After more than four years on the sidelines, Conor McGregor is edging closer to a comeback—this time targeting the blockbuster UFC White House card, billed as President Donald Trump’s gift to America on the eve of its 250th Independence Day. The UFC has yet to lock in his spot for the Washington, D.C. showcase, but the Irishman has already begun stealing headlines with his trademark bravado.

On social media, Conor McGregor fired off demands at Dana White and company, insisting on guaranteed paydays if he is to headline the historic event. True to form, he went even further, unveiling what he called “Trump’s Gold Card”: “$100 million to fight at the White House along with 100 U.S. ‘Golden Visas’ for myself and family and friends,” he wrote on X.

Conor McGregor’s White House fight plan faces scrutiny from UFC insider

After taking a step back from controversy, Conor McGregor is turning his attention to business—namely, closing out the remainder of his UFC contract. He is also focusing on the upcoming White House event, even though the promotion has not yet officially confirmed his involvement. True to form, McGregor isn’t waiting for permission. Banking on his track record as the UFC’s biggest box-office draw, he went straight to Dana White & Co. with a list of demands, framing the negotiation as proof that the organization needs him more than he needs them.

But not everyone is buying it. UFC veterans Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier have brushed off McGregor’s maneuver as little more than a publicity stunt—the kind of headline-chasing theater that has long defined his career outside the cage. Sonnen called out the $100 million payday and 100 “Golden Visas,” as lies on the ESPN podcast Good Guy / Bad Guy. He said, “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.”

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Still, Sonnen admits he’s thrilled to see the old Conor back—the fighter who thrives on wild statements and unforgettable lines like “Dana, 60 G’s, baby!” He added, “I 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.” Conor McGregor’s $100 million demand harks back to his massive payday in 2017, when he crossed over into boxing to face Floyd Mayweather—an amount far above the typical UFC purse.

Then there’s the Trump ‘Golden Visa,’ which some fans might confuse with the EB-5 visa. It usually refers to high-profile investors seeking fast-tracked residency or citizenship, often highlighted in media during Trump’s presidency, and can cost anywhere from $1 million to $2 million.

McGregor eyes BKFC growth following White House triumph

Conor McGregor is at a crossroads in his career—one shaped less by fights and more by business. With his finances secure, wins and losses no longer seem to drive him. Instead, he’s focused on expanding his empire. That includes a co-ownership stake in the $400 million BKFC, where he even envisions stepping back into the ring. But first comes the UFC. The White House event next summer on CBS could mark his return—if all the media speculation isn’t just another way to keep him in the headlines. McGregor’s journey shows how wealth can shift an athlete’s priorities.

When a fighter reaches his level of fame and fortune, risk and reward extend beyond the octagon, stretching into business strategy and brand growth. A win over  Michael Chandler is the key first step. Victory wouldn’t just prove Conor McGregor’s relevance—it could set the stage for his BKFC debut. His 2024 stake in BKFC gives him a rare advantage: competing while boosting the company’s value. BKFC President David Feldman believes Conor McGregor is in his most complete form yet. A successful comeback could spark more fights and skyrocket the company’s valuation, potentially doubling or tripling it. Here, personal brand and organizational growth collide.

“I mean, he’s going to get paid for it because we’re going to have investors come in for that fight, and then he’ll get double or triple the valuation for the company,” Feldman added. “It’s a no-brainer and a win-win for everybody. But he has business to take care of first, and I do have to say honestly again—super, super focused. The most focused I’ve ever seen. I think that he’s very serious about what he’s doing with his comeback fight. He’s going to do that fight. Unless something really crazy, off-the-wall happens.”

With Feldman’s expectations in mind, the question remains: can the Irishman translate that kind of brand value to a UFC White House appearance? And will the UFC and Donald Trump accommodate all of his ambitious demands? Share your thoughts below.