Ariel Helwani weighs in on Conor McGregor potentially having sunset clause in UFC contract: "He seems to be having itchy knuckles"

Ariel Helwani recently offered his perspective on the possibility of Conor McGregor having a sunset clause embedded in his UFC contract. McGregor's highly anticipated return to the octagon has been a hot topic of conversation within the MMA community, as the Irishman has been absent from competition for more than three years now.

'The Notorious' was initially set to make his comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, but just two weeks before the bout, McGregor was forced to withdraw due to an injury. Since then, the former two-division UFC champion has remained resolute in his desire to return to action, with two fights still remaining on his current contract with the promotion.

During a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, the MMA reporter was asked if he had any insights regarding the existence of a sunset clause in McGregor's contract. Helwani stated that he would be surprised if such a provision were included, considering McGregor's strong determination to fight again:

"Sunset clause for Conor? I don't know of one. I'd be surprised if there is one, given his stature and popularity, and so I don't know of a date as well. I think we'll get the two fights; the question is, do we get more than that? He seems to be having itchy knuckles when it comes to all the bare-knuckle stuff."

Check out Ariel Helwani's comments below (57:22):

A sunset clause is a contractual stipulation that establishes an expiration date for a regulation, rendering it inactive unless both parties agree to extend it. If such a provision is in McGregor's contract, it could affect his fighting opportunities and the terms of his agreement for future bouts with the promotion.

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Dustin Poirier comments on possibility of Conor McGregor facing Dan Hooker in his comeback

During a recent BKFC event in Spain earlier this month, Conor McGregor indicated that his comeback fight in the UFC could be against Dan Hooker on Feb. 1 in Saudi Arabia, to which 'The Hangman' responded with considerable enthusiasm. However, the UFC has yet to make anything official regarding this matchup.

In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Dustin Poirier shared his thoughts on the potential matchup. 'The Diamond', who has bested both McGregor (twice) and Hooker in the past, noted that it would be a thrilling showdown:

"That's a fun fight, man. Either guy. I think whoever lands the biggest, clean shot first wins."

Check out Dustin Poirier's comments below (17:18):

McGregor has not competed since suffering a leg fracture during his trilogy bout against Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.