Conor McGregor News: Dana White Says 'The Notorious' Close To Being Highest-Paid Fighter
UFC President has recognized the possibility that featherweight champion and lightweight title contender Conor McGregor may very well be the company's highest-paid fighter soon.
In a report by David St. Martin for MMA Fighting, the outspoken company executive did say that Rousey is still the UFC's highest-paid fighter, despite her monumental first career loss against Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November.
However, he also believes that "The Notorious" is creeping his way up to taking Rousey's place. "I think Ronda Rousey is the biggest star in the UFC. But let me tell you what, Conor McGregor is nipping at her heels."
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White did maintain that Rousey is still a huge draw, noting that her rematch against Holm would still be a record-breaker.
"Holly Holm is now facing Miesha Tate, which is a very dangerous fight, but if the Holly Holm-Ronda Rousey rematch happens I think it's the biggest fight in UFC history," White said.
McGregor's stock value dramatically rose after he defeated former long-time featherweight king José Aldo at UFC 194 last December 12 in Las Vegas. The fight lasted a mere 13 seconds, marking the fastest title-fight in UFC history.
It only came a second earlier than Ronda Rousey's finish over Cat Zingano at UFC 184 in March of last year.
The 27-year-old Irish fighter is now slated to challenge Rafael dos Anjos' lightweight title. The fight is scheduled to take place at the main event of UFC 197 on March 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The said decision of the UFC to grant McGregor's request to face dos Anjos drew the ire of some fighters, particularly former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.
Edgar was promised a shot at the 145-pound title by Dana White himself, after the Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale last December 11. "The Answer" won the fight via first round knockout over two-time title featherweight title contender Chad Mendes.
