Dana White says Conor McGregor beating Donald Cerrone in his comeback fight is "crucial in his career".
The Irishman makes his long-awaited return to UFC on January 18 at UFC 246 in what promises to be a big 2020 for McGregor, who is coming back into the welterweight division.
And White feels he desperately needs to beat Cerrone, the man who holds the record for the most wins in UFC history, in order to get back to the level he was at.
"He has been training hard, he has been getting ready for this moment," White said on the Stephen A. Smith show.
Advert
"The problem is, Stephen A. you've seen this, not just in fighting but in other sports, when a guy has 100 and something million dollars, he's young, he's famous and now he is unbelievably rich, it is hard to keep the train on the tracks for some guys. That has definitely been Conor McGregor.
"I think he is at a point now where he realizes he needs to get his act together. This win over 'Cowboy' Cerrone if he can pull it off is crucial in his career right now and his future. So, he is taking it very serious, he wants to stay active. That is why this fight is at 170 and hopefully we will get three good fights from him this year."
McGregor is poised to have three fights in 2020, with the Notorious wanting money matches with lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and BMF title holder Jorge Masvidal.
His trainer Owen Roddy says the former two-weight world champion isn't thinking too far ahead but admits his three-fight plan is very big.
"That's the plan," Roddy revealed. "That's what he wants to do and there's one thing I always say: when Conor says he wants to do something, if anyone is going to do it, he can.
Advert
"But, let's not look past Cerrone. He's a tricky opponent and he's a veteran with tricks up his sleeve. But Conor going in there the way he looks now, he should do well."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Donald Cerrone, Conor Mcgregor, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA, Dana White
