Dana White hasn't confirmed or denied Conor McGregor's claim of a massive $80 million payday at UFC 246.
McGregor returns to action for the first time since his devastating submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov when he faces Donald Cerrone on Saturday.
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He takes on 'Cowboy' in a welterweight bout and the Irishman has claimed that he's earning $80 million for his comeback fight.
The UFC president was asked about McGregor's claim and he declared that the 31-year-old has been making big money since the day he stepped in the company.
"Listen, Conor is a massive superstar in this sport and he's a phenomenon. The kid has been making big money since the day he stepped in," White said.
"From day one, since he fought he started to go (up). Nothing has changed. Obviously, he needs a win and it's a big deal for him to get back here and win this fight"
White continued by refuting claims McGregor's popularity has dwindled following a string of out-of-the cage issues.
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"When you talk about people who say they have 'insight' into the business and say all these things, they are all full of sh*t.
"None of them know what they are talking about. And literally none of them know anything about this business. Not one.
"We knew what the Conor fight would do," he added. "We are the ones who set the ticket prices and all the things that go along with the business. Conor's coming in here and pulling a $10.6 million gate and the fight is off the charts.
"As far as ESPN, and what's going on there with PPV and everything else, everything is as usual."
Speaking about his UFC 246 return fight, McGregor said: "I'm confident it's going to be a nice paycheck. Probably (most ever) in my mixed martial arts (MMA) career. Yeah, I'd say about, it could be, I'm estimating a good $80 million."
McGregor makes his first Octagon appearance since October 2018 at UFC 246.
Featured Image Credit:Topics:ย Donald Cerrone, Conor Mcgregor, UFC News, UFC 246, Fight News, UFC, MMA, Dana White
