Bellator fighter Dillon Danis credits Conor McGregor for his sudden fame and notoriety.
Prior to his transition into mixed martial arts, no one knew about Dillon Danis outside of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu circle. But since he involved himself with Conor McGregor, he is now enjoying a significant amount of recognition.
The two began working together for McGregor’s rematch against Nate Diaz at UFC 202 in 2016. Since then, the two developed a deeper relationship outside of training.
“He’s a big brother to me. It’s like getting to watch Muhammad Ali every day,” Danis told the New York Post in a recent interview. “He teaches me that the things you say are important.”
Danis also credits McGregor for the sudden notoriety attached to his name.
“It’s kind of crazy. Being young and getting this popularity, free things and girls everywhere,” Danis said.
“You could be 40-0, and no one will know your name. (I’m) 1-0, and everyone knows my name.”
Danis is currently slated for his second Bellator fight as he faces Max Humphrey at Bellator 222, and he is confident about his chances, so far.
“[He’s] just someone who has to get taken out so I can achieve my dreams,” he said of Humphrey. “He’s just a sacrificial lamb for me.”
Bellator 222 takes place June 15th at Madison Square Garden.