UFC CEO Dana White recently made a bold comparison between Conor McGregor and boxing legend Muhammad Ali, stating that both fighters are on the same level when it comes to mental warfare. White made these comments during an appearance on the Flagrant podcast, where he discussed McGregor’s behavior leading up to his comeback fight against Michel Chandler at UFC 303.
White acknowledged that McGregor’s recent partying antics may raise concerns about his focus and preparation for the fight. However, he suggested that McGregor’s behavior could be a strategic move to get inside his opponent’s head, much like Ali famously did during his boxing career.
The UFC CEO highlighted McGregor’s ability to deliver memorable pre-fight builds and engage in mental warfare with his opponents, similar to Ali’s legendary trash-talking and mind games. White pointed out that McGregor’s success in the octagon has been fueled not only by his fighting skills but also by his ability to outwit and embarrass his opponents before the fight even begins.
Despite McGregor’s wild lifestyle and legal troubles outside of the cage, White emphasized that McGregor’s in-cage appearances are still highly anticipated and entertaining for fans. White sees McGregor as a fighter who has already solidified his legacy and made a significant impact on the sport, making any future fights a bonus for fans.
As McGregor gears up for his highly anticipated comeback fight at UFC 303, fans can expect to see the Irish superstar continue to use his mental warfare tactics to gain an edge over his opponents, just like the legendary Muhammad Ali did in his prime.