Conor McGregor warns youngster aspiring to be ‘YouTube fighters’ as Irish superstar worries for state of fighting

Conor McGregor warns aspiring fighters to go the traditional way rather than choose the influencer boxing/MMA path.

Conor McGregor warns youngster aspiring to be ‘YouTube fighters’ as Irish superstar worries for state of fighting

Conor McGregor (Image via: IMAGO)

Conor McGregor is the biggest superstar in combat sports. As the first simultaneous two-division UFC champion, McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather in a crossover boxing fight and made millions. Crossover fights eventually paved the way for the rise of influencer boxing. Now, YouTuber-turned-boxers have engaged in high-profile boxing fights more frequently.

McGregor has expressed interest in fighting the YouTubers/influencers on numerous occasions. However, he seems to not regard them highly in any way. In his appearance on James Corden‘s radio show on Sirius XM, the Irishman negatively spoke of YouTube fighters.

For me, [influencer boxing] does set a bad precedent in the industry. I would say this to the young athletes coming up, men & women: Don’t aspire to be one of these YouTuber fighters. Aspire for world titles. Aspire for [the Olympics]… That is how you etch your name in history
Conor McGregor via This Life of Mine with James Corden
YouTube video

McGregor acknowledged that influencer fighting might be profitable. However, according to McGregor, that would only get people a few likes. For aspiring fighters, McGregor wanted them to take the amateur circuit before going professional. He felt that the current trend of aspiring fighters skipping the amateur circuit was a bad practice.

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McGregor entered the professional combat sports realm the right way. He began practicing boxing at twelve and made his amateur MMA debut at age 19. At 20, he made his professional MMA debut; the rest is history. The new generation of fighters is missing an important part of the journey as a result of the influencer scene, which is what McGregor felt.

UFC CEO on Conor McGregor’s possible return to the octagon

Even though Conor McGregor has the wealth to last many generations, he still has the urge to fight, as evidenced by his recent interviews. Moreover, Dana White has always spoken highly of McGregor regarding business. McGregor recently hinted that he would fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303.

Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor (Image via: IMAGO)

No official announcement about the fight has been made. Nonetheless, Dana White addressed the potential return of McGregor in the press conference after the recent Power Slap event, Power Slap 7.

I saw the post [Instagram post of Conor McGregor]. I don't know what the Teletubby means, but it could be. Yeah, hopefully, that's what we want to do.
Dana White at the Power Slap 7 Press Conference

Nonetheless, White also revealed that no deal exists for the fight. Therefore, nobody should expect any form of announcement regarding Conor McGregor during the broadcast of UFC 300. White compared the rumors of it to the fake news of Jon Jones‘ arrest by NBC News.

Conor McGregor will indeed keep a close eye on UFC 300 as he will likely find potential opponents there. McGregor had praised White the day before when White raised the bonus for the event to $300K. He also praised the UFC’s decision to change the gloves to reduce eye pokes. It remains to be seen if the UFC and McGregor reach a deal for a fight soon, as June 28 International Fight Week is just two months away.

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