A little over two weeks ago during his online pay-per-view interview in Manchester, England, UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor believes due to him applying and being able to obtain for a boxing license in California that he will be able to not go through the UFC due to the Ali Act.
“With the Ali Act, I believe I can,” McGregor said in the interview.. “Especially now that there’s offers on the table. But I think it’s smoother if we’re all involved. I think we’re all about good business. I’ve done great business with the UFC, with Dana (White), with everyone. I think it’s smoother if everyone just gets together and we get it involved. But again, everyone’s got to know their place.”
The man who signs his paychecks, UFC president Dana White has a vastly different take on the situation.
In an interview on ESPN’s “Highly Questionable”, White debunked McGregor’s assertion and said if he wants to compete in boxing then finish the remaining fights on his UFC contract.
Well, Conor’s under contract with the UFC,” White stated. “And in the contract, it specifically states boxing, wrestling, or any other type of combat sport. You know, throughout Conor’s career with us over the last four years, I’ve shown Conor nothing but respect, done things I normally wouldn’t do for other fighters. And Conor’s been the same way. There’s very few guys who step on ten days notice and fight a completely different opponent. If you look at all the greats throughout history in the UFC, Conor is the one guy who will literally fight anybody, anywhere, anytime. Late notice, replacement, this and that. I respect the guy but we have a deal. Listen, you want to go… He’s got four fights left on his contract. Honor your contract and then go do whatever you want to do.”
