UFC News: Conor McGregor’s Return Clouded With Dana White Privilege Accusations as Insider Points at Irishman’s Plans Post UFC 303

It’s been more than three decades since UFC’s inception, and Dana White has been at the helm for most of that time. He’s witnessed the highs and lows of the organization, but has always overcome challenges, saving his company like a true MMA promoter. Throughout his tenure, White has faced criticism for various issues, including low fighter pay, favoritism towards certain fighters, and preferential treatment, including Tony Ferguson‘s accusation from 2021 that Michael Chandler received preferential treatment after winning the Bellator title.

Now, a UFC veteran has suggested a similar bias toward two-division champion Conor McGregor, who is all set to make a comeback to the octagon after three years with a bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303.

Dana White’s favoritism towards Conor McGregor under fire

Despite being absent for three years, Conor McGregor only has two fights remaining on his UFC contract, including the upcoming one against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29th. Known for his stardom in the UFC, and rightfully so, he’s credited with bringing the UFC to a global audience, becoming a household name outside America thanks to his significant PPV draw.

In a recent YouTube video, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping analyzed McGregor’s situation and noted the title options for the former champion quoting the preferential treatment he receives from Dana White in the form of “Dana White privilege.” Bisping sarcastically stated, “There are three title fights available for Conor McGregor as if this guy hasn’t already got enough, as if Dana White’s privilege hasn’t given him enough already. You got Dana White’s privilege.”

As per Michael Bisping, Conor McGregor will have a chance to have three title bouts following his win at UFC 303 with three opponents namely Leon Edwards, Islam Makhachev, and Max Holloway. During a live stream on Kick, Conor McGregor discussed his plans, revealing his next weight class and his aspiration for another belt. In the video played by Bisping, McGregor could be heard saying, “You even look at the welterweight picture, which is the next belt, my next weight. The welterweight picture: Leon Edwards, Nate Diaz, almost knocked him out, had him out on his feet.”

Impressed by “Mystic Mac’s” choice, Michael Bisping considers his decision to stay in welterweight a great one. The 45-year-old believes it would be fun to see him fight again and that McGregor might create future tension for Islam Makhachev, who also dreams of fighting at welterweight. He further added, “Conor McGregor has a win over him. Holloway wants revenge. McGregor wants to come back; he wants the BMF belt. Conor likes to consider himself a BMF, right?”

Meanwhile, Conor McGregor and Chandler are not the only ones who have been accused of using Dana White Privilege and Sean O’Malley also joined the list last year.

White accused of granting privileges

UFC’s Dana White has been accused of favoritism towards certain fighters many times. Last year, these allegations were fueled by Aljamain Sterling, a ranked bantamweight fighter who lost by TKO to Sean O’Malley, who received a title shot after only two fights against top-10-ranked opponents. The reason, according to Aljamin Sterling, was the disparity in opportunity.

This situation sparked criticism, with Sterling calling it “Dana White privilege” rather than Sean O’Malley’s merit. However, White denied the accusations during the UFC 292 post-fight press conference, saying, “You don’t become No.2 in the world without earning [it]. There is no such thing as Dana White privilege in this company.”

Interestingly, since then the term “Dana White privilege” has become widely used, but very few people know that it was first coined by UFC lightweight contender Tony Ferguson at a UFC 262 press conference. Ferguson was upset that Michael Chandler, with only one win in the UFC against Dan Hooker, received a title shot against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship.

Aljamin Sterling echoed the same sentiments regarding Sean O’Malley’s quick rise. Does Dana White privilege exist? If so, who has benefited the most? Let us know in the comments below.