Dana White Unconventionally Credits Conor McGregor’s Rival Floyd Mayweather for Career “Highlight”
In the world of combat sports, rivalries are fierce, and respect is often hard-earned. However, UFC CEO Dana White recently offered surprising praise for boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, acknowledging the impact Mayweather had on one of the most significant moments in his career. The historic clash between Mayweather and MMA superstar Conor McGregor in 2017 not only marked a colossal payday but also a pinnacle achievement for White, who played a crucial role in orchestrating the event.
A Historic Clash: Mayweather vs. McGregor
The fight, billed as ‘The Biggest Fight in Combat Sports History,’ saw two of the most iconic figures in their respective sports collide in the boxing ring. The event captivated the world, drawing massive viewership and generating unprecedented revenue. For Dana White, the journey from the buildup to the culmination of the fight stands as one of his career’s greatest accomplishments.
Dana White’s Unexpected Praise for Mayweather
Reflecting on the monumental event nearly seven years later, Dana White expressed deep gratitude towards Floyd Mayweather. In an interview with Shaquille O’Neal on his podcast, White recounted the electrifying press conferences, the global attention, and the sheer spectacle that surrounded the fight. He highlighted one moment in particular, when Conor McGregor verbally confronted former Showtime boss Stephen Espinoza, labeling him ‘The Weasel.’
“I can’t stand the guy from Showtime,” White said, referring to Espinoza. “When Conor walked up to him and called him ‘The Weasel’ in England… and then he looks at him [and says], ‘What’cha gonna do? You’re gonna do something? You sit there and shut your f***ing mouth. Everybody hates that guy,” White recalled, adding that the press conferences, held across three countries and four cities, were a testament to the event’s massive appeal.
Mayweather’s Role in the Event’s Success
White credited Mayweather’s professionalism and charisma for the fight’s success. Despite the criticisms from some combat sports experts, the fight delivered on its promise to entertain. “Floyd is so brilliant… did his thing. It’s one of the highlights of my career being on that world tour. It was amazing,” White stated.
Mutual Respect: White and Mayweather
The respect between Dana White and Floyd Mayweather extended beyond the ring. During one of the press conferences, Mayweather publicly praised White for his contributions to the UFC and the sport of MMA. “Dana, I can never disrespect you. I’ve known you for 21 years. You’ve done a hell of a job with this company [UFC],” Mayweather said, acknowledging their long-standing relationship.
Mayweather’s lighthearted banter with White during the press tour also showcased their camaraderie. In response to McGregor’s jibe calling him a “12-year-old breakdancer b*tch,” Mayweather quipped, “Dana White, me and you got money. We know who got the money. We don’t got to wear suits. The real men that got money don’t got to wear suits,” which elicited laughter from White.
“I can’t stand the guy from Showtime and when he [McGregor] walked up to him and called him ‘The Weasel’ in England… and then he looks at him [and McGregor’s like], ‘What’cha go do? You’re gonna do something? You sit there and shut your f***ing mouth. Everybody hates that guy,” Dana White told Shaquille O’Neal on the latter’s podcast.
The Impact of Mayweather vs. McGregor
The Mayweather-McGregor fight set new standards in combat sports, blending the worlds of boxing and MMA in a way that had never been done before. The financial success and global reach of the event underscored the potential for crossover fights, paving the way for future matchups that draw from diverse combat sports audiences.
Floyd Mayweather “did his thing.” And the UFC CEO claims that’s one of the greatest endeavors in his professional career as a fight promoter. “Everybody hates that guy and when Conor did that, I mean, every stop that we did it was something different and something new and Floyd is so brilliant… did his thing. It’s one of the highlights of my career being on that world tour. It was amazing,” Dana White added.
“Dana, I can never disrespect you. I’ve known you for 21 years. You’ve done a hell of a job with this company [UFC],” said Mayweather.
A Career Highlight for Dana White
Dana White’s acknowledgment of Floyd Mayweather’s contribution to his career highlight is a testament to the respect and admiration that transcends the intense rivalries of combat sports. The Mayweather-McGregor fight remains a landmark event, celebrated for its scale, spectacle, and the unprecedented collaboration between two of the biggest names in sports.
