With Fatherhood Looming, Conor McGregor Wants Ownership Stake in UFC

Conor McGregor isn't just a fighter after his second-round TKO of Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden on Saturday. He isn't just a history-making, two-division champion, either.

By this time in 2017, McGregor will be a father.

Speaking with the assembled media at the UFC 205 post-fight press conference (warning: NSFW language), McGregor didn't mince words when discussing what he wants for his next fight.

"For a 28-year-old on top of the game. I can keep going all day. But I'm aware of my worth. I've got a kid on the way," he said (h/t Jason Nawara of Champions.co for the transcription).

Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

He elaborated:

"

I'm happy to come and continue to do what I'm doing. I'm the highest paid already, but when I look at what you're taking in, and I look at the list of what they're bringing. You want me to stick around and pay off that debt, bring me on board. I need to be set for life as an owner. An equity stake in the company. That's what I'm looking for.

"

One of the biggest stories in MMA this year was the sale of the UFC. Casino moguls Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta had owned the company for over a decade, and they sold it to talent agency WME-IMG for a whopping $4 billion.

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

The reaction in the MMA world was that of frustration, with many fighters annoyed they make as little as $10,000 to compete at events that gross millions. McGregor, despite living a life of luxury, isn't earning his fair share, either.

In September, McGregor indicated he will make around $40 million in 2016. But when one looks over how his three bouts this year have generated well over $30 million at the box office alone (which doesn't include any kind of broadcast revenue), it's hard to disagree with the Irishman.

Though demanding a stake in the company may sound absurd to longtime MMA fans, it's worth noting that WME-IMG isn't holding UFC equity as tightly as Zuffa did under the Fertittas. The Wall Street Journal reported in September that 23 celebrities—ranging from talk show host Conan O'Brien to New England Patriots QB Tom Brady to Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine—now own a piece of the UFC.

McGregor could join them.

It's hard to guess what happens from here. McGregor and the UFC have publicly and, according to reports from Jeremy Botter (h/t Off The Ball), privately butted heads for a while. It could mean the two parties are in for an ugly series of negotiations.