Conor McGregor's UFC exclusivity won't prevent Logan Paul fight, says UFC Hall of Famer: "Doesn't mean you own that person like a slave"

Conor McGregor's efforts to face Logan Paul in an exhibition boxing match won't be hampered by his UFC contract after all. That is, at least, according to UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen, who uploaded a video to his official YouTube channel discussing whether McGregor will indeed fight in 2025.

Sonnen, in particular, addressed the controversial UFC contracts fighters are tied to that, despite regarding them as independent contractors, prevents them from fighting for other organization. Sonnen opined that these concerns are blown out of proportions.

"Having an exclusive contract with somebody doesn't mean that you own that person like a slave. It means that you have some very exclusive obligations to that person as well. So if you were to come out publicly and say you were not going to use them, you no longer have a contract. Not to mention, that contract would never hold up anyway. You play along in this industry."

Check out Chael Sonnen's take on Conor McGregor's current situation (4:34):

McGregor singled out Paul as a warm-up fight ahead of his expected UFC return in 2025. Unfortunately, the Irishman has been embroiled in controversy as of late, with the Irish High Court having found him liable for assaulting Nikita Hand in an incident dating back to late 2018.

Whether he actually takes on Paul in an exhibition boxing match is an open question as McGregor has repeatedly teased the bout, but there has been no official confirmation. However, it is notable that the UFC has not released its own statement refuting McGregor's claims either.

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Conor McGregor reiterated his commitment to box Logan Paul

Despite concerns that he will never fight again, Conor McGregor recently doubled down on his plan to box Logan Paul. The Irishman took to X to reply to a report that he and Paul will allegedly earn $250 million each in an exhibition boxing match set in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

This is a departure from the former UFC two-division champion's prior disinterest in influencer boxers, especially given his frequent dismissal of Jake Paul as a potential opponent, despite the latter's relentless attempts to fight him.