Bas Rutten has Conor McGregor on his MMA Mount Rushmore, unlike a certain UFC boss. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Bas Rutten puts Conor McGregor on his MMA 'Mount Rushmore'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/25/20

UFC boss Dana White made headlines last week when he snubbed both Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor for his mixed martial arts "Mount Rushmore" that included Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Royce Gracie, two-division champion Amanda Nunes, Jon Jones, and Chuck Liddell.

Combat sports legend Bas Rutten found a spot for McGregor on his mountain.

Rutten recently discussed the matter with MMA Junkie Radio:

Rutten agreed with White that Gracie must be the first face carved in any MMA "Mount Rushmore." White was second on Rutten's list, which is understandable considering the UFC may not exist as it does today, if at all, without White's many contributions. Rutten also admitted he was split between Liddell and heavyweight royalty Fedor Emelianenko before explaining why McGregor, the UFC's first two-division champion, also deserves a spot:

"How many more eyeballs did Conor McGregor put to MMA? Is he the greatest fighter with the submission losses? No, he’s not. He’s a very good fighter, but just because of what he did and how much attention he brought to MMA, does he deserve to be in it? Everyone is going to go, ‘You’re crazy.’ But really?”

In April, Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports named McGregor as the top draw in UFC history. Per Tapology, the outspoken and flamboyant Irishman holds shares in each of the top-five highest-selling UFC pay-per-view cards.

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