Dana White has addressed one of the more interesting financial questions surrounding Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return, explaining that the UFC has developed a formula to compensate big-name fighters who previously earned pay-per-view points under the old model.
The UFC launched its new $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount in January 2026, effectively eliminating the traditional pay-per-view purchase requirement for numbered events. Those cards are now included with a Paramount+ subscription, fundamentally changing how fighters who previously earned a percentage of pay-per-view revenue are compensated. McGregor, who was among the sport’s biggest pay-per-view draws, stood to be among the most affected.
Speaking at UFC 328’s post-fight press conference in Newark, White confirmed a new compensation structure is in place and that McGregor’s earnings under the new system reflect his historical drawing power.
There’s a formula to it. McGregor’s going to do just fine. It’s based on if you take the average of his pay-per-view buys, and what they do, there’s an equation for that that you can — we’ve done it with a lot more guys than just McGregor.
McGregor last competed at UFC 264 in July 2021, when he suffered a gruesome leg fracture in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. In the five years since, his only scheduled fight was a bout against Michael Chandler planned for June 2024, which collapsed when McGregor withdrew with a broken toe just weeks before fight night.
White reiterated his confidence that McGregor will return in 2026, though he confirmed no official deal has been signed at this stage. McGregor’s rumored return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas remains the most discussed option for his comeback.