Dana White has defended Conor McGregor’s attendance at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event, stating that he had no objections to the Irishman’s behavior. White also made a lighthearted remark that McGregor’s actions may have been fueled by drinking “Proper 12”.
The UFC president was asked if he minded McGregor bringing attention to a rival fight promotion, with the ‘Notorious’ stepping into the ring at the end of last month to face-off with Mike Perry.
He even carried a BKFC belt and yelled instructions to former UFC opponents Chad Mendes and Eddie Alvarez during their fight.
White laughed it off, telling Barstool Sports: ‘I think Conor went out and was having fun and got caught up in the moment.
‘The dude called him into the ring. You know, he did it. I also saw him pounding a bottle of Proper 12. I’m sure that had something to do with it, too.
Mike Perry faced off with Conor McGregor after his win at a BKFC event last week
McGregor was also seen drinking some of his own brand of whiskey at the event
‘Listen, man. At the end of the day, Conor has done a lot here. He’s made a lot of money. The guy is out having fun and it’s all good.’
Asked if he took issue with the incident, White said: ‘Not at all. Not even a little bit.’
McGregor is preparing to fight Michael Chandler in his comeback bout after more than two years away from competitive MMA following his broken leg.
The pair have filmed a series of The Ultimate Fighter as rival coaches and their bout is hugely anticipated, though the exact date remains unknown.
White added: ‘Obviously the show has got to air. We’re going to find out. I actually saw a picture of Conor today where he actually looked leaner, like he’s starting to cut the weight down.
‘We’ll see. This guy is going through a ton of s**t with his body after breaking his shin bone. Believe me, as soon as we can get it done, we’ll get it done.’
McGregor shared a picture on his Instagram of himself facing off with Perry, who beat former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in his bare knuckle fight.
The Dubliner wrote: ‘Call me “slicey” bare paw. Styles make fights. As well as rulesets. As well as everything. If you are scared go to church. I was called into the bare knuckle ring last night. I fear nothing. No man that breathes air. I only fear God and abide by God and if God guides me to a professional bare knuckle fight in my time for my new world title, I do.
Dana White insists he has no issue with McGregor showing up at the rival promotion
‘Great night last night. It’s real interesting out there for sure. Congrats to the fighters. Two of my old foes competed in a barn buster and a guy who Cowboy submitted in a round is now the man in this sport beating a former middle weight world champion. Incredible.
‘Think about that for a second. Understand that as fans what fighting is. Take note of it. What fighting is, is a new day every day. Every fight with every person on every given day.
‘Is different. It’s why I love it so much. It’s why I respect it so much. Fighting is different. End of.
‘This fight took place in the 185lb division. I’ve not fought at that weight before but I can get there nicely as a refrigerator freezer. For sure. Who knows but God and I trust God.’
