'I went to dinner with Conor McGregor and made my mind up about him instantly'
The 36-year-old would become the first UFC fighter to be a two-weight champion simultaneously. Following his shock knockout of iconic featherweight champion Jose Aldo in 13 seconds, less than a year later, McGregor stopped Eddie Alvarez to clinch the lightweight title in 2016.
This saw him replicate a feat from earlier in his career, having been a double champion during his time with Cage Warriors. In the aftermath, UFC CEO and president White faced a clamour from fans demanding that the company sign McGregor, and he took little time to decide that 'Notorious' could be one of the leading fighters for the organisation.
"I went to dinner when we first signed him, he flew out here to Vegas, and he and I went to dinner," White told Bro Bible in 2021. "It was my first real interaction with him.
"When I left that dinner, I called my partner Lorenzo [Fertitta] and said, 'Let me tell you what, I don't know if this kid can fight or not. But if he can even throw a punch, he's going to be a massive superstar.'
"I knew it that night with him. His personality, the energy around this kid, I'd never met anybody like him. The closest thing to it was Ronda Rousey."
McGregor's rise through the UFC's featherweight rankings made for remarkable viewing. From his debut win in April 2013 to winning the title against Aldo in December 2015, he won six of his first seven UFC fights by TKO or KO.
A two-fight series with Nate Diaz, during which he moved up two weight classes, helped McGregor further elevate his stock before a masterclass performance in his lightweight title victory over Alvarez. A crossover boxing bout with Floyd Mayweather followed and captured global attention, but also signalled the start of McGregor's inactivity in a UFC octagon.
McGregor returned to MMA for his defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018 in a bout that was marred by controversy before and after the fight. The former two-weight champion has not fought since breaking his leg in a second successive defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. A scheduled fight with Michael Chandler last June was cancelled due to injury.
In March, when asked about plans for a potential McGregor return, White replied: "Conor? I'm not sure when Conor will be back." On social media, McGregor has shared that his next fight would need to be in a stadium and has attempted to revive his planned bout with Chandler, who recently lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314.
When asked about his fighting career earlier this year, McGregor hinted that he would be content if he were unable to agree on a new fight, and has shared his aspirations to move into politics in the future. "I'm happy with what I've done," McGregor explained, as reported by talkSPORT in March.
"There's something else for me that's in my gut right now and that's kind of where I'm going. So we'll see, greatness doesn't rush. And right now Ireland is in my thoughts and that's where I'm at."
He added: "I've got two fights on the [UFC] contract, I'm in negotiations. Last week something happened to me. I went to The White House and my country is...my heart bleeds for my country right now. So there's a lot of stuff going on back home."
Outside of the sport, McGregor was recently the subject of a civil court case. In November, a Dublin court ruled McGregor had assaulted Nikita Hand, and the UFC fighter was ordered to pay more than €248,000 in damages.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Conor McGregor drug test update has everyone saying the same thing
Conor McGregor seems to be gearing up for a sensational return to the UFC, but fans remain sceptical. The 37-year-old MMA star hasn't stepped into the Octagon since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in 2021. He was all set for a comeback at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler last year, but an injury during training forced him to bow out. Many supporters have lost faith in witnessing the ex-dual-weight UFC champ make a return to fighting. Yet, in recent months, McGregor has been teasing the possibility of a major comeback, posting several videos showing him training intensely for a potential fight. Despite the flurry of training updates, one key detail seemed absent - a documented drug test. According to All Out Fighting, McGregor has barely been tested since his scrapped match with Chandler. On Tuesday night, McGregor took to social media, sharing clips and images of himself undergoing blood tests and providing a urine sample for drug testing. "I gave my first blood test that is what the plaster is on my shoulder," he wrote alongside a video where he's seen exhaling towards the camera. I am ECSTATIC! I'm in SHAPE! #illtakeyourheadoffforreal #fullgrown @ufc #TheBig20." He also posted a photo of a blood testing kit on his Instagram story, along with snaps of his blood and urine samples being taken. In one picture, he's seen holding a cup of his sample, reports The Mirror. "I p*** excellence," he quipped. He later mentioned "blood tester on my yacht," before adding: "Blood from the shoulder." Despite these positive signs, fans remain sceptical. "I won't believe he's back until he's in the cage and the bell rings," one fan commented. Another stated: "He's not coming back," while a third responded: "Highly unlikely." Another fan remarked: "No he ain't. The fighting world has moved on." Conor McGregor (Image: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) A further fan replied: "It's gotten to the point where I don't even care anymore and I was like his biggest fan." US president Donald Trump recently shocked the nation when he revealed plans to host a UFC event at the White House next year. McGregor himself is keen to compete at the event. It seems that the 37-year-old has everything mapped out as he targets two more UFC fights before transitioning to bare-knuckle boxing. This information comes from his business partner Dave Feldman - who is the president of BKFC, a promotion co-owned by McGregor. Feldman revealed that the Irishman has even re-entered the UFC testing pool. In a conversation with Ariel Helwani, Feldman confirmed McGregor's plan to fight next year. "He's got two fights left on his contract. He's got to get right," he said. The fighting world is abuzz with anticipation as Conor McGregor hints at a sensational return to the octagon. He confided to an insider, "The whole world is waiting. Is he going to get in shape and fight? He told me in person, he whispered in my ear, he said, 'I'm in the testing pool. I'm getting ready to make my comeback. I'm going to fight on that big card, then I'm going to have another fight, and then we can talk.'". Speculation about McGregor's next bout has intensified following Donald Trump's revelation of plans to host a UFC event at the White House, with fighters lining up to be part of this unprecedented occasion, including McGregor. In a patriotic social media post, the fighter expressed his excitement: "Happy 4th of July, USA. Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House! I would be honoured! Count me in! !" This enthusiasm was mirrored by UFC president Dana White, who, after hearing from McGregor about the potential White House event, couldn't hide his delight, replying, "I love it!". McGregor doubled down on his commitment while attending a recent BKFC event, stating confidently, "It's looking like I'm headed to the Oval Office again. That's where I'm headed next." Dana White has also teased the possibility of McGregor sharing the spotlight with ex-heavyweight champ Jon Jones, who has made a swift U-turn from retirement just days after hanging up his gloves. "McGregor has gotten himself to a point where he is and will be, whether he stops fighting or not, one of the biggest superstars in sports, period. He's gotten to a level of success in his life where he has to, I think, be motivated by something," White shared on the Full Send podcast.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Roy Keane jokes ‘I want to watch the match' as Man Utd legend takes time to sign autograph for young fan
ROY KEANE joked "I want to watch the match" as he signed autographs for kids over the weekend. The Advertisement 4 Roy Keane made time for local kids Credit: TikTok @Tracyfarmer84 4 The Man Utd legend signed several autographs Credit: TikTok @Tracyfarmer84 Ahead of taking his seat, Keane penned several autographs for kids. In footage captured by a TikTok user, the midfielder-turned-pundit could be seen making plenty of kids' day by signing various items. As the clip went on, Keane could be heard saying: I want to watch the match!" Eventually he cut the scene short, turning and jogging towards his seat. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS The match was contested by the bottom two sides in Ireland's top flight. Cork are at the foot of the table, and were marooned further as they lost 3-2 under Keane's watchful eye. Goals by Evan McLoughlin and former But a collapse in the last half hour saw the home side lose 3-2. Advertisement Most read in Football Latest BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 4 Keane was in the stands to watch Cork City vs Sligo Rovers Credit: Sportsfile In 2022, Keane was seen The Sky Sports star was sat in his seat at Advertisement 'No private plane waiting for me' - Roy Keane rubbishes Gary Neville's England complaints with brutal Saipan putdown While the game was going on, a fan approached Keane. The Irishman looked fuming at the request and could be seen pointing down to the pitch, motioning that he was trying to watch the game. At the time, ITV's During coverage of the game, Woods said: "You've got Roy Keane, Advertisement 4 Keane did not take kindly to a selfie request during the NFL Credit: ITV
Sunday World
a day ago
- Sunday World
Dee Devlin shares new loved-up snap of her and McGregor weeks after kiss scandal
McGregor and his bikini-clad fiancée are seen in one pic with their arms around each other on a sandy beach set against the backdrop of a mountain range Dee Devlin has posted new loved-up snaps of her and Conor McGregor in the wake of a kissing scandal and nude photo claims. McGregor and his bikini-clad fiancée are seen in one pic with their arms around each other on a sandy beach set against the backdrop of a mountain range. She also shared snaps of their children on a luxury boat in Sardinia where they have been celebrating McGregor's 37th birthday on July 14. In another Devlin shows off her figure in a red bikini while reclining on a yacht while, in others the couple are all dressed up ready for dinner and cocktails at the swanky Nikki Beach Cocktail Club in Porto Cervo. The Dublin woman accompanied the photos with a loveheart emoji. McGregor and Dee on a beach in Sardinia News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, July 29 They have both been posting loved-up content to social media while enjoying their trip in recent days depicting the couple and their children, daughter Croia, five, and sons Conor Jr, eight, Rian, three and Mack, 19 months. McGregor and Devlin have been spending some quality family time together after the 37-year-old MMA fighter was photographed kissing a mystery brunette woman on a beach in Fort Lauderdale. Dee appeared to have dismissed the controversy as she posted a loving tribute to Conor to her Instagram page soon after. She shared a post from a fan account on her Instagram story which read: 'Happy Birthday to the person who always keeps Dee entertained and makes her smile.' The couple dressed up for dinner However, just hours later Azealia Banks shared alleged nude photos of Conor that she claims he had sent her and also claimed that he threatened her not to share them. Dee has been a key player in the MMA star's story, supporting him when he was jobless and focused on making it as a professional fighter. After leaving school at 15, she held down several jobs and worked as a waitress and a model before she met McGregor in 2008, when she was working in a nightclub. The couple moved in to McGregor's parents' attic when paying rent was a challenge. Once the UFC fighter's career began to take off, she began working on his team. The pair have been together for 15 years and got engaged in August 2020 after Conor proposed while they were celebrating his birthday. A year later McGregor told an Irish media outlet that his wedding would be 'extravagant' and take place in Ireland. Dee was present in court during McGregor's trial in 2024, when he lost his civil rape trial. She also attacked the character of victim Nikita Hand in a series of messages on her Instagram stories. In the posts, she wrote: 'Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago, as should be done in a relationship and we have come out stronger than ever. 'We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are!' We recently revealed how Devlin has shared in more than €1m in fees paid to directors of Conor McGregor's management company over three years. Having spent a decade working to promote her fiancé's brand, the former model and influencer has reaped the rewards, sharing fees of €342,750 with two other directors in 2023, €351,184 in 2022 and €339,617 in 2021. The 37-year-old earned the fees as a director of McGregor Sports and Entertainment where she has been on the board for more than a decade, alongside McGregor's long-standing business partner, Alan Geraghty, who is also group CEO. The sizeable fees are a fraction of what Dee is believed to earn as a key member of McGregor's business team. She has served on the boards of most of his Irish-registered companies, including his online media business, TheMacLife. She was briefly director and secretary at Jemi Ventures Limited, the company that developed and runs The Black Forge Inn in Crumlin. She resigned from five McGregor companies in February last year and as company secretary of McGregor Sports and Entertainment. She remains a director of the company, which had a retained income of €506,475 in 2023 and 30 staff. McGregor is its sole shareholder.
