Conor McGregor excited about free agency once UFC contract ends

Conor McGregor and the UFC have had a conflicting relationship for a while, and it now looks like the Irishman is ready to bring an end to his time in the octagon.

‘The Notorious’ has been frustrated sitting on the sidelines and has pleaded with Dana White to book him a fight. Since breaking his leg over three years ago, rumors have constantly surrounded his return to the sport, but nothing has come to fruition.

With his frustration continuing to pile up, Conor McGregor announced his interest in running down his UFC contract.

Speaking with Ariel Helwani, McGregor revealed to fans when they should expect him back in the octagon.

“It’ll be 2025,” McGregor said about his UFC return. “You know, we’ll see.”

“My opponent that I had scheduled — [Michael] Chandler — has got matched. We’ll see. It is what it is. I just take it on board and just rock on.”

“My job is to just go to the gym, be in the gym, be in shape. One thing is for sure, whenever it is and wherever it is, I’ll be one hundred percent ready. That’s all I can focus on right now.”

Related: Canelo Alvarez calls for Conor McGregor fight in 2025

McGregor has just two fights left on his current deal and would love to get them both done in 2025.

“I must [get two fights in 2025], I must, I must. It’s the promised lands. We’ll see.”

“I don’t even know [what happens when my UFC contract is done]. I think no one in the space knows. I’m the highest generating fighter on planet earth right now, in today’s space.”

“What happens after this, as I’m a free agent, I’m not so sure.”

Conor McGregor has been flirting with the idea of competing in both boxing and bare knuckle boxing once his time in the UFC is up.

Check out what he had to say below.

Conor confirms a 2025 return to the Octagon and hopes to fight twice next year 👀

(via @DAZNBoxing) pic.twitter.com/AHRdvcU0Hm

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 21, 2024