Dana White Explains Why Conor McGregor Gets ‘Special Treatment’

Dana White has addressed concern about Conor McGregor receiving preferential treatment from the UFC in comparison to other fighters on the roster.

The Irishman is currently healing up after suffering a fractured tibia and fibula at UFC 264 in July. Ahead of his comeback, which is expected to take place during the summer months of 2022, McGregor has called for an immediate title shot.

Despite the fact ‘Notorious’ is currently riding a two-fight losing streak and has just one win in the last five years, he might just get it. The current lightweight king, Charles Oliveira, has openly admitted that he is happy to let McGregor jump the line for a shot at his 155lb strap.

Dana White Responds To Claim Conor McGregor Gets ‘Special Treatment’

During a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, the UFC president explained that McGregor is a special person hence why he gets what many perceive to be “special treatment.”

“When we started this thing and this guy was on his rise—and believe me, I’ve dealt with a fuckin’ thousands fighters. ‘Oh, this isn’t the fight for me at this time’ and ‘This isn’t that, this isn’t this,’ this fuckin’ kid, we’ve been in a house that he was renting. I think it was when [José Aldo pulled out of 2015 bout]. This is what he said us: ‘I don’t give a fuck who you get. I’m going to work out. When you figure it out, call me and let me know,” White said.

“And then the Nate Diaz fight, another fight fell out for him, he said, ‘Well, let’s fight Diaz.’ ‘Well, do you want to do—’ ‘No, I don’t want it at catchweight. If I don’t fight him at this weight, it doesn’t matter. It’s bullshit if I don’t fight him at his weight.”

“Conor McGregor has been that guy since the day that he walked into this fuckin’ company. So for anybody to point the finger and say, ‘Oh, this guy’s getting special treatment…’ (Because) This guy’s special. This guy’s fuckin’ special. You know how many fighters I’ve fuckin’ dealt with that’ll talk to me about, ‘This isn’t good for my brand.’ ‘I’m not fighting my friends…’” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Do you agree with Dana White’s reasoning for treating Conor McGregor differently to other UFC fighters?