Conor McGregor is why people who don’t know about MMA know about the UFC. The Irishman achieved worldwide fame unlike any other MMA fighter before or after him. Even though he has not defended his titles, many consider McGregor the most influential fighter in MMA history, especially the UFC.
McGregor may not have a long title reign or a single title defense. However, he is undoubtedly the greatest superstar in MMA history. Here are five reasons why McGregor is the greatest MMA superstar ever.
1. First UFC Double Champion (Simultaneous)
Conor McGregor rose to worldwide fame when he defeated Jose Aldo, the long-reigning featherweight champion, at UFC 194. His popularity increased further with his victory over Eddie Alvarez, the lightweight champion, at UFC 205. When he defeated Alvarez, McGregor became the first simultaneous double champion in the UFC, a feat followed by Henry Cejudo, Amanda Nunes, and Daniel Cormier.
Randy Couture was the first double champion in the UFC, and BJ Penn was the second. However, none of them were simultaneous double champions. Dan Henderson was the first simultaneous double champion, but it was at Pride FC. The biggest reason for McGregor’s greatness is his first simultaneous double champion status.
2. Began Crossover of UFC and Boxing by Facing Mayweather
Crossovers between ex-UFC fighters and Boxers have become frequent nowadays. Jake Paul has secured victories over UFC veterans like Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz in the ring. Anthony Pettis has defeated Roy Jones Jr. However, the one who popularized the trend was Conor McGregor, who fought and lost to the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr.
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Before McGregor vs. Mayweather, James Tony, a multiple-time boxing champion, fought Randy Couture, an ex-UFC double champion, in the UFC. Couture defeated Tony in the first round at UFC 118. However, the fight was a co-main event. Moreover, it didn’t create the buzz or break several PPV records like McGregor vs. Mayweather.
3. Biggest UFC PPV Draw
Conor McGregor is the biggest draw in combat sports. The UFC does not release the exact PPV numbers, as they did in the past. However, the PPV record set by UFC 229: Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov won’t likely be broken by anyone other than McGregor. The event had 2.4 million PPV buys.
Interestingly, only Conor McGregor’s PPVs are in the top five of the highest-selling PPVs. His fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 is second with 1.8 million. McGregor’s UFC 202 against Nate Diaz is third, and UFC 257 against Poirier is fourth. McGregor’s fight with Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 rounds out the top five list.
4. Most Social Media Followers in Whole Combat Sports Community
The UFC has a little over 42 million followers on Instagram. Khabib Nurmagomedov has a little over 37 million. “The Notorious” Conor McGregor has a staggering 47 million plus followers on Instagram, 5 million more than the UFC. Moreover, Nurmagomedov’s rise in followers directly resulted from his fight with McGregor.
Apart from McGregor and Nurmagomedov, only Ronda Rousey, with 17 million, has an eight-digit follower count on Instagram. McGregor also has 10 million followers on X, formerly Twitter. This is slightly lower than the UFC’s 12 million. However, McGregor is the only fighter with an eight-digit follower count on X. Rousey is second with 3 million plus.
5. Hollywood actor, Entrepreneur and Richest MMA Fighter of All Time
Conor McGregor recently debuted in Hollywood, opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, with Road House. McGregor is now the highest-paid Hollywood debutant, surpassing the record set by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for The Scorpion King. McGregor’s portrayal as the primary antagonist in Road House received rave reviews, another reason for his MMA superstar status.
McGregor is also an entrepreneur and founded the Forged Irish Stout. Moreover, he is part owner of BKFC, the biggest bare-knuckle fighting promotion. Furthermore, he had sold Proper 12 Whiskey for a reported $600 million. The wealth accumulated by McGregor outside the octagon has been exponentially more than inside it. No MMA fighter can come close to it.
Also Read: Final Verdict on Conor McGregor Leg Injury Spells Trouble for Michael Chandler, “He’s Not Limping”
