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Dana White: Conor McGregor said he'd bet me $3 million on UFC 189 outcome

UFC featherweight contender Conor McGregor can never be accused of lacking confidence.

Whether or not he'll actually be the next UFC featherweight champion will be determined this Saturday at UFC 189 in Las Vegas, when “Notorious” faces off against Chad Mendes in the main event title tilt.

If you ask McGregor himself, the fight is just a formality. And he's so confident that he is willing to put his money where his mouth is.

Conor McGregor interacts with fans during a Q&A session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Getty)
Conor McGregor interacts with fans during a Q&A session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Getty)

A lof of money, actually.

UFC president Dana White was a guest on Tuesday’s edition of the Jim Rome show promoting the July 11 card. The conversation quickly turned to McGregor, and that’s when White dropped this bombshell:

"You want to know how confident this kid is?" White said. "I can't even believe I'm going to say this, but, he told Lorenzo and I the other day, ‘I'll bet you $3 million dollars I knock [Chad Mendes] out in the second round.'"

There is confidence, and then there is three million dollars worth of confidence. McGregor had his hands full with Jose Aldo before the champ pulled out due to a broken rib. Now, with Mendes, many critics think McGregor is in for an even more difficult task against the wrestling-based Team Alpha Male standout.

Apparently McGregor doesn’t think so.

White has spent plenty of time around McGregor the past couple of years and has heard plenty of blown-up braggadocio from the surging featherweight. However, none of the grandiose predictions or pre-fight scuffles seem to bother White. In fact, White now seems more enamored with McGregor than ever before.

"I like to bet, I don't know if I'm that willing to bet," White said. "When I tell you how extremely confident this guy is in himself, it's fascinating. He is a very unique, fascinating individual. He’s fun to listen to, and he’s definitely fun to watch."

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Ryan McKinnell is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports Cagewriter blog. Have a tip? Email him or