‘Every Single Fighter Needs To Thank’ McGregor

There’s only one Conor McGregor.

Ireland’s finest is often imitated, but never replicated — for better or worse. McGregor, 35, is the biggest star in mixed martial arts (MMA) history, transcending sport unlike any other fighter has before. If any skepticism remained about that notion, his recent appearance as an actor in Road House will put that to rest.

No matter how divisive of a figure he’s become, McGregor has still demanded and gained the respect of his peers as he gets set to return to action against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 next month (Sat., June 29, 2024). Amongst those excited for “The Notorious” return is UFC Middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, who believes everyone should be thankful in some way for McGregor.

“I mean, that guy, everything he touches, he’s such a legend in this sport,” du Plessis said on The Sias du Plessis Show (h/t MMA Junkie). “What he’s done for the sport, he’s transformed it into such a mainstream sport.

“I can understand disliking the persona but knowing — I don’t know him personally but meeting him, different person,” he continued. “And even if you don’t like him, you can’t ever, ever discredit what he’s done for this sport because every single fighter needs to thank him, in my opinion, for the raise in pay, the raise in awareness of this sport because I think Conor McGregor might be one of the most famous people on earth.”

du Plessis, 30, has been flawless in his UFC career thus far (7-0, 21-2 overall). His last time out saw him capture the 185-pound title with a hard-fought split decision nod over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 this past January 2024 (watch highlights). The South African expects his first title defense against the former two-time champion, Israel Adesanya.