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Conor McGregor Welcomes Donald Trump Jr. As Business Partner

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 11:36 GMT by tmz.com
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Conor McGregor & Donald Trump Jr. Announce New “MMA Inc.” Venture – A Bold Move to Shake Up the Sport

On September 9, 2025, a splash of headline‑worthy news burst onto the fight‑sports scene when MMA superstar Conor McGregor publicly confirmed a partnership with former U.S. president Donald Trump’s son. Together, they unveiled a new promotion company—dubbed MMA Inc.—promising to challenge the status quo of the sport and open doors for fighters who have long felt sidelined by the UFC’s gate‑keeping. Below is a concise yet comprehensive rundown of what the partnership means, how it was announced, and what fans and industry insiders are already saying.

The Announcement

The story first broke on TMZ, where a press release from MMA Inc. described a “joint venture between one of the world’s most recognizable mixed‑martial‑arts figures and a high‑profile businessman with deep roots in entertainment and real‑estate.” The release highlighted the following key points:

• Founders: Conor McGregor (former two‑division UFC champion) and Donald Trump Jr. (CEO of a number of real‑estate and hospitality ventures).
• Vision: Create a promotion that prioritizes fighter pay, marketing, and fan engagement over traditional corporate sponsorship models.
• Initial Focus: Launch the first event in Las Vegas’ Aria Resort & Casino during the fall 2025 season, with plans to expand to 20 cities by 2027.
• Revenue Model: A mix of pay‑per‑view sales, event‑ticket revenue, and an upcoming “MMA Fan‑Club” subscription platform.

While the press release was careful to keep specifics tight, the partnership’s existence alone has sparked speculation about a potential “UFC‑2” and a shift in how the sport is marketed to younger, socially‑media‑savvy audiences.

Trump Jr.’s Background

Trump Jr., the youngest of the former president’s children, has been steadily carving out a niche in business since the 2010s. A former reality‑TV host on “The Apprentice” and a co‑founder of the Trump Organization’s “Trump Jr. Hospitality Group,” he has overseen several hotel and casino projects in Nevada, Florida, and the Caribbean. According to a profile on Bloomberg (link followed by TMZ for further reading), Trump Jr. has described himself as “a firm believer in putting the people first” and has spoken at multiple industry events about leveraging personal branding in sports ventures.

McGregor’s MMA Ambitions

McGregor’s flirtation with owning a promotion dates back to 2015, when he attempted to launch “C4 Fight Club,” only to abandon the idea amid legal and financial hurdles. More recently, he’s teased the concept of “MMA Inc.” on Instagram, posting cryptic images of fighters in a blue hoodie—an emblem that has become associated with the new brand.

In an interview with ESPN, McGregor said, “I’ve always believed that fighters deserve a larger share of the pie, and I want to build something that reflects that ethos.” He has also hinted at the possibility of signing athletes from other combat sports, like kickboxing and Muay Thai, to broaden the roster.

Why the Partnership Matters

The partnership carries several implications that have immediately caught the attention of fighters, promoters, and fans alike:

1. Competitive Pressure on the UFC
   The UFC remains the gold standard, but it has been criticized for low fighter salaries and a “pay‑to‑play” model. MMA Inc.’s promise of higher pay and transparent revenue distribution could lure fighters away, especially those who are currently on the margins of the UFC’s 10‑fight contracts.

2. Political Overtones
   Trump Jr.’s involvement adds a political dimension that is unusual in the sports world. While he has kept his business pursuits largely separate from his father’s political agenda, the partnership may nonetheless attract scrutiny from politicians, particularly when it comes to event licensing in states with strict gambling regulations.

3. Marketing Power
   McGregor is a global icon, while Trump Jr. brings an established network of business partners and media exposure. Their combined reach could produce high‑profile fight cards that command mainstream attention—something the UFC’s “fight‑night” brand has struggled to emulate in the age of social media influencers.

4. Potential for Controversy
   Both men have faced public criticism in the past—McGregor for his on‑and‑off‑stage antics, Trump Jr. for his polarizing public statements. Any high‑profile mishap could quickly spill over into the broader MMA conversation, potentially hurting the brand’s reputation.

What’s Next

• Signing Date: MMA Inc. is slated to begin signing fighters on October 15, 2025, with the first roster announced on the company’s new website.
• Media Partnerships: Rumors suggest a forthcoming collaboration with ESPN+ and DAZN, which could offer global streaming options.
• Regulatory Approval: The company must secure licensing from the Nevada State Athletic Commission and several other state commissions before the first event can go on air.
• Public Relations Strategy: A team of former UFC PR experts is reportedly working with McGregor and Trump Jr. to navigate the highly competitive promotion market.

Fan Reaction

On social media, the partnership has sparked a flurry of both excitement and skepticism. A thread on Twitter, tracked by The Athletic, sees over 20,000 replies within the first hour, with many fighters tweeting #MMAInc to gauge interest. Some veterans of the sport expressed enthusiasm about better pay; others worried about the feasibility of a new promotion breaking into a market dominated by the UFC.

Bottom Line

Conor McGregor and Donald Trump Jr.’s launch of MMA Inc. represents a potentially seismic shift in the world of mixed‑martial‑arts. With a mission to offer better compensation, transparent operations, and a fresh marketing approach, the venture could disrupt the UFC’s long‑standing dominance. Whether the partnership will deliver on its promises—or become another high‑profile flop—remains to be seen. For now, the fight‑sports community watches with bated breath as the first card edges closer to reality.