Dana White: New UFC superstars will emerge but ‘there’s never going to be another Conor McGregor’ - MMA Fighting

What the report says

MMA Fighting reported that UFC CEO Dana White described Conor McGregor as an unmatched figure in the promotion’s history, saying on The Pivot podcast that new stars will develop but that McGregor’s particular level of impact is unlikely to be repeated. The article, published July 23, 2026, framed White’s comments around McGregor’s unusual combination of competitive achievements, crossover celebrity and commercial drawing power.

According to MMA Fighting, White credited McGregor with changing the scale of UFC stardom beyond the sport itself. McGregor became the UFC’s first simultaneous champion in two weight classes and was associated with some of the company’s biggest pay-per-view sales and live-event gates. White called him a “unicorn” and said any future standout would be a different kind of star rather than a direct successor.

The report also noted that McGregor’s recent return at UFC 329, after a five-year layoff, still generated major interest on Paramount+, even though the bout ended quickly when he sustained a serious knee injury 69 seconds into the first round. MMA Fighting said McGregor is preparing for surgery and has expressed interest in another comeback, potentially as soon as next summer.

A key business question is McGregor’s contract status. MMA Fighting reported he has one fight remaining on his current UFC deal, which could make him a highly valuable free agent if completed. The broader significance is that UFC continues to benefit from McGregor’s rare marketability while also facing the challenge of building the next generation of attractions without expecting another fighter to replicate his exact rise.