#4. Sean O'Malley - UFC bantamweight
Sean O'Malley is among the most exciting new bantamweight contenders in the promotion. He made his UFC debut in 2017 in The Ultimate Fighter finale, but his popularity exploded in 2020. He fought three times in 2020 and won two of his fights.
'Sugar' had impressed Dana White from the beginning. His knockout win in the Contender Series led to him getting a UFC contract. The 26-year-old has evolved as a fighter since then.
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His superb striking has given him four KO/TKO wins in his last five fights. His eccentric personality, both inside and outside the octagon, has intrigued fans. He never shies away from calling out the best. So far, the bantamweight has also backed up his trash talk.
Sean O'Malley is poised for UFC superstardom. A win over a notable opponent will put him in the top 15 and impress Dana White further.
#3. Conor McGregor - UFC lightweight
Conor McGregor is the biggest UFC superstar. He has been instrumental in making MMA exponentially more popular. His achievements inside the octagon are legendary, but it's what he's done for the sport of MMA that is truly important.
McGregor caught Dana White's eye even before he was a UFC athlete. According to White, he had signed 'The Notorious' after having dinner with him one night. The Irishman then went on to take the featherweight division by storm.
He dethroned longtime champ Jose Aldo and then captured a second title at lightweight. McGregor has been in Dana White's good graces from the beginning. Over the years, his relationship with the UFC president has only gotten better.
After the bus incident in 2018, White condemned the Irishman. However, he was soon back on good terms with White. Earlier this year, before his comeback fight, Dana White praised 'The Notorious'.
McGregor has now lost two back-to-back fights against Dustin Poirier. However, it seems White is ready to give him another chance when recovers.