It is not a super common occurrence in the world of combat sports when a signed fighter from one promotion steps into the ring of another promotion to stare down their top fighter. However Dana White did not bat an eye when Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, faced off against Mike Perry at BKFC 41 on a Saturday night.
Despite the unusual move, UFC President Dana has stated that he was not bothered by McGregor’s decision to fight outside of his home promotion.
While many promoters would be hesitant to let their starfighter compete in another organization, White has always been somewhat open-minded when it comes to cross-promotional fights.
This approach has allowed the UFC to collaborate with other combat sports promotions in the past, such as their joint venture with WBC back in 2017.
Conor makes a surprise visit
Although White may not have been bothered by McGregor’s choice, the same cannot be said for the Irishman’s critics.
At BKFC 41, Mike Perry secured a second-round TKO victory over Luke Rockhold, a former UFC middleweight champion, in a bare-knuckle boxing match. Later, he confronted Conor McGregor inside the ring.
While a potential bare-knuckle boxing matchup between Perry and McGregor is unlikely to happen anytime soon, Perry claimed in a recent interview with TMZ Sports that it would be the most significant fight currently.
It also highlights the potential benefits of cross-promotional fights. Which can help to build excitement and interest in combat sports as a whole.
“I think Conor went out and was having fun and got caught up in the moment,” White recently told Barstool Sports. “The dude called him into the ring. You know, he did it. I also saw him pounding a bottle of Proper (No.) Twelve. I’m sure that had something to do with it, too.
“Listen, man. At the end of the day, Conor has done a lot here. He’s made a lot of money. The guy is out having fun and it’s all good. … Not at all (was I bothered). Not even a little bit.”
Conor McGregor is living like a king according to Dana White
Although Conor, 34, was present at the BKFC 41 event, he has yet to schedule a fight date for his highly anticipated matchup against Michael Chandler.
McGregor sustained a leg injury in his fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 and subsequently removed himself from the USADA testing pool. As a result, it is uncertain when he will return to the octagon.
UFC President Dana White expressed uncertainty about the timing of the McGregor-Chandler fight. He explained that the show featuring Conor’s fight against Chandler has yet to air. And the promotion will need to see how it performs before scheduling the bout.
White did, however, note that McGregor appeared to be in good physical shape and had started cutting weight.
White also acknowledged the challenges Conor is currently facing due to his injury. Breaking a shin bone can be a painful and difficult injury to recover from, and McGregor’s progress may be slower than anticipated.
However, Dana emphasized that the UFC is committed to making the fight happen as soon as possible. Stating that the promotion will “get it done” once Conor is ready to return.
What is your opinion on Conor’s antics? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
