Dana White has revealed his ‘favourite’ UFC fighters of all time.
The MMA mogul has worked with countless athletes through the years, and he’s had several public fallings out with people like Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou, and Nate Diaz.
It’s not easy being the UFC’s big boss – but White loves itCredit: Getty
However, some fighters have brought White nothing but joy.
The UFC CEO was recently asked to name his ‘favourite’ fighter of all time before offering up a three-person list which is unsurprisingly topped by former dual-weight champion Conor McGregor.
“It’s hard to say that I have a favourite fighter,” White said on the Games With Names podcast.
“Conor [McGregor] has been an incredible partner. Usually, when you get guys that big of superstars, they become total egomaniacs, and they go against and do whatever.
“The business sense this kid had is fascinating. Everybody always asks me, ‘Is he a nightmare to deal with?’ No, he’s actually not. He’s actually a really good partner, and he understands the business. He’s actually been great to work with.”
Since joining the UFC in 2013, McGregor has taken the sport to new heights.
Together he and White made millions in UFC pay-per-view sales before crossing over to boxing to take on Floyd Mayweather in one of the most lucrative fights of all time.
A theme became apparent when the 54-year-old named his other favourite fighters as both of them, like McGregor, helped MMA’s premier promotion on its journey from ‘human cockfighting’ to a £17.3 billion business.
White added: “So, Conor is one of my all-time favourites. Ronda Rousey, probably the greatest I’ve ever worked with… [and] I have a really really incredible relationship with Chuck Liddell.”
White’s relationship with McGregor has stood the test of timeCredit: Getty
Rousey brought new eyes to the UFCCredit: getty
Liddell and White go way backCredit: Getty Images
White famously claimed women would never fight in the UFC before Rousey came along, changed his mind, broke down barriers and revolutionised the sport.
Chuck Liddell was the first mainstream star the UFC produced.
‘The Iceman’s’ ferocious fighting style won him a light heavyweight championship and a legion of fans when the sport of MMA was still in its infancy.
Liddell was promised a job for life with the UFC before it was bought out by Ari Emanuel’s Endeavor in 2016 and he was let go from his ambassadorial role.
Regardless, the pair have maintained their friendship and White has now named Liddell alongside two of the UFC’s greatest legends on his list of favourite fighters.