The highly anticipated return of former two-division champion Conor McGregor to the Ultimate Fighting Championship may hinge on a seemingly unconventional condition. As speculation mounts regarding McGregor`s potential comeback bout, reportedly targeted for a significant event associated with the White House next summer, the Irish superstar has introduced a new stipulation to UFC President Dana White.
McGregor, who has been absent from competition since July 2021, has publicly expressed his desire to fight Michael Chandler upon his return. The proposed White House event, tied to an announcement made by former President Donald Trump, has been highlighted by McGregor himself as a potential stage for his comeback.
However, in a recent social media interaction following his birthday, McGregor attached a specific requirement to his fighting future. Responding to a message from his teammate, Lee Hammond, whom McGregor coached on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, the former champion stated directly: “I’M BACK WHEN LEE IS SIGNED. ONLY.” He subsequently tagged Dana White in the post, reinforcing the message.
The Teammate in Question and McGregor`s History of Advocacy
Lee Hammond competed on The Ultimate Fighter after building an undefeated record in amateur and early professional bouts. While his loss on the show did not affect his official pro record, he has since suffered two consecutive professional defeats outside of the program. Hammond and McGregor share a long-standing relationship, training together at SBG Ireland and the Crumlin Boxing Club.
This is not the first instance of Conor McGregor leveraging his considerable influence to support his teammates. Early in his UFC career, several fighters from his camp in Ireland joined the promotion`s roster. Notably, McGregor staunchly supported Artem Lobov, a close friend and teammate with a less-than-stellar professional record, helping him secure a spot on The Ultimate Fighter and remain on the UFC roster for several years despite a challenging win-loss statistic.
While McGregor`s advocacy has previously benefited his peers, the current demand arrives at a peculiar juncture, given Hammond`s recent back-to-back losses. The timing and public nature of the stipulation add an interesting wrinkle to the ongoing negotiations surrounding McGregor`s return.
Implications for the Planned Comeback
McGregor`s statement presents a clear, albeit publicly delivered, ultimatum to Dana White and the UFC hierarchy. His return is a major draw, crucial for potential high-profile events like the one speculated to take place in Washington, D.C. Conditioning this significant comeback on the signing of a teammate with a recent losing record forces the promotion into a decision that balances star power with standard roster evaluation criteria.
Whether this is a firm non-negotiable term or a strategic move to apply pressure and secure a contract for a friend remains to be seen. McGregor has demonstrated a willingness to push boundaries in negotiations, and this demand fits that pattern, albeit with a focus on team loyalty rather than purely personal financial terms.
The ball now appears to be firmly in Dana White`s court. The decision on Lee Hammond`s potential signing could directly impact the timeline, or even the certainty, of one of the most anticipated returns in mixed martial arts history.
Percy Harlow