Dana White holds the belief that Conor McGregor and Mike Tyson rank among the most astute individuals in the realm of combat sports.
McGregor’s ascent to a £200 million global icon status owes much to his exceptional performances within the Octagon, a journey closely guided by White himself.
From dominating the featherweight division to a seismic knockout victory over Jose Aldo, McGregor’s trajectory mirrored that of a meteor.
Adding to his laurels, McGregor clinched another championship belt in the lightweight category and later capitalized on his celebrity stature with a lucrative crossover bout against Floyd Mayweather, pocketing $100 million in the process.
Similarly, Tyson’s boxing career was marked by a formidable reign until his unforeseen defeat to Buster Douglas in 1990.
White identifies a common thread between McGregor and ‘Iron Mike’—an extraordinary fighter IQ that sets them apart. This fighter IQ transcends mere technical prowess, encompassing a profound understanding of fight dynamics and the agility to adapt in the heat of battle.
White lauds McGregor’s eloquence when discussing fighting, drawing parallels between his fighter IQ and that of Tyson.
McGregor’s acumen extends beyond the ring, evolving into a shrewd businessman from his humble beginnings collecting dole cheques. His ventures have propelled him to the summit of Forbes’ list of wealthy athletes in 2021.
Despite a hiatus from fighting, McGregor’s star power remains undimmed.
His impending return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, coupled with a scheduled world tour to hype the event, signifies a potential comeback. White remains confident in McGregor’s ability to navigate any outcome, citing his fighter IQ as the guiding force, both inside and outside the Octagon.