EXCLUSIVE
Conor McGregor teases major announcement after phone call with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh
Conor McGregor has teased a joint announcement with HE Turki Alalshikh, including in the boxing world.
McGregor remains one of combat sports' biggest superstars thanks to his incredible UFC career, despite not having fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
2
The Irishman was set to return last year against Michael Chandler in July but the fight was postponed after he broke his toe, and a comeback date has yet to be pencilled back in.
The Irishman has teased a number of potential exploits for his future including a return to the boxing ring, where he famously fought legend Floyd Mayweather in a money-spinning clash in 2017.
McGregor has been attending a whole host of boxing fights in recent times including Anthony Joshua's recent defeat to Daniel Dubois.
There he was seen speaking at length with Saudi boxing chief Alalshikh [chairman of Saudi's General Entertainment Authority], who has overseen heavy investment from the Middle East into combat sports.
Read More Conor McGregor
And during an interview in Newcastle with talkSPORT host Jim White, McGregor revealed that after phone calls with Alalshikh, news on some big next moves is imminent.
"Turki is the man. His Excellency is the man," McGregor said. "He's had the shaking of the combat sports world.
"He's been mending rivalries and making business for happen in the industry.
"We are all in debt to that man and I have a very good personal relationship with him.
Most read in Boxing
"I've got some big announcements for myself in the Saudi region. I was on a call with him only yesterday.
"We have some big, big things coming up including in the boxing realm as well."
2
McGregor has always suggested he could venture back into the squared circle, but currently has two fights remaining on his deal with the UFC.
But even the UFC are now working with Alalshikh and Riyadh Season (a series of sports and entertainment events held in partnership with the Saudi capital).
UFC president Dana White has also teased a move into the boxing world, with podcaster Joe Rogan claiming that his friend White could be working with Alalshikh.
Conor McGregor left visibly stunned as bare-knuckle fighter leaves ring in oxygen mask
Alalshikh has brought promoters together including Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, and has even discussed monopolising the sport into a 'super league'.
It is unclear what role McGregor could play, but fans are eagerly anticipating his next move, having been absent from competition for over three years now.
The 36-year-old recently claimed his return fight was now set in stone, to be against Dan Hooker in February.
Hooker believes it will either be in January or March, but is open to the clash with McGregor.
Yeah, it’s a fight that makes a lot of sense for him. It makes a lot of sense for me," he said.
"We’re obviously both keen on the fight, but I don’t know what’s going on for him behind the scenes, and I don’t know what’s going on with him and the UFC and their relationship. That’s all I can say.
“I’m fighting early next year. I told the UFC either January or March, and it will be someone in the top five, or Conor McGregor.
Read More on talkSPORT
"He’ll get to talk to Hunter and Sean so I’m sure by the end of this weekend, or when he comes back from Saudi Arabia, I’ll have my next fight penciled in."
Much remains unclear for McGregor, but it appears that a return will be imminent in 2025.
Topics