10 years ago, Conor McGregor dropped pearls of wisdom after partying with Dana White

Despite controversies, UFC superstar Conor McGregor once abstained from partying, as he told after a night out with Dana White.

10 years ago, Conor McGregor dropped pearls of wisdom after partying with Dana White

Much to Dana White's surprise, Conor McGregor was once a non-partying man (Source: X/IMAGO)

Even away from the game, Conor McGregor remains a fighting notoriety and a marquee sensation in UFC/MMA backdrop. The former UFC double champ often goes viral for MMA promoter duties and hard partying rather than training now. There was, however, a time when a sober McGregor affirmed hating parties after a hard night out with boss Dana White.

The Irishman was a big part of BKFC: KnuckleMania 5 news conference in Philadelphia. Before that, McGregor promoted the April 26 event of BKFC Italy at Palazzo Wanny in Florence. He went viral in the after-parties and even various NBA games. The one element missing – a comeback; hence, chatboards reminded him of it with one of his own iconic one-liners.

Partying is weakness for the soul, my friend. So, I try and avoid it…

Conor McGregor once said to ESPN (@espn) Self co-hosts Dan Le Batard and Bomani Jones
YouTube video

It’s a line many fans now hit him with, with excessive partying snippets. McGregor, the only fighter to make it on to Forbes from the MMA side of things and have nations rallying behind him also had a big fall. This past November, a 12-day trial in Dublin found McGregor guilty of assault of one Nikita hand. The levy of fines was just north of €248,000 in damages (£206,000 /$260,000 all-in).

Major brands have also discarded him as a media ambassador due to his excessive partying, nose-blows, and other things. Conor McGregor remains radioactive, but in all the weird ways. Even his murky political aspirations saw him under investigation from the Garda. It’s 2025, and the once-sober fighting phenom has switched up roles massively.

Is UFC superstar Conor McGregor still viable candidate for 2025 International Fight Week?

CEO Dana White has an uphill task staging the next IFW, IFW Sweepstakes, UFC X, HOF induction, and the like. This year’s annual weekly spectacle culminates with UFC 317. It kicks off on June 28th, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Conor McGregor’s TKO leg break to Dustin Poirier was the last time a rivalry at International Fight Week went that bloated.

UFC superstar Conor McGregor's return at another IFW would be MMA karmic balance
UFC superstar Conor McGregor’s return at another IFW would be MMA karmic balance (Source: X)

Israel Adesanya vs. Jared Cannonier/Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez did not muster that ‘wow’ factor after UFC 264. Conor McGregor’s supposed return for the UFC 303 PPV card and pre-fight kickoff presser at Dublin’s 3Arena was to be it. The scope of it even made a projected $20 million in live gates! However, he pulled out due to a toe injury.

Dana White and team are of the opinion that McGregor’s splintered interest and immense riches make it hard for a return. However, the fan community still awaits it; the Irishman himself is more than angsty for it. So, it’s high time the UFC could cut a deal with him for International Fight Week.

It would be kind of ironic, too, since he missed it out last year. Michael Chandler takes part in a five-round PPV co-main, April 12 at UFC 314 from Kaseya Center in Miami. After that, they could finally put an end to their chapter.

The rival, Paddy Pimblett, is also eyeing to poach the fight away from Chandler if he wins. Pimblett often sees the bill of having similarities with a rising McGregor. All in all, McGregor isn’t out of options entirely, but a return needs to happen soon.

Related: Dana White breaks silence over Conor McGregor’s relationship with UFC after civil lawsuit