Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return comes with plenty at stake. After five years away from competition, the former two-division UFC champion is set to meet Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329. The matchup has drawn attention because of the level of opposition McGregor faces immediately upon his comeback.
For UFC CEO Dana White, however, there was never any thought of easing McGregor back into action.
No Interest in a Tune-Up Fight
Speaking to The Mac Life during UFC 329 fight week, White backed the promotion’s decision to book McGregor against one of the sport’s most respected veterans.
“We’ll make you very happy. This is not a tune up fight. It’s not what we do. And it’s not something Conor would wanna do either.”
McGregor and Holloway first met in 2013, with the Irish star earning a unanimous decision victory. More than a decade later, both men return to the Octagon carrying vastly different career journeys, but the stakes remain just as high.
White Has Several Plans in Mind
While much of the focus remains on Saturday night’s result, White revealed that the UFC is already considering a variety of future possibilities depending on how the fight unfolds.
“Anything is possible if he wins on Saturday night.”
“Whoever wins on Saturday night, it’s a big win and a big step up in their careers, especially at this point in time.”
White added that several potential scenarios are already being discussed internally.
“So I’ve got like five scenarios in my head if Conor wins and I’ve got like three for Max if Max wins.’
Dana White Praises McGregor as a Business Partner
Questions have lingered for years about McGregor’s relationship with the UFC during his extended absence. White, however, spoke positively about working alongside the sport’s biggest pay-per-view attraction.
“Conor is a great business partner.”
“If you told me, ‘Say something bad about Conor.’ The only thing that I could say is he doesn’t show up on time.”
White then joked that even that criticism no longer applied during fight week.
“And today, he was early. He was early today. I was getting text from him, he was bitching at me. ‘I wanna get this thing going on time.’”
The UFC boss also highlighted McGregor’s influence on the sport, noting the attention and energy he brings whenever he is active.
“It’s always good to have him.”
“I mean, he’s the biggest star in the sport ever.”
“And like the press conference today, there’s been two guys that are that entertaining at a press conference. It’s Muhammad Ali and him. Period.”