely dominated the Irishman for most of the fight, and while Conor had his moments, it was Khabib who really made the headlines that night.
Ever since then, the rivalry between the two has continued. Conor McGregor constantly goes after Khabib Nurmagomedov on social media even to this day, even if Khabib largely stays out of it.
In a recent interview, however, Daniel Cormier revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov certainly isn’t willing to forget everything that McGregor put him through.
Daniel Cormier reveals Khabib still refuses to say Conor McGregor’s name 😧🤯
"Khabib won’t say Conor's name still today. He still does not say his name. He hates him. They’re in the Octagon and Conor whispers after the third round to Khabib, ‘It’s just business.’ Khabib goes,… pic.twitter.com/3ZRK2cndXv
Daniel Cormier discusses Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor
“He won’t say (McGregor’s) name still today,” Cormier said of Nurmagomedov on “Club Shay Shay.” “He still does not say his name. He still won’t say his name. Last week, he did an interview in New York and he says, ‘This guy.’ He’ll never say his name. He hates him. Dude, they’re in the octagon and Conor goes, he whispers after the third round after Khabib’s beating (him), ‘It’s just business.’ Khabib goes, ‘No it ain’t. No it ain’t.’ You don’t mess with them dudes, man.
“He was going to kill him. He was going to put him to sleep. He was holding him and he said, ‘I kicked your ass. I kicked your ass.’ Then he jumped over the fence and tried to beat his team. I was like, ‘Whoa!’ But dude, he had him. He was not going to let him go because he felt his family got so disrespected by this dude that he wanted to end him. And honestly, sometimes you bite off more than you can chew because Conor got beat bad that night. He got beat bad.”
“Total bull***,” White posted on social media in response to a post about the report.
About an hour later, MMA journalist and personality Ariel Helwani reported that McGregor and his team have informed him that McGregor and the UFC have not parted ways.
He added that, despite what rumors on social media may say, his testing sample came back clean and he told Helwani, “It’s all systems a go.”
McGregor has not publicly posted to social media since the report from UFC roster trackers came out.
Dana White And Conor McGregor Refute Reports Of UFC, McGregor Parting Ways
This all comes a couple of hours after UFC roster trackers, including UFC Roster Watch, on social media posted that McGregor had been removed from the active UFC roster.
To everyone messaging me asking, "Is this true?" Yes, according to the official roster, our API indicates that he has been removed. We are unaware of any negotiations between Conor and the UFC.
“To everyone messaging me asking, ‘Is this true?’ Yes, according to the official roster, our API indicates that he has been removed,” the account posted. “We are unaware of any negotiations between Conor and the UFC.”
No reason has been given as to why the API removed McGregor.
This post speculated rumors about a potential drug test failure, a sunset clause activation, or a potential contract dispute in the wake of the UFC’s new U.S. broadcasting deal with Paramount.
McGregor, who is running for Irish presidency, was also found civilly liable this past November of sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room in December 2018. His appeals to a higher court have been denied. McGregor is also facing sexual assault allegations from an incident in Miami during the 2023 NBA Finals.
McGregor has not fought in the UFC since his UFC 264 trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. He hasn’t won a UFC fight since knocking out Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246.
McGregor and Michael Chandler were initially scheduled to headline UFC 303 last year before McGregor withdrew with a little less than a month to go.
McGregor is arguably the biggest star the UFC and perhaps all of combat sports has ever produced, continuing to dominate headlines despite being four years away from active competition.
“The Notorious” hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, but has teased multiple comebacks in the years since.
The former two-division UFC champion was set for a blockbuster comeback against ex-title challenger Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024. However, just two weeks out, his return was derailed when a toe injury forced him to withdraw.
Fast forward to August 2025, and McGregor is showing strong interest in a grand stage return at the proposed UFC event on the White House lawn in July 2026. He’s fueled speculation with a flurry of training videos, and his commitment was further underscored by news that he’s officially re-entered the UFC’s testing pool. Even UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that the Irishman is actively lobbying for a spot on the historic White House card.
‼️ Dana White on Conor McGregor returning to the UFC:
“He’s back in the testing pool now. If he stays the course we will see. He really wants the White House fight.” 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Q6xe8gMQ2u
However, on Thursday, speculation surrounding McGregor’s comeback hit a major snag, as renowned roster tracker UFC Roster Watch reported that the superstar has been removed from the promotion’s official fighter roster.
Fans Stunned As Conor McGregor Reportedly Cut From UFC Roster
Following reports of Conor McGregor’s potential removal from the UFC roster, social media erupted with reactions from MMA fans. Many expressed shock and confusion over the news, while naysayers seized the moment to throw shade at “The Notorious”.
Even without stepping into the Octagon, Conor McGregor has remained a headline magnet for all the wrong reasons. In November 2024, an Irish court found him liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a hotel room back in December 2018.
He is also facing a separate lawsuit alleging sexual assault during the 2023 NBA Finals. On top of his legal troubles, “The Notorious” has been deeply involved in Irish politics and has publicly expressed strong interest in a potential presidential bid this year.
Conor McGregor is getting his youngest son started early.
Despite not competing inside the Octagon for more than four years, the former two-division champion has continued to post training clips on social media and boasting about his highly anticipated return to the Octagon. When, where, or even if that ever happens is uncertain, but it looks like McGregor is already readying his son, Mack McGregor, to follow in his footsteps.
Check out the clip below, which features the youngest of McGregor clan showing off his boxing skills and even throwing a kick on command.
McGregor has four children with his longtime fiancée, Dee Devlin, including three older children: Conor Jr., Croia, and Rian, and the youngest being Mack, who was born in 2023.
Conor McGregor maintains a strong foothold in combat sports despite a slew of legal issues and lack of activity
Once upon a time, McGregor was the biggest star in the UFC. Hell, he was one of the biggest sports stars in the world, period. And while ‘The Notorious’ still carries a lot of star power, many fight fans have become disenfranchised with the Irish icon following a string of brutal losses inside the Octagon and a slew of legal troubles outside the cage.
Last year, McGregor was found liable for the 2018 rape of a woman at a Dublin hotel and was ordered to pay $285,000 in damages on top of $1.5 million in legal fees to the plaintiff. McGregor attempted to appeal the ruling, but that was ultimately thrown out, leaving him on the hook for nearly $2 million.
And that wasn’t even the worst of it.
McGregor lost numerous sponsorship deals, including a lucrative spokesmanship job for Proper No. 12, the brand of Irish whiskey he co-founded before selling the product to Proximo Spirits for a whopping $600 million.
UFC legend Matt Brown believes that Conor McGregor is currently in the midst of an identity crisis.
It goes without saying that Conor McGregor is the biggest star in the history of mixed martial arts. He has been able to achieve some truly incredible things in the sport, to the point where he was even able to cross over into professional boxing and take on Floyd Mayweather.
His greatness speaks for itself, but as we know, Conor McGregor also has his fair share of demons. He has been involved in numerous controversies outside of the cage and while he may be acting as if everything is fine, a lot of people are concerned about what the future holds for him.
In a recent podcast appearance, Matt Brown became the latest fighter to weigh in on the Conor McGregor situation.
Matt Brown believes Dustin Poirier took Conor McGregor's 'soul,' which has led to a bit of an identity crisis for the former two-division champ. 👀 pic.twitter.com/YT5CLGCKZU
“Every fighter knows it becomes your identity,” Brown said. “When you’re a fighter, it becomes who you are. We talk about it all the time with sports psychologists and other fighters, you can’t let this be your identity. You’re more than that. It becomes your identity. I don’t give a f*ck what everybody tells you or what you try to believe in your own head.
“When you step out of the cage one day, you’ll realize that’s who you were and that was all of who you were. I think Conor’s having a hard time with that, seemingly.”
“Now his identity kind of got ripped apart by Dustin Poirier,” Brown explained. “Dustin took his soul. Khabib [Nurmagomedov] probably first, but Dustin kind of put the nail in the coffin on that.
“Now he’s not a winner with that identity. Now he’s not even competing anymore. That’s a lot to deal with for anyone. So you’ve got to have a little bit of sympathy on that side. It is a lot to deal with.”
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is of the belief that his long time rival Conor McGregor is still capable of changing his ways.
As we know, Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. He was able to retire from the sport with an undefeated record of 29-0, and his most notable win came against Conor McGregor. The two battled it out back in late 2018 in the most lucrative fight in the history of the sport, and in the end, it was Khabib who managed to secure the win via submission.
Ever since then, it feels like McGregor has been on something of a downward spiral. While Khabib Nurmagomedov was able to ride off into the sunset during the pandemic, Conor hasn’t quite retired – or, at least, not properly. He’s also been embroiled in numerous controversies outside of the cage, and that’s putting it lightly.
During a recent interview, Khabib Nurmagomedov surprised many by suggesting that there is a route back from the edge for the Irishman.
Khabib speaks about Conor McGregor:
“Allah always give us chance to come back… doesn’t matter how you bad…
I think he have chance, and he have to change the way how he’s living.
If he gonna change, he can change with him so many other lives too. That’s why I wish him to… pic.twitter.com/fN4oGNk0Qn
Mixed martial arts figures Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor, once close training partners and public allies, are now entrenched in a high-stakes legal dispute over the lucrative Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand. Lobov has filed a lawsuit against McGregor in Ireland’s High Court, claiming he played a foundational role in conceiving and launching the whiskey, and that he is owed a 5% share of proceeds from the company’s eventual multi-million dollar sale.
Conor McGregor Being Sued By Artem Lobov
Lobov alleges that in 2016 or 2017, he and McGregor reached a handshake agreement in which Conor McGregor promised him a 5% stake in the business, equivalent to a multi-million dollar payout based on subsequent company valuations. Lobov contends he originated the idea to pivot McGregor’s planned spirits venture from an Icelandic vodka to an Irish whiskey, leveraging his own market research and knowledge of the sector. According to Lobov, his negotiations secured a favorable deal with the distillery and ensured McGregor would have full ownership of the business from the outset, without financial investment.
In his statements, Lobov has produced what he claims are WhatsApp message records and other evidence to support his contention that he was instrumental at every stage, from conceptualization to brand development. Lobov further asserts he declined remuneration for years of training with McGregor, emphasizing loyalty and prior unpaid contributions.
Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey
The financial context for the lawsuit is significant. Proper No. Twelve, founded in 2018, quickly rose to become one of the fastest-growing Irish whiskey brands in the United States, with annual sales reportedly in excess of 330,000 cases domestically. Lobov has cited independent market data indicating the brand generates around $120 million in yearly U.S. sales and may be valued as high as $2 billion, ranking second in the nation’s Irish whiskey market behind Jameson. In 2021, McGregor and his business partners sold their controlling stake to Proximo Spirits for approximately $600 million. Lobov seeks $7.5 million – a figure he says reflects his purported five-percent ownership stake from the business’s high-water valuations.
🤯 🥃 Artem Lobov says McGregor’s Proper Twelve whiskey is valued at up to $2 billion and generates around $120 million per year in the U.S. alone — making it the second best-selling whiskey in America after Jameson.
McGregor, through counsel and public statements, has denied that Lobov has any rightful financial claim or entitlement to a share of Proper No. Twelve. His legal team characterizes the creation and commercial development of the whiskey as solely McGregor’s work, with no official written partnership or binding obligation to Lobov. McGregor’s representatives have stated that any suggestion that Lobov is owed part of the proceeds is incorrect, and that McGregor’s role as the founder and public face of the brand is undisputed.
Court proceedings remain ongoing. The High Court has ordered McGregor to disclose records of his financial gains from the whiskey sale as part of discovery. Lobov, in interviews, has indicated he provided evidence of his involvement to McGregor in attempts to resolve the dispute privately, but contends that McGregor rebuffed these efforts and offered him a one-time payment of $1 million – an offer Lobov declined, seeking recognition as a co-founder instead.
As of August 2025, the case has not gone to full trial. Additional filings and cost orders have been reported, but the outcome remains pending.
Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor shared a close personal and professional bond for years, both as training partners and friends. They first connected in the mixed martial arts community, training together under John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland, where Lobov often cornered and supported McGregor during major fights. Their relationship extended beyond the gym, with Lobov frequently appearing alongside McGregor at events and in media.
Conor McGregor has been frequently involved in headline-grabbing controversies extending beyond the fighting arena. In November 2024, a civil jury in Dublin found McGregor liable for sexually assaulting a woman named Nikita Hand at a hotel in 2018, resulting in an order for him to pay over €248,000 in damage.
Separately, McGregor publicly admitted in 2025 to infidelity in his long-term relationship with Dee Devlin, acknowledging “mistakes” and expressing regret for stepping out on his fiancée, particularly in the context of the civil rape case’s fallout. He has also faced new cheating allegations after photos surfaced showing him with another woman in Florida.
Beyond legal and relationship controversies, McGregor’s behavior has sparked additional criticism. In June 2025, a video emerged of him repeatedly punching a partygoer in Ibiza’s Pacha nightclub. Witnesses described the altercation as unprovoked, and while the victim was reportedly unharmed, Spanish police did not pursue an investigation.
Additionally, Conor McGregor has been named in harassment claims by public figures, such as rapper Azealia Banks, who accused him of sending unsolicited and explicit photos and threatening messages via social media.
Jake Paul is tired of seeing Conor McGregor train.
Despite dealing with a slew of legal issues outside of the Octagon, the Irish megastar is insistent that his “greatest comeback in combat sports history” is still coming. In reality, it’s been more than four years since McGregor has strapped on the four-ounce gloves, and few are buying that his recent spree of training clips on social media suggests otherwise.
McGregor posted yet another video of himself shadowboxing, which drew the ire of Paul, who suggested that the former two-division titleholder “just give it up” already.
The last time McGregor fought in the UFC, he suffered a brutal broken leg in the opening round of his trilogy fight with recently retired fan favorite Dustin Poirier. Six months earlier, McGregor suffered the first knockout loss of his MMA career against ‘The Diamond’ at UFC 257. Since 2017, McGregor has gone 1-4, including a 10th-round TKO defeat at the hands of boxing icon Floyd Mayweather.
McGregor’s only win in the last eight years came against Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in January, 2020 — two months before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down.
Conor McGregor refuses to give up on his UFC return or his presidential aspirations
Despite the lack of activity inside the Octagon, McGregor has regularly dominated headlines, though not always for the right reasons. Recently, he lost an appeal after being held liable for the December 2018 rape of Nikita Hand. Now, Hand has filed a fresh lawsuit accusing him and two others of “malicious abuse” of the court process during his failed appeal.
Still, that hasn’t stopped McGregor from lobbying for a spot on the UFC’s highly anticipated Fight Night at the White House next year. He also launched a petition to land on Ireland’s presidential ballot without nominations from other politicians.
“I, Conor McGregor hereby declare my intention to seek the esteemed office of President of Ireland,” the UFC star said on Monday. “The current constitutional framework however presents a significant barrier to democratic participation.”
In order to be considered a presidential candidate in Ireland, McGregor must have nominations from 20 members of the Oireachtas or four county councils — something he quickly recognized as an impossible task after a slew of politicians in his home country spoke out against his intent to run for office.
“This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate,” McGregor added.
“In light of this, I propose a petition advocating for a modification of the nomination process to allow my name be included on the ballot. I contend that the citizens of Ireland, both at home and abroad, should have the unhindered right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot.”
Conor McGregor has lashed out at rising crime in Ireland, attributing it to individuals from a specific religious group.
McGregor has become increasingly vocal in Irish political discourse, taking aim at the current government with sharp criticism, especially over its immigration policies. He has even hinted at a possible run for the presidency, suggesting he’s eyeing influence far beyond the fight game.
The former two-division UFC champion’s political ambitions gained traction after he accused Irish authorities of using him as a “scapegoat” for the 2023 Dublin riots. “The Notorious” claimed the government deliberately shifted blame onto him to distract attention from knife attacks on Irish citizens allegedly committed by immigrants, which had sparked widespread anti-immigration protests across the country.
Conor McGregor Slams Muslim Immigrants Over Knife Crime In Ireland
Conor McGregor recently took to social media to unleash a fiery response following a disturbing broad daylight knife attack on an Irish police officer by an individual believed to be from the Muslim community, reportedly shouting a religious chant during the assault.
“The Notorious” claimed that the attacker was of Pakistani heritage and called for his immediate deportation, insisting that his citizenship be revoked without delay.
“If is the case, that it was a second generation migrant of full Pakistani heritage, Mother and father came to Ireland prior, had a child and raised him, now a 20/30 year old, in Dublin’s city centre (hesitant to believe this btw) if is the case, then. The stabber and his entire family MUST BE DEPORTED! To raise a person that grows to stab a member of our Gardai while on duty is grounds for immediate termination of citizenship and removal from country. This is how you put our citizens, and members of force, in the knowledge that you are truly with them, and that their safety and livelihood is absolutely paramount! Remove. Immediately!,” Conor McGregor wrote on X.
The UFC superstar once again accused the Irish government of putting native citizens at risk through reckless immigration policies. McGregor suggested that if brought to power, he would take decisive action where current leaders have failed.
“‘Allahu Akbar!’ McGregor added. “The knife wielding maniac shouted this! Watch your back out there people, always. Watch your back out there people, always. Abysmal! Terrifying! This is New Ireland. For now! They will never get away with this with me at the helm. Never in a million years! I will be all over them! Who do you think this government would rather deal with it as head of state during these times of ever frequent attacks on our citizens, or throughout these constant revelations of large scale government corruption… Or more so, who would they not rather deal with? Myself, Conor McGregor, or their hand picked Presidential candidates? There is your answer. Vote McGregor for REAL CHANGE.”
“The Notorious” has signaled strong intent to make his comeback at the rumored UFC spectacle planned for the White House lawn, currently targeted for July 2026. Adding fuel to the speculation, he revealed that he has officially re-entered the UFC’s drug testing pool.
Conor McGregor has remained sidelined since suffering a devastating leg break in his trilogy clash with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. His long-awaited return was set for UFC 303 in June 2024 against Michael Chandler, but a toe injury forced him to withdraw just weeks before the event.
Michael Bisping wants to see McGregor vs. Diaz 3 go down at The White House.
Ever since U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intent to hold a UFC event on the lawn at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, pundits have been busy fantasy booking the history-making fight card, with everything from Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall to a rematch between bitter rivals Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal being at the top of their lists.
But one fighter ‘The Count’ would love to see make his triumphant return in the nation’s capital next year is non other than the ‘Stockton Samurai’ himself, Nate Diaz.
“Diaz is a bit of a badass,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “The way that he carries himself, the way that he keeps it real.”
Diaz ended his 15-year run in the UFC in 2022 following a submission victory over Tony Ferguson. Since then, he’s competed in boxing bouts against Jake Paul and the aforementioned Jorge Masvidal, but Diaz has always insisted his return to the Octagon was just a matter of time.
“Nate Diaz wants to come back,” Bisping continued. “First of all, he’s got to sign with the UFC.”
Bisping wants McGregor vs. Diaz 3 at The White House
As for who Diaz could potentially face in a potential return, Bisping thinks a fight with former featherweight champ and reigning BMF titleholder Max Holloway would be a hell of a matchup.
“If I’m Max Holloway, why not? 100%,” Bispsing said. “That would be a great fight for Max Holloway. The version of Max Holloway at 155 pounds, I think he would have a field day with Nate Diaz.”
However, the former middleweight champ thinks there is an even bigger fight for Diaz — one that could turn the proposed White House card from a cheap gimmick into must-see TV.
“Wouldn’t you rather see Nate Diaz versus Conor McGregor at the White House? That’s the fight that I’d rather see if I’m honest,” Bisping added.
McGregor and Diaz have met twice before, competing in back-to-back bouts under the UFC banner in 2016. Diaz stepped in on short notice to fight the former two-division titleholder at UFC 196, and handed McGregor his first-ever defeat inside the Octagon.
Five month later, McGregor scored some redemption, besting Diaz via majority decision at UFC 202. Three months after that, McGregor would go on to KO Eddie Alvarez and claim the lightweight world title, becoming the promotion’s first-ever simultaneous two-division champion.
In particular, McGregor finds it hard to believe how he can be found civilly liable for the sexual assault when he was cleared in a criminal investigation.
“I was on the stand in a world of fog being accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and that I was actually cleared of criminally, and exonerated by every witness present, as well as believed twice over by the public prosecutor, but still up on a stand civilly, in absolute shock,” McGregor said. “Some say the case never went criminal because there was ‘lack of evidence’ that is not the case. It is the opposite! There was so much evidence!
“They had hours of footage of the ‘victim’ after the supposed attempted murder and rape of her. Partying away, messaging away. Leaving the hotel / coming back etc. up and down, in the lobby of the hotel, absolutely everywhere and back. And twice. Not a f****** bother. Smiling, laughing, dancing, kissing, biting, play fighting. It’s some watch…”
Conor McGregor Speaks Out After Appeals In Sexual Assault Case Rejected
McGregor alleges that Hand’s actions he claims happened post incident have been verified by multiple witnesses and CCTV footage. However, McGregor adds, he and his team were not permitted to submit “crucial” evidence from the criminal investigation.
“It’s been some eye opener this entire process, I tell you that good folks,” McGregor posted. “What has taken place here throughout these twice thrown in the bin criminal accusations is an absolute travesty! How people sleep at night is beyond me. I’m sure they don’t. Not soundly anyway, no way. Impossible.
“To falsely accuse someone of rape and lose, then attempt to ignore that fact/brush it under the rug is truly heinous on another level!”
McGregor, who has been making a bid to become President of Ireland in the upcoming election, says he will continue to maintain innocence in spite of the court’s actions.
“I am happy this is still ongoing,” he said. “Hopefully we hear from all. I fight on with the truth and will continue to defend myself. Ireland, amidst this shake down don’t let it distract you. You can see what I am up against here and we knew this would always be the case. We fight on!”
McGregor is also facing another sexual assault allegation, stemming from an incident at the Kaseya Center in Miami during the 2023 NBA Finals.
McGregor, who has not been seen in the Octagon since UFC 264, recently submitted a sample to the UFC testing pool. Over the last month, McGregor has been teasing a return to fighting at the UFC White House card in July 2026.
In the midst of the news that he has lost his sexual assault court appeal, Conor McGregor is actually back in the UFC’s testing pool.
One day after McGregor posted a photo of what appeared to be him giving a urine sample, the UFC Anti-Doping website now shows McGregor having submitted one test for 2025.
This represents the first step in a possible return to the Octagon for McGregor, which he has been teasing over the last month since U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a fight card at the White House on July 4, 2026.
Though limits are more unclear since the UFC’s separation from USADA, the long-time rules had been that an athlete must be in the testing pool for six months before being considered “unretired” and allowed to fight again.
UFC Anti-Doping Website Officially Lists First 2025 Test Session For Conor McGregor
McGregor has been one of the many names who are looking for the chance to compete on the potentially historic card.
In November 2024, a jury in the Dublin High Court found McGregor guilty of sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a hotel room in December 2018. McGregor was ordered by the jury to pay Hand €248,000 (approximately $257,000).
The former two-division UFC champion vehemently maintains his innocence.
McGregor is also being sued by a woman on allegations that he sexually assaulted her during an NBA Finals game at the Kaseya Center, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat. The suit accuses McGregor of battery and sexual assault and alleges arena staff were negligent in allowing an intoxicated McGregor to remain in the arena.
McGregor has not been seen in the Octagon since his UFC 264 loss to Dustin Poirier. He and Michael Chandler coached season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2023; however, their scheduled UFC 303 bout the next year was scrapped less than a month out.
Former UFC star Conor McGregor has attacked a recent EU-US trade deal as he continues to pursue a career in politics.
As we know, Conor McGregor is an incredibly controversial individual. While he achieved great success throughout the course of his time in mixed martial arts, these days, he’s best known for his exploits outside of the cage. He continues to fall short in the eyes of many when it comes to his behavior, most notably due to his recent civil sexual assault case defeat.
Despite this, Conor McGregor continues to hunt down the idea of becoming the new President of Ireland. While the majority of experts have noted that this is pretty much impossible regardless of how much support he may receive, that hasn’t stopped him.
In a recent series of tweets, Conor McGregor turned his attention towards a deal between the EU and the US.
“Ireland, with me in as your President, I immediately correct this embarrassing trade % that “we” (EU) negotiated with the United States on “behalf of Ireland” (nothing in this set up is ever on the behalf of Ireland), and I do it by year end for us, 2025! Save our Country! Save our people! Save our money! Go hÉire! Vote McGregor.”
“Ireland, I am extremely confident in my ability to correct this as your President. I correct this embarrassing % deficit by year end, 2025. Save our country. Save our people. Save our money. Vote McGregor! For Ireland!”
Conor McGregor has suffered a fresh blow in his ongoing legal battle.
In November 2024, the Dublin High Court sided with Nikita Hand, ruling that McGregor was responsible for a sexual assault that allegedly occurred at a Dublin hotel in December 2018. The former two-division UFC champion was ordered to pay €248,000 (approximately $257,000) in damages following the jury’s verdict.
Irish Civil Jury Finds McGregor Liable
As per ESPN ''A jury ruled in favor of a woman who accused UFC superstar Conor McGregor of sexually assaulting her in a hotel room in December 2018.
The High Court in Dublin ordered McGregor to pay the complainant 248,000 euros, or around… pic.twitter.com/sypoWBY8Xj
Since the ruling, “The Notorious” and his longtime partner Dee Devlin have fiercely refuted the accusations, taking to social media to denounce Hand’s claims and declare their intent to appeal. McGregor followed through with the legal challenge in February; however, the appeal has now failed to sway the court in his favor.
Conor McGregor Fails To Overturn Ruling In Civil Rape Case
On Thursday, Conor McGregor was dealt a significant setback by Ireland’s Court of Appeal, which dismissed his bid to overturn a jury’s decision ordering him to compensate Nikita Hand, the woman who accused him of sexual assault. The court dismissed the appeal in full.
The UFC megastar and his legal team had filed the appeal arguing that key elements of the trial had unfairly influenced the jury. McGregor’s attorneys contended that his statements to police during interviews should never have been presented in court, claiming they prejudiced the proceedings.
Conor McGregor’s lawyer also took issue with the phrasing of a question on the jury’s “issue paper,” suggesting it lacked clarity. Additionally, the appeal challenged the trial judge’s instructions, asserting it was improper to ask the jury whether McGregor had “assaulted” rather than “sexually assaulted” the complainant. Despite these claims, a panel of three senior judges rejected the appeal on all counts.
BREAKING: MMA fighter Conor McGregor has lost his appeal in the sexual assault of Nikita Hand.
Three judges in the Court of Appeal in Dublin rejected all grounds of McGregor's appealhttps://t.co/TC2ROCL7wW
McGregor is also entangled in a separate civil lawsuit stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted an unnamed woman during the NBA Finals game between the Heat and the Celtics in June 2023. The plaintiff is reportedly pursuing over $75,000 in damages, along with additional compensation.
The suit accuses “The Notorious” of battery and further alleges that the Kaseya Center was grossly negligent, claiming its staff and security failed to uphold safety protocols by allowing McGregor to become excessively intoxicated on the premises.
Conor McGregor has been out of action since suffering a gruesome leg fracture in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. His long-awaited return was scheduled for UFC 303 in June 2024 against Michael Chandler, but the comeback was derailed just two weeks before fight night, as the Irishman was forced to pull out due to a toe injury.
However, the former UFC champion has shown some serious intent to make his long-awaited return at the proposed UFC event on the White House lawn, tentatively scheduled for July 2026. He also announced that he has re-entered the UFC’s drug testing pool.
McGregor has long stood as one of the most iconic and influential figures in MMA. But these days, it’s not just his achievements inside the Octagon that keep him in the spotlight. The former two-division UFC champion is arguably even more renowned for his high-profile antics and ventures outside the cage.
However, on Monday, Conor McGregor took to Instagram to share a video of himself grooving to the classic War Pigs by legendary English heavy metal band Black Sabbath. In the clip, “The Notorious” flaunted a bold new mohawk in a nostalgic nod to the look he sported during his UFC debut against Marcus Brimage in April 2013.
Conor McGregor’s New Mohawk Haircut Sparks Fan Frenzy
Conor McGregor’s revamped look instantly caught the eye of MMA fans across social media, sparking a flurry of reactions. While most humorously lampooned his bold new hairstyle, others couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the iconic mohawk once sported by former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.
Dude is going through a midlife crisis. Looks great for 50 years of age though. Will give him that
McGregor has remained sidelined since suffering a devastating leg break in his trilogy showdown with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. “The Notorious” was slated to make his highly anticipated return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024. However, just two weeks before the event, the Irishman was forced to withdraw due to a toe injury.
The UFC megastar has shown serious interest in making his long-awaited return at the proposed UFC event on the White House lawn in July 2026, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump to mark the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebration. McGregor has also revealed that he’s re-entered the UFC’s drug testing pool.
Conor McGregor is in ongoing appeal processes after a civil jury found last November that he assaulted Nikita Hand in a reported incident from December 2018 and a former BKFC combatant touched on the situation in a bit of a cursory way. Appearing on Bowks Talking Bouts, Ben Davis discussed some of his commentary opportunities in the combat sports world through promotions like Misfits Boxing but Davis has also competed in spaces like the Karate Combat pit and the BKFC’s squared circle.
Conor McGregor
‘The Bane’ did not emerge victorious in his bare knuckle debut but he did get his hand raised by Conor McGregor at BKFC Spain after Davis’ clash with fellow media member Oscar Willis and the photo from that moment is a bit of a conflicting one at this juncture. When touching upon that McGregor photo at BKFC Spain and how some of the Irishman’s surrounding legal controversies that the former two division UFC champion has found himself in (with an ongoing civil sexual assault lawsuit happening in Florida against him from a June 2023 Miami incident) have informed the feelings about that photograph, Davis said,
“There’s few photos in my camera roll that have aged as poorly as that one [laughs]. Yeah, it’s an unfortunate conflation of combat sports and behaviour like that. He’s embroiled in some really serious, problematic times right now. Listen, if you look at all of the evidence provided, it’s really hard to draw any other conclusions than what the jury did. So I don’t know. I wish that we had more GSPs and Demetrious Johnsons and maybe Robbie Lawlers, right.”
Conor McGregor, GSP, and the role model quandary of combat sports
As he expounded upon what he meant by wanting more fighters in the sport like Georges St. Pierre or ‘Mighty Mouse’, Davis stated,
“Just good ambassadors of the sport, great people that can carry mixed martial arts into the mainstream with more positive lights and not figures that create as much controversy as they do pay-per-view sales. I just think that long term it’s in the best interest of the sport. But again, I’m talking about a sport with probably the stupidest f***** demographic of fans on earth [laughs]. Maybe I’m asking too much, Dylan. Maybe I’m asking too much.”
