Dana White: Conor McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the history of combat sports

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Dana White: Conor McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the history of combat sports

LAS VEGAS – Dana White doesn’t think Conor McGregor is merely the biggest star in the history of MMA.

White put former dual-champ McGregor’s name alongside some of boxing’s biggest stars and legends, as well

When taking into consideration his accolades, pay-per-view numbers and his overall impact on the sport, McGregor has become a global icon.

After Wednesday’s UFC 246 news conference, White raved about McGregor, who takes on Donald Cerrone in Saturday’s main event.

“Conor McGregor isn’t the biggest star in the sport – Conor McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the history of combat sports, period,” White told MMA Junkie. “When you mention Conor McGregor’s name, you’re talking (Mike) Tyson, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, (Floyd) Mayweather – he’s on that list. He has some of the biggest, and the biggest pay-per-view of all-time. Anybody who wants to speak negatively about this fight or think that this fight is whateve: $10.6 million gate and trending off the charts for pay-per-view. I don’t even listen to this crap anymore.”

A win for McGregor in the welterweight fight against Cerrone could set him up for another lightweight title shot, or even one at 170 pounds.

UFC 246 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

Dana White: Conor McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the history of combat sports