Conor Anthony McGregor was born on July 14, 1988, in Dublin, Ireland. Raised in Crumlin, he attended Irish-language schools and developed a passion for sports, particularly football. At the age of 12, he also took up boxing at Crumlin Boxing Club as a means to defend himself against bullies and boost his confidence.
Conor's first round of major affects was becoming the first UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion: McGregor made history by becoming the first UFC fighter to hold championships in two weight classes simultaneously. He secured both the Featherweight and Lightweight titles, showcasing his striking precision and knockout power. Trash Talk and The Notorious Moniker: Outside the cage, McGregor is known for his trash talk and bravado. His signature style of repeatedly engaging in verbal warfare against opponents earned him the moniker “The Notorious.”
Pay-Per-View (PPV) Records: McGregor is the biggest PPV draw in MMA history. His bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 garnered a staggering 2.4 million PPV buys, the most ever for an MMA event. His debut professional boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. drew over 5.3 million buys across the United States and the United Kingdom. Controversies and Behavior: Throughout his career, McGregor has been a lightning rod for controversies due to his behavior both inside and outside the octagon. His antics have fueled debates and discussions among fans and critics alike. Forbes’ Highest-Paid Athlete: In 2021, Forbes ranked McGregor as the world’s highest-paid athlete, with reported earnings of $180 million. His impact extends beyond the sport, popularizing MMA and the UFC globally.
Professional Boxing and Beyond McGregor’s journey isn’t limited to MMA. He stepped into the boxing ring against Floyd Mayweather Jr., showcasing his versatility and drawing massive attention.
With Conor having to recently pull out of UFC 303 due to injury it felt like a good time to reflect on the positive affects he has had on the sport.