Eddie Hearn has some thoughts on Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback.
The former dual-weight champion hasn’t fought since breaking his leg during a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021 – but he has been booked to face Michael Chandler for a year.
McGregor is fully fit and raring to goCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma
McGregor has been publicly pleading for a fight date, but UFC CEO Dana White recently suggested the Irishman may never return because he’s extremely wealthy.
Money appears to be the root cause of McGregor’s extended spell on the sidelines, but Hearn thinks the UFC should pay its biggest star whatever he wants and get him back in the Octagon as soon as possible.
“I’m bringing McGregor back, whatever it costs because he injects an enthusiasm and vibrancy into the UFC that no one else can,” he told The MMA Hour.
“There is no one in the sport that can make it happen for the UFC and MMA like Conor McGregor.”
This is all something White is well aware of given he and Hearn have made their vast fortunes from making the right moves in their respective fight games.
“When he comes back, the press conferences, the build-up [increase] the value of the business – the ratings and pay-per-view numbers,” he added.
The boxing promoter compared White’s relationship with McGregor to the one he shares with former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
After helping AJ become a superstar, Hearn insists he’s happy to take a smaller piece of the profits as being linked to a sporting icon does wonders for his business.
Hearn and the UFC boss have a good relationshipCredit: Eddie Hearn – Instagram
McGregor sponsors big boxing eventsCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
He believes the UFC should have the same attitude with McGregor.
Hearn added: “What AJ has done, not just for British boxing but for Matchroom, he’s helped build our business as a boxing business and a sports business by having one of the biggest stars aligned with our organisation.
“For me, I’m on the boat with Conor and I’m talking until I get it done.
“I’m reaching a deal, but he will be hard work Conor – don’t worry about that.
“100 per cent [worth it]. Legend! Great self-promoter. I don’t know if he’s still got it, but you put him with someone he at least has a good chance of winning [against].
“For Conor, whatever it takes, I’m bringing him back.
“He can do what nobody else can and he knows it.”