Dana White Criticizes Stephen Espinoza, Announces Conor McGregor’s Comeback Resulting in UFC’s First $20M Live Gate

Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon is already breaking records before the fight even takes place. UFC CEO Dana White announced that McGregor’s upcoming bout against Michael Chandler has already generated over $20 million in live gate revenue, making it the biggest in the company’s history.

McGregor, known for his drawing power, has been a part of some of the top-selling events in UFC history. His fight against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 holds the current record with a $17.7 million live gate, followed by his showdown with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, which brought in $17,188,895.

The anticipation surrounding McGregor’s return has been so high that UFC offered VIP ticket packages exceeding $12,000 for the event. This success also gives White the opportunity to take a jab at former rival Stephen Espinoza, who previously criticized UFC for never reaching a $20 million gate.

Espinoza, who once ran Showtime Sports, boasted about achieving multiple $20 million gates in boxing while taking shots at UFC’s inability to do the same. However, White brushed off Espinoza’s comments, stating, “Who gives a flying f*ck what Espinoza thinks.”

With McGregor’s fight still six weeks away, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, setting the stage for what could be another historic event in UFC history. McGregor’s star power and ability to draw in fans have once again been proven, solidifying his status as one of the biggest draws in combat sports.