Would the UFC have reached the heights it enjoys today if Conor McGregor had never existed? There’s little doubt that the Irishman’s star power during the last decade didn’t just boost the UFC—it truly turned the promotion into a mainstream phenomenon. Even though the UFC was already growing steadily, McGregor’s meteoric rise and headline-grabbing wins sent its popularity soaring across all seven continents. His magnetic appeal helped the UFC break into markets like Asia, where entertainment giants like WWE had long dominated fans’ imaginations from children to adults.

Conor McGregor’s impact is clear when you look at the numbers of the top 10 best-selling UFC pay-per-view events, he headlined six. Together, Dana White & Co. and McGregor helped build the billion-dollar powerhouse the UFC has become today. But times have changed. ‘The Notorious’ has been out of action for nearly four years—ever since he suffered the brutal leg injury during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

Back then, many believed that losing Conor McGregor’s injury could seriously hurt the UFC’s momentum. Instead, the opposite happened. Over the past few years, the promotion has only grown bigger, planting flags in new territories like China, Saudi Arabia, and most recently, Azerbaijan. Even on social media, the shift is clear. ‘The Notorious’ currently boasts 46.7 million Instagram followers—an incredible number—but the UFC has now officially surpassed him, reaching 47 million followers.

The Instagram page MMA Gains recently highlighted the milestone: “IT’S OFFICIAL — the UFC has surpassed Conor McGregor in Instagram followers.” They also posed a striking question to the fans: “Has the empire outgrown its king? Is this the moment the UFC proves it no longer needs ‘The Notorious’ to reign supreme?”

Despite being absent from the Octagon since 2021, Conor McGregor has made several attempts to stage a comeback. Yet obstacles—from his battles with USADA to his Hollywood venture alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in Road House—kept pushing his return further out of reach. It finally seemed like the Irishman was ready last year, as he set up a long-awaited welterweight clash against Michael Chandler at UFC 303.

But hopes were dashed just weeks before the event when Conor McGregor suffered another injury, forcing the fight to collapse. Since then, the Irishman’s return has remained uncertain. To make matters worse, in late 2024, a verdict in Dublin’s High Court regarding ‘The Notorious’s ongoing lawsuit brought forth by Nikita Hand further complicated the situation. These continuous setbacks have undoubtedly tested Dana White’s patience, turning McGregor’s saga into a source of frustration for both the promotion and its fans.

Earlier this year, when pressed once again about Conor McGregor’s comeback, Dana White didn’t hide his frustration, bluntly telling reporters: “Conor? I’m not sure when Conor will be back.” This raises a crucial question: Is Conor McGregor still a valuable asset to the UFC? Let’s hear from the veterans.

Do the UFC and Dana White not need Conor McGregor?

After failing to secure a successful return to the Octagon earlier this year, Conor McGregor sent shockwaves through the combat sports world when he announced a boxing match against YouTuber-turned-WWE star Logan Paul at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. However, Dana White swiftly dismissed the rumors, reminding fans and the media that the Irishman still has two fights left on his contract with the UFC. But does that mean Dana White and the UFC truly need McGregor?

Not necessarily. According to former UFC heavyweight contender Brendan Schaub, with Conor McGregor’s ongoing delays, advancing age, and looming legal issues, the UFC’s reputation could be at risk. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Schaub stated, “The UFC doesn’t need him. They don’t need him. He would be great, and I’m sure they’re willing to do business with him. But I know Conor has made a lot of bad decisions, and this is one of them.”

What’s your take on the UFC’s reach compared to Conor McGregor’s Instagram following? Do you think simply analyzing follower numbers is enough to conclude that Dana White no longer needs the Irishman? Share your thoughts below.