Conor McGregor isn't satisfied with just two UFC championship belts, now he wants some equity in the company that has become must-watch television whenever he steps into the octagon, or grabs a mic for that matter.
Following his swift victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 last Saturday night, the Featherweight and Lightweight champ demanded a stake in UFC.
Per the Washington Post:
“They’ve got to come talk to me now because no one’s came and talked to me since the sale has happened as a businessman,” McGregor told reporters (via MMA Junkie). “I’ve been approached as, ‘Hello’ and that type of stuff, but I’ve earned something. Who owns the company now? People have shares. Celebrities. Conan O’Brien [and other celebrities] owns the UFC now. 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. I’ve got both belts, family on the way. If you want me to stick around, if you want me to keep doing [this], let’s talk. But I want the ownership now. I want the equal share. I want what I deserve, what I’ve earned.”
The 28-year old is currently the sport's highest paid athlete but he knows he can't do this forever and judging by the amount of money he has made for the owners it's not surprising that he wants a bigger piece of the pie.
“I feel I’ve outworn the previous contract,” McGregor said. “Now it’s time for the real. I know I’m the highest paid already, but when I’m looking at what they’re taking in, that list that [former UFC CEO] Lorenzo [Fertitta] compiled to show the new owners, that’s like the gospel right there. That’s proof of what I bring. You want me to come around, stick around and service that debt and continue to push, bring me on board for real. Not just as this.
“I need to be set for life for this. If you want me to be truly in on this then I need to be all-in on this, proper. That’s a stake in the company.”
He added that he'd be ready to defend either of his titles at a moments notice but with a baby on the way he wants to do what's best for his family and that's bringing in the type of paydays that reflect his worth.
“I could keep going, but I’m aware of my worth. I’ve got a family on the way, I’ve got a kid on the way, and I’m coming for mine now.”
[Via]