Conor McGregor's Big Announcement? ‘I Want UFC Ownership Now'

Leading up to Saturday night's UFC 205 in New York, UFC president Dana White and main eventer Conor McGregor teased a big announcement that the Irishman would be dropping on everyone following his fight.

After defeating Eddie Alvarez in stunning fashion, McGregor held true to his word, revealing not one, but two bombshells at his post-fight press conference, although they were intricately tied together.

First, McGregor confirmed a longstanding rumor that he was going to become a father early next year. That means he's likely to take a little time off after this fight for the birth of his child and to acclimate to a burgeoning family. After that, however, he may not immediately jump back in the Octagon depending upon how discussions go with his new employers, WME | IMG.

“They've got to come talk to me now,” said McGregor, explaining that he hasn't really had much interaction with the new ownership, yet. “You want me to stick around? Do you want me to keep doing what I been doing?

“I want the ownership now. I want the equal show. I want what I deserve, what I've earned. There's a little announcement for you.”

McGregor has proven time and again that he is a driving force behind the company, surpassing Ronda Rousey as the company's biggest draw. There may be areas outside the sport of MMA that Rousey has moved into that McGregor hasn't yet, but the brash Irishman has been setting company records left and right.

He's set pay-per-view records and broken them. He set box office records on Saturday in New York. In short, McGregor is pulling in big bucks for the UFC. Now, he wants in on a bigger piece of the action, not just a paycheck.

“I can keep going all day, but I'm aware of my worth and now I've got a family. Now I've got a kid on the way. I'm coming for mine now, if you want me back,” he declared.

McGregor has frequently noted the $4.2 billion figure that WME | IMG and its partners paid to purchase the UFC, and now it appears he's ready to force the new ownership's hand.

“I’ve been happy to continue doing what I’m doing, (but) I feel I’ve outworn the previous contract,” he explained. “When I’m looking at what they’re taking in, that list that Lorenzo (Fertitta) and that taeam compiled to show the new owners. That’s the gospel, that’s proof of what I bring. You want me to be around and help service that debt and continue to push the company, bring me on board. I need to be set for life with this. I need to be all-in on this, proper, as owner, an equity stake in the company. That’s what I’m looking for.”