Cejudo Says UFC Should Release McGregor

Former champion Henry Cejudo argued the promotion should cut Conor McGregor now rather than pay him $30 million for a final fight.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a lone mixed-martial-arts fighter mid-strike in a painted octagon, rendered in charcoal and warm ochre with a red accent. — Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo said the promotion should release Conor McGregor now rather than pay him $30 million for his final fight on contract. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Henry Cejudo said on the Pound 4 Pound podcast that the UFC should release Conor McGregor instead of paying him $30 million for the one fight left on his contract. McGregor has said he plans to announce a bare-knuckle fight after that last UFC bout.

Why it matters

The remarks raise questions about the cost of honoring the final year of a high-profile fighter's contract when his recent results have declined. McGregor's record and short return fight shape how the promotion weighs paying out versus parting ways.

McGregor is 1-4 in the UFC since his 2017 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, and his UFC 329 return against Max Holloway ended in 69 seconds. UFC 329 had an announced $26 million gate, while the $30 million figure cited is believed to be McGregor's earnings for his final fight.

The players

Henry Cejudo

Former UFC double champion who has become a prominent commentator on the sport and its business.

Conor McGregor

Irish mixed martial artist who became one of the UFC's most commercially successful fighters before a difficult recent stretch.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

The world's largest mixed martial arts promotion, which holds the contract McGregor is seeking to resolve.

The details

Cejudo made the remarks on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, arguing the UFC could cut McGregor now rather than pay his final contracted fight. McGregor suffered a leg injury at UFC 329, and he has said he plans to announce a bare-knuckle fight after his last UFC bout.

2017: McGregor's boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, after which his UFC record stands at 1-4.
July: McGregor's return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 ended in 69 seconds.
November 6, 2026: Cejudo's comments on the podcast were published.

Season Trajectory

McGregor's 1-4 UFC record since his 2017 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather marks a sharp decline for a fighter who once drew major pay-per-view numbers. The debate over releasing him versus paying out his final fight reflects how promotions weigh a star's diminished results against his remaining contract value.

The outcome determines whether McGregor's final fight appears on the UFC schedule or whether the promotion pays him to step away. Fans tracking the promotion's card and fighter rosters will see the decision reflected in upcoming event listings.

The takeaway

Contract decisions for aging stars often hinge on whether a promotion sees more value in one last paid bout or a clean exit. Readers following MMA business can watch how the UFC handles McGregor's remaining deal as a benchmark for similar situations.