While many athletes are famous for their sports, very few make their sport known worldwide. One such once-in-a-million star is former UFC double champion Conor McGregor. Currently, “The Notorious” isn’t just the most popular MMA fighter but also the richest. Even after being sidelined by a leg injury in 2021, the Irishman still rakes in millions through his investments in various businesses. This success comes largely from his record-breaking pay-per-view sales; McGregor holds four of the top five spots for the highest-selling UFC PPVs. But it wasn’t always like this.
Conor McGregor’s journey to the top wasn’t easy. Before MMA, the Dubliner worked as a plumber and relied on community support. He even had to fight with his dad to convince him that a career in combat sports was worth pursuing. At first, his father was totally against it, but after seeing McGregor succeed in small tournaments around Ireland, he changed his mind. “The Notorious” became famous in Ireland’s MMA scene with his tough style and strong personality. UFC president Dana White took notice, and that’s how his career took off, leading him to fight the biggest names in the sport. What are those fights? Here’s the answer.
Floyd Mayweather Vs. Conor McGregor
After Conor McGregor achieved everything in MMA, from becoming a double champ to landing major fights, he transitioned to boxing. There, he delivered the biggest crossover fight of all time. Everything about that fight was unforgettable, from the press conferences to the iconic match itself. Reportedly, they earned over $100 million from the fight.
Mayweather had a guaranteed purse of $100 million, while McGregor was set to make $30 million. With over 4.3 million pay-per-view buys, their earnings skyrocketed. Interestingly, Mayweather ended up with $300 million, and McGregor walked away with $100 million despite losing the fight.
Also Read: 5 Stats That Prove Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov Almost Had Similar UFC Careers
Conor McGregor Vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov
McGregor’s showdown with Mayweather was massive, but when it comes to MMA, his fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov was next-level. This wasn’t just the biggest fight of his career—it was the most iconic fight the MMA world had ever seen. Their rivalry, which continues to this day, was a major force in making the UFC the powerhouse it is now.
UFC 229 became one of the most successful events in history, drawing 2.4 million pay-per-view buys for the headline bout between ‘The Eagle’ and ‘The Notorious.’ Although McGregor didn’t come out on top, it remains one of the most unforgettable fights.
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Although McGregor and Khabib were friends at first, their relationship soured after an incident. Nurmagomedov’s friends confronted Artem Lobov, a close friend of Conor’s, in Russia, accusing McGregor of avoiding a fight with him. Which later resulted in giving the biggest fight in the MMA world, which brought in numerous fans.
Also Read: Why Did Conor McGregor Become More Successful Businessman Than Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Conor McGregor Vs. Jose Aldo
While McGregor’s bouts with Mayweather and Nurmagomedov came after he was already a well-known fighter, it was his fight against Jose Aldo that truly put him on the map. That fight showcased his skills and charisma to a global audience, which began his rise to global fame.
In a matchup where barely anyone gave McGregor a shot, he knocked out Aldo’s decade-long unbeaten streak with just one punch in the opening moments. Footage from McGregor’s locker room before the fight even showed him perfecting the exact left hook that clinched him the UFC featherweight belt.
McGregor knocked out Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds to win the featherweight title. He took home over $16 million, making nearly $1.3 million for each second of the fight, and his popularity continued to soar when he fought against Nate Diaz, Dustin Poirier, and many other legends.
After coming from nothing to reaching the top of MMA, where he’s earned everything, it is simply phenomenal. His wealth is so vast that it will guarantee a luxurious life for future generations, thanks to fights like these. And he
Also Read: VIDEO: Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov Trash Talking During UFC 229 With Muted Commentary
