Conor McGregor on fighters union: “Maybe I will help spearhead something like that”

By Chris Taylor - August 13, 2016

On Friday morning the Professional Fighters Association (PFA) was established to represent the collective interests of the fighters employed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Muhammad Ali cash photo

The goal of the “PFA” is to organize the fighters so that they can collectively bargain their terms and conditions of employment. The “PFA” stated that it would not only be a union of fighters, but it will be governed solely by fighters. This way it is the fighters who will control their own futures.

During an interview on Friday, current UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor was asked what he thought about a fighters union and if he would be willing to take part in such a venture.

“It is important to bunch together and support each other,” McGregor said. “It’s a dangerous, crazy business we are in. We get in and risk everything. I have witnessed firsthand how these fighters risk it all. Maybe in the future. Right now, I have got to focus on myself. That might be selfish, but this is the position I’m in right now. I have a lot going on. I’ve gotta focus on my own self right now. But in the future, maybe I will help spearhead something like that. If it is presented correctly. I wouldn’t just jump in if it wasn’t gonna be done right.”

He continued:

“Many fighters are not in a great situation,” McGregor said. “I am blessed. I am blessed with the situation I am in. I have worked very hard for this. I have came in and I have put in the work to be in the situation I am in.”

The “PFA” has assembled a team of professionals to assist the fighters in this historic quest to take control of their careers and futures. The team includes long-time sports agent Jeff Borris, labor attorney Lucas Middlebrook, economist Andrew Zimbalast and an array of experienced staff.