Cejudo Tells UFC To Cut McGregor Before Final Fight

Henry Cejudo thinks the UFC should release Conor McGregor before his final contracted fight.

McGregor has one bout remaining on his deal with the promotion after his comeback against Max Holloway ended abruptly at UFC 329 in July. The Irishman tore his ACL and meniscus just over a minute into the rematch, forcing surgery and pushing his return into 2027. Cejudo believes the UFC brass might be weighing whether McGregor's hefty fight purse is worth the investment.

Why Cejudo Sees a Release as Smart Business

Speaking on his podcast, per MMA Fighting, Cejudo laid out the financial case for cutting ties. He questioned whether the promotion wants to pay McGregor his reported $30 million guarantee when they could allocate those resources elsewhere under their Paramount deal. The former two-division champion said he would make the cut himself from a pure business standpoint, allowing McGregor to test free agency rather than drain company coffers.

Cejudo also dismissed McGregor's recent social media activity, saying the Irishman is trolling at this point. McGregor has insisted publicly that he wants the Holloway trilogy for his comeback bout. Holloway has not been booked since the knee injury ended their July fight.

The UFC has not indicated any plans to release McGregor early from his contract. The promotion typically honors existing deals with marquee fighters, even those nearing the end of their runs. Whether Cejudo's suggestion gains traction with UFC decision-makers remains to be seen as McGregor rehabs toward a 2027 return.

Photo: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Washington D.C, United States / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Original reporting:

• bjpenn.com — UFC should cut ties with Conor McGregor before final fight on contract, says Henry Cejudo | BJPenn.com