The UFC rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov is alive to this day. Things escalated between them to such an extent that there is still no love lost between the two. However, Dana White believes that despite the beef, McGregor and Nurmagomedov played a pivotal role in each other’s careers.

We all remember the unforgettable clash between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov that made history at the box office. With ‘The Eagle’ stepping away from the sport, the likelihood of a rematch was minimal. Now, Dana White has claimed that their one bout was sufficient to solidify their legacies in MMA.

Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov needed each other, says Dana White

Dana White loves it when fighters do not pick and choose their opponents. According to White, a perfect example of this is Conor McGregor, who fearlessly went head-to-head with Khabib Nurmagomedov. This daring move not only had a positive impact on both fighters but also solidified their positions in the sport’s history.

“The thing you can’t do is avoid matchups… This is what we’re talking about. When you talk about being a legend, Conor McGregor needed Khabib [Nurmagomedov]. Khabib needed Conor McGregor,” Dana White stated during an interview with Lex Fridman. The encounter with McGregor served as a catalyst for ‘The Eagle’s’ meteoric rise, elevating him to an even greater level of stardom.

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In the same interview, White credited McGregor for never turning down a fight. The 54-year-old was all praise for the Irishman, calling him one of the easiest partners he had worked with.

White acknowledged that fighters such as McGregor and Nurmagomedov may not see eye to eye. Nevertheless, they had to set aside their personal issues and compete in the Octagon. According to the CEO, this is an important lesson for young athletes who aspire to reach legendary status in the sport.

“You can hate each other as much as you want, but you have to fight these other legendary bad motherf***ers to yourself become a legend,” the 54-year-old promoter added. He drew parallels with the Conor-Khabib situation with Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane, highlighting the similarity between both fights.

Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane’s legacy-defining moment

Jon Jones fought in his first-ever heavyweight fight in a title matchup against Ciryl Gane, whom he defeated in just a couple of minutes. Although ‘Bon Gamin’ did not seem too strong a contender after the loss, Dana White believes he played an important role in ‘Bones’ getting his foot through the heavyweight division’s doors. Similarly, Gane found out the holes in his own game when he fought Jones at UFC 285. The UFC CEO further stated, “Jon Jones needed Ciryl Gane, right? And Ciryl Gane needed Jon Jones.”

If the outcome of the fight had turned out with Ciryl Gane emerging victorious, it would have been a big deal for the Frenchman. “If Ciryl could have beaten Jon, the first guy, if anybody can figure it out, and beat Jon Jones, it’s a big deal,” Dana White added.

What are your thoughts on White’s take? Can you think of any other fighters who made each other’s legacy even more special? Let us know in the comments.

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