After becoming the first double champion in UFC history, Conor McGregor wants a share of ownership in the promotion.
"I want ownership now. I want equal share. I want what I deserve," McGregor said following his second-round TKO of Eddie Alvarez to become both the featherweight and lightweight title holder in the UFC.
McGregor said no one had spoken with him about financial incentives such as an ownership share since WME-IMG bought the UFC for $4 billion earlier this year.
“Who owns the company now?" McGregor asked. "There’s people who have shares in the company, celebrities — Conan O’Brien owns the UFC nowadays. So where’s my share? Where’s my equity?”
“If I’m the one that’s bringing this, they’ve got to come talk to me now. That’s all I know. I’ve got both belts, a chunk of money, and a little family on the way,” said McGregor, who expects to become a father in May. “If you want me to stick around, if you want me to keep doing what I’m doing, let’s talk. But I want ownership now. I want equal share. I want what I deserve.”
Held at Madison Square Garden, UFC 205 was the first event for the promotion since professional MMA was legalized and sanctioned in New York. The event also drew a gate of $17.7 million, a record for the historic venue.
“I’m coming for mine now if you want me back,” he said. “Whoever runs this whole s--- has got to come to me and give me a real slice, because that’s what I’ve earned. Biggest gate and biggest everything."
“I feel like I’ve outworn the previous contract. Now it’s time for the real slice,” he added. “I know I’m the highest paid already, but when I’m looking at what they’re taking in, and that list Lorenzo and that team compiled to show the new owners, that’s like the gospel right there—proof of what I bring.”
McGregor has been at odds with UFC management in the past. He was pulled from the card at UFC 200 over his refusal to fulfill media obligations prior to the fight. McGregor returned in August at UFC 202, where he defeated Nate Diaz by decision to avenge his only loss inside the Octagon to date.
The first fighter to hold titles simultaneously in two divisions for the UFC, McGregor has yet to make a defense as a sitting champion for the UFC.
“If you want me to stick around and continue to push the company higher, bring me on board for real. Not just as this. I need to be set for life with this. If you want me to be truly in on this, then I need to be all in this, proper, as owner, have an equity stake in the company," said the Irishman.
Fightful.com has full coverage of UFC 205, including a post-show podcast at this link.
