Conor McGregor also known as the UFC and MMA superstar is recognized as one of the most popular athletes in the world. McGregor's charismatic demeanor and bold antics both inside and outside the Octagon have captivated millions of fans across the world. His journey from plumber's apprentice in Dublin to global sports hero is nothing short of remarkable.
McGregor’s brash confidence and unyielding self-belief have been key elements in his success, both in the Octagon and in his ventures outside of it. He has always aimed high, setting his sights on becoming not just the best fighter but also the wealthiest athlete in the world. As he continues to build his empire, McGregor has openly stated his ambition to surpass NBA legend Michael Jordan in terms of career earnings.
For all his bluster, McGregor has backed up his words with action in the Octagon. He made history by becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously – the UFC Featherweight Championship and the Lightweight Championship. His fighting prowess, combined with his ability to sell a fight through his larger-than-life personality, has made him one of the most marketable athletes in sports.
At 36 years old, McGregor’s achievements in the Octagon have solidified his status as the richest UFC fighter of all time. Over the course of his 16-year career with the promotion, McGregor has earned hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite not having competed in the Octagon since July 2021, the Irishman remains a major draw in the sport and continues to be a significant figure in the world of MMA.
In a recent appearance on the UFC YouTube channel, McGregor confirmed that he is not just content with being the richest UFC fighter – he is determined to overtake Michael Jordan as the richest athlete of all time. McGregor’s ambition to reach the pinnacle of wealth in sports is fueled by his competitive nature and desire to leave a lasting legacy.
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, has set a high bar for wealth in the sports world. Jordan’s success extends far beyond his playing career, thanks largely to his immensely popular Jordan Brand, a partnership with Nike that has made him a billionaire many times over. Jordan’s net worth is estimated at $3.3 billion, making him the richest athlete in history.
McGregor, who is currently closing in on a billion dollars in career earnings, acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains confident in his ability to climb the ranks of the world’s wealthiest athletes. “It’s motivating, Michael Jordan’s at the top spot, obviously with the Jordan brand that took him there. He is worth multiple billions. I think it’s $3.3 billion he has made. I’m closing in on a billion, I think I’m at about $650 million all in that I have made,” McGregor stated.
Although McGregor still has a long way to go to catch up to Jordan, his drive and determination are evident. He has made it clear that reaching the top of Forbes' richest athletes list was a significant goal for him, and having achieved that in 2021, he is now setting his sights even higher.
In 2021, McGregor was ranked as the world’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes, earning a staggering $180 million in a single year. This accomplishment was a testament to his business acumen and ability to leverage his brand beyond the realm of MMA. McGregor first made the Forbes list in 2018, when he earned a reported $99 million, placing fourth overall.
However, as of now, McGregor finds himself placed 50th on the richest sports athletes list, according to Sportico, with career earnings of $555 million. While this ranking may seem like a setback, it’s important to remember that McGregor is the only MMA star in the top 50, which is a significant achievement in itself. MMA, while growing in popularity, does not yet command the same financial rewards as more established sports like basketball, soccer, or golf.
One of the biggest paydays of McGregor’s career came in 2017 when he faced off against legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a highly-publicized exhibition fight. The bout, which drew massive attention worldwide, reportedly earned McGregor $100 million. This event showcased McGregor’s ability to transcend the sport of MMA and tap into broader markets, further solidifying his status as a global superstar.
McGregor’s success is not limited to his fighting career. He has proven to be a savvy businessman, with ventures that have significantly contributed to his wealth. One of his most notable successes is the launch of his Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. The brand quickly gained popularity and became a best-seller in multiple countries. In a deal reportedly worth around $600 million, McGregor and his partners sold their majority stake in the whiskey brand to Proximo Spirits, marking a huge financial windfall for the Irishman.
In addition to his whiskey brand, McGregor has diversified his portfolio with investments in other businesses. He is a part-owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BNFC), a fast-growing combat sports promotion that has gained a significant following in recent years. McGregor’s involvement in BNFC highlights his continued passion for combat sports and his interest in nurturing the next generation of fighters.
McGregor has also ventured into the world of entertainment, making his acting debut alongside Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal in the 2024 film "Road House." His foray into acting represents another avenue through which McGregor can expand his brand and increase his wealth.
While McGregor has amassed a considerable fortune, he remains far behind Michael Jordan, who continues to be the benchmark for wealth in the world of sports. Jordan’s earnings of approximately $3.75 billion, driven by his NBA career and the success of the Jordan Brand, have set a standard that few athletes have come close to achieving.
However, McGregor is not one to back down from a challenge. His relentless pursuit of success, both in and out of the Octagon, suggests that he will continue to find new ways to grow his wealth and move closer to his goal of becoming the richest athlete in the world.
On the work front, McGregor was last seen as one of the coaches on the 31st season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” where he coached against former three-time lightweight champion Michael Chandler. His last appearance in the Octagon was at UFC 264 on July 10, 2021, where he faced Dustin Poirier in a highly anticipated rematch. Unfortunately, the fight ended in disappointment for McGregor, as he suffered a technical knockout loss after breaking his lower tibia during the first round.
Despite the setbacks, McGregor’s ambition remains undeterred. His drive to surpass Michael Jordan is a testament to his belief in his abilities and his determination to leave an indelible mark on the world of sports.
Conor McGregor’s journey from a small-town fighter in Ireland to a global sports icon is a story of ambition, determination, and relentless pursuit of success. While he still has a long way to go to overtake Michael Jordan as the world’s richest athlete, McGregor’s track record suggests that he is well on his way. His success in the Octagon, combined with his savvy business ventures, has positioned him as one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. As McGregor continues to build his empire, it will be fascinating to see how close he can get to his goal.
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