Dana White discusses legacy of Conor McGregor's UFC impact

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Conor McGregor reacts to the crowd during the UFC 329 press conference at T-Mobile Arena on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Conor McGregor redefined what it meant to be a superstar in the UFC and his level of fame and success will never be duplicated. That’s according to UFC CEO Dana White, who praised McGregor as a one-of-one star, who reached new heights during his fight career and it’s tough to imagine anybody coming close to what he was able to accomplish during his prime years. Inside the octagon, McGregor made history as the first ever simultaneous two-division UFC champion, while also became the biggest draw with record-breaking live gates and the highest selling pay-per-views in company history. While it’s impossible to know what the future holds or who might eventually try to challenge those records, White says McGregor is so unique that he couldn’t possibly fathom anybody comparing to “Notorious.” “[Revolutionary] in the sports world, not just in the UFC,” White told The Pivot podcast “I look at a guy like him like a unicorn. People always ask me, ‘Who’s the next Conor McGregor?’ There’s never going to be another Conor McGregor. “In the time, in the place and the way he came into the sport, there will be a different superstar but there will never be another Conor.” McGregor’s return to action after a five-year absence proved his star power still exists because UFC 329 pulled in monster ratings for Paramount+ despite the fact that he suffered a devastating knee injury that ended his fight just 69 seconds into the opening round. Right now, McGregor is preparing to have his knee surgically repaired but he’s vowed to make another comeback to the UFC with hopes he could fight as early as next summer. After that things get interesting because McGregor only has one fight left on his current contract with the UFC and fulfilling that obligation would instantly make him the most lucrative free agent in MMA history. But the UFC won’t likely allow McGregor to just walk away without making every attempt possible to keep him on the roster. For now, McGregor needs to get his knee fixed and begin rehabilitation so he can hopefully return to action — this time without disaster striking as soon as the fight begins.