Dana White's Jaw-Dropping Conor McGregor Announcement!

In a recent video, Dana White, the president of the UFC, discussed the exciting events that took place at UFC Vegas 80. He congratulated the winners of the performance bonuses and shared his thoughts on some of the standout performances of the night. Additionally, White provided updates on Conor McGregor’s status and discussed the return of flags during fighter walkouts. Let’s dive into the details.

Performance Bonuses

White began by announcing the recipients of the performance bonuses at UFC Vegas 80. He revealed that Nate Dober, Joe Piper, and Bobby Green were the deserving winners of the \$50,000 bonuses. White acknowledged that the bonuses were well-deserved and congratulated the fighters on their impressive performances.

Bobby Green’s Unexpected Win

White expressed his surprise at Bobby Green’s victory in the main event. He admitted that he did not anticipate Green’s win, especially considering his opponent, Grant Dawson’s, impressive record. Dawson had not lost a fight since 2016 and was ranked in the top 15. However, Green managed to secure a victory with a single punch, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport. White emphasized that in MMA, anything can happen, and this unexpected outcome is a testament to that.

Possibility of Bobby Green Fighting in December

When asked about the possibility of Bobby Green fighting in December, White stated that there is always room to add another fight to the card. He mentioned that if Green is interested in staying busy and wants to compete in December, they will work on making it happen. White emphasized that they will see what’s going on and figure something out.

Impressive Performance by Joe Piper

White praised Joe Piper for his impressive performance at UFC Vegas 80. He mentioned that Piper looked awesome and highlighted his toughness and durability. White referred to a vignette of Piper where he talked about his speed and how everything he said turned out to be true. Piper’s leg kicks had a significant impact on his opponent, similar to the Khabib vs. Gaethje fight, where Gaethje’s leg kicks were countered by Khabib’s takedowns. White commended Piper for his performance and revealed that they are already working on a new deal for him.

Felipe Lind’s Fight Scratch

White addressed the late fight scratch involving Felipe Lind. He explained that Lind didn’t feel well, so doctors were sent to examine him. Despite their efforts, Lind still didn’t feel good, leading to the cancellation of the fight. When asked if it was Lind’s decision or the doctors’ ruling, White stated that he believes it was Lind’s decision.

Backup Fighter for Islam and Charles

White confirmed that Mateusz Gamrot will be the backup fighter for the Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira fight in Abu Dhabi. He mentioned that Gamrot announced it in an interview, and White confirmed its authenticity. This backup fighter arrangement ensures that there is a replacement in case one of the main event fighters is unable to compete.

Conor McGregor’s USADA Testing Pool Status

White provided an update on Conor McGregor’s USADA testing pool status. He clarified that McGregor has not officially entered the USADA pool yet, but he has submitted the necessary paperwork. White expects the paperwork to be processed by Monday, and they will see how things work out from there. While there is speculation that McGregor’s return could align with UFC 300, White stated that he currently has no plans for McGregor and will evaluate the situation as fights unfold.

Tom Brady’s Presence at UFC Vegas 80

White was asked about Tom Brady’s presence at UFC Vegas 80 and whether he had any thoughts on the fight. He mentioned that he didn’t have a chance to speak with Brady directly but acknowledged his presence. White jokingly redirected the question to the media, asking if they had been to Abu Dhabi before and encouraging them to experience the unique atmosphere of the events held there.

Impressive Performance by Hay Buckley

White praised Hay Buckley for his impressive performance at UFC Vegas 80. He described Buckley as a powerful and durable fighter who looked like a beast in the octagon. White believes that Buckley has found his home in the welterweight division and sees a bright future for him.

Next Steps for Bobby Green

When asked about the next steps for Bobby Green after his win against Grant Dawson, White stated that it was too early to make a decision. He acknowledged Green’s impressive winning streak and mentioned that they would need to assess the situation before determining his next opponent.

Excitement for UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi

White expressed his excitement for UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, which features fights between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, as well as Hamza Chimaev and Khamzat Chimaev. He acknowledged the history these fighters have with weight cutting issues during weigh-ins and expressed anticipation for the event.