Thats not it. No US based fighter will ever get that support like some of these lesser known countries who go all out supporting their fighters (only bright spot in their country, I reckon). In the US, MMA'ers are way way down on the totem pole of sport celebrities. Too many important sports to give a fuck about some UFC fighter. Where as with Conor, what other sport stars does Ireland produce? Its why the UFC are pushing these fighters who are in similar situations like Conor was in, small country who bleeds patriotism and backs their boy at all costs.