The UFC is not just a combat sports brand anymore; it has become an integral part of the pop culture. Becoming its champion can be a surefire way of attaining celebrity status the world over. However, not every champion can ascend to superstar status like Conor McGregor or Ronda Rousey. UFC CEO Dana White uncovered the secret of what it takes to become a celebrity fighter.
White has seen the rise and fall of many world class fighters, and none have ascended to levels like the Irish fighter. While many fans would claim excellent mic-skills or making headlines is the secret behind being a star in MMA. Disagreeing with the masses, the UFC chief feels the answer to that question isn’t so difficult to decode. He revealed as much during his conversation with the Sports Business Journal.
You can be a deaf mute. But as long as you are a great fighter, nobody cares. Nobody is there to see people give speeches. They are there to see people fight; they wanna know who best in the world is. But If you end up with a guy like a Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey or some of these people that have great personality, it’s a home run.
Dana White via Sports Business Journal YouTube
There is definitely some truth to what Dana White has asserted here with the rise of Alex Pereira. The Brazilian star rose to fame by making short work of many contenders and former champions. Moreover, his remarkable run of 3 title defenses under 175 days has cemented his place as a future Hall of Famer.
Being an exceptional fighter certainly plays a huge role in becoming a PPV star. Only if it can be paired with a brash, confident personality makes the fighter an unstoppable force. The UFC boss dubs such rare talent as ‘Unicorns,’ who only pop up within the sport once in a while.
Seeing the astronomical rise of the Notorious, Israel Adesanya and Ilia Topuria certainly leaves room for more PPV stars. Speaking of stars, White recently offered an update on the return of Irish mixed martial artist. Owning to injury and strange out of competition issues, McGregor hasn’t been able to compete in 2024. However, White seems certain about 2025 timeline for the martial artist.
Conor McGregor will fight in 2025, says Dana White
After Michael Chandler’s fight with McGregor fell off to the wayside, White seemed confident about 2025 return. Speaking with the media, White shared his thoughts on the matter and why he gave such a delayed timeline. The UFC head feels McGregor could return at the last quarter of 2025, but hopes for an early showing.
Dana White sees a 2025 return for Conor McGregor (Image source via Open Source)The ‘Notorious’ has recovered from a toe injury and is looking for an early outing in 2025. The star has marked top 5 lightweight contender Dan Hooker as his ideal next opponent. White liked the idea of putting the two together, but so far nothing has been booked yet. The mixed martial artist is currently battling a legal trouble that could throw a wrench into his plans.
McGregor’s return also collides with the next UFC’s TV deal. Previously, Jake Paul revealed that the UFC want to keep McGregor for the next TV deal negotiation. The next deal could be worth up to $8 – 10 billion. The negotiations for the TV deal will likely take place during early part of next year. As such, it could be why the UFC boss spoke about a late 2025 return for the Irishman.
