Conor McGregor has an unparalleled ability to attract spectators, which is evident in the considerable number of people who attend his events. When he competes in Las Vegas, the city experiences a significant economic surge, which is particularly crucial given the extended period of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Conor McGregor’s appeal and influence are truly immense. According to UFC president Dana White, the excitement and atmosphere surrounding a McGregor fight are comparable to the days when legendary boxers like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Oscar De La Hoya dominated the sports world. McGregor has reached a level of stardom and revenue generation that puts him among the all-time top money makers in Las Vegas.
The upcoming fight this weekend is attracting an unprecedented number of celebrities, making it the most star-studded event in UFC history. Additionally, it has seen more pre-buys than any other fight in UFC history. In light of the anticipated high demand for this event, White has advised fans to secure their purchases early to avoid potential problems caused by a massive number of people trying to buy it simultaneously. McGregor’s popularity and drawing power have elevated him to an extraordinary status in the world of combat sports.
The record for a UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV) stands at 2.4 million buys, achieved during Conor McGregor’s bout against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in 2018, where the number of buys exceeded two million. UFC president Dana White believes that the current event featuring McGregor has the potential to surpass that record.
At 32 years old, McGregor holds the title of the UFC’s cash cow and has secured the top spot on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes this year. However, if he were to suffer another loss to Dustin Poirier, it could potentially impact his marketability and appeal to audiences, which may lead to a decline in his box office draw.
Despite past disagreements, there exists a mutual respect between Dana White and Conor McGregor. Over time, they have developed a working relationship that acknowledges each other’s contributions to the sport of mixed martial arts.
From Dana White’s perspective, Conor McGregor appears to be much more focused and reminiscent of his old self this time around. White noted that McGregor performed exceptionally well in the first round of his previous fight. Although he may not have specific details about McGregor’s training camp preparations for the current fight, he can observe that McGregor is taking this bout much more seriously compared to his last one against Dustin Poirier.
While nothing is confirmed yet, White has indicated that the winner of this fight could potentially face Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title in the future. This upcoming fight is crucial for McGregor, as it could determine his future trajectory and career path in the UFC. A victory would likely propel him towards another title shot, while a loss could have significant implications for his career moving forward.
