Former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor has been compared to late boxing legend Muhammad Ali at several points over the course of his career, most notably by UFC President Dana White. These comparisons are generally based on McGregor’s confidence, showmanship and proficiency at mental warfare \u2014 traits Ali was famous for.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve said it before, and I\u2019ll say it again: He\u2019s better [at mental warfare] than anybody,” Dana White told the media of McGregor shortly after the first press conference for UFC 229 (via MMAjunkie<\/a>). “Even Ali. You don\u2019t want to say anybody\u2019s better than Ali, but I think when it comes to the mental war game in this sport, or any other sport, Conor McGregor is the best ever.\u201d<\/p>\n While not everybody agrees it’s sensible to compare Conor McGregor to a figure as historically significant as Muhammad Ali, McGregor himself is understandably honored by comments of this kind. That being said, McGregor also assures that these comments are premature, and that Ali still towers above him in the combat sports pantheon.<\/p>\n