Conor McGregor is an Irish professional fighter with a net worth estimated at $200 million. His wealth includes notable earnings from various high-profile events. The $100 million from his fight against Floyd Mayweather in August 2017, $50 million from his 2018 bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov, and a remarkable $200 million pre-tax from the sale of his whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve, in 2021 all contributed to his fortune. His total career earnings from fighting alone stand at approximately $235 million. These events and others are detailed in the following sections.
McGregor’s Early Beginnings and UFC Journey
Conor McGregor’s journey into mixed martial arts (MMA) began in 2007 when he made his debut at the age of 18. His first fight was an amateur contest, which he won via a first-round technical knockout (TKO). McGregor’s professional debut came in 2008 when he fought Gary Morris, winning in the second round by TKO. Afterward, he faced a setback, suffering his first professional loss, but was encouraged by his coach to continue pursuing MMA, which would eventually lead to his rise in the sport.
In 2013, Dana White visited Dublin, Ireland, where McGregor was being recommended by numerous locals. White met with McGregor and, after discussions with then-UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, McGregor was signed to the UFC. His debut came on April 6, 2013, when he faced Marcus Brimage. McGregor’s performance was exceptional, defeating Brimage with a knockout just over a minute into the first round. A few months later, McGregor took on Max Holloway, securing a win by unanimous decision. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL during this fight, which sidelined him for ten months. However, McGregor returned in 2014 with a series of wins, leading to a lucrative contract with the UFC. By then, McGregor was becoming one of the UFC’s biggest stars. In 2024, McGregor starred in a reboot of the 1980s film Roadhouse alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Conor McGregor’s Background and Rise in Combat Sports
Conor McGregor was born on July 14, 1988, in Crumlin, Ireland. Growing up, he showed an aptitude for sports, particularly soccer. However, at the age of 12, McGregor began training at a local boxing club. His journey into the world of combat sports expanded when he began an apprenticeship as a plumber at the age of 17 in 2006. It was during this apprenticeship that McGregor met UFC fighter Tom Egan, who introduced him to the sport. McGregor and Egan soon trained together, which led to McGregor’s eventual entry into professional MMA.
Trained initially in boxing, McGregor later honed his skills in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under John Kavanagh, the first Irish person to earn a black belt in the discipline. He also trained in other martial arts like Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Capoeira, and Kickboxing. These varied combat experiences prepared him for the challenges of professional MMA.
McGregor’s UFC Career and Evolution
McGregor’s first amateur MMA fight came at the age of 18, where he won by TKO in the first round. At this time, he was still on welfare in Ireland, receiving $235 per week in government assistance. In February 2013, McGregor signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC. At this point, he became only the second fighter from the Republic of Ireland to join the promotion, following welterweight Tom Egan. McGregor’s UFC debut came against Marcus Brimage on April 6, 2013, where he won in the first round via TKO. This victory earned McGregor his first Knockout of the Night award.
Known for his wide-stance striking, McGregor developed a range of combat techniques that helped him rise to the top of the UFC rankings. His fast, straight-arm left jab became one of his most effective moves. Despite being a foreign-born fighter, McGregor experienced an incredible ascent in the UFC, eventually becoming one of the most recognized fighters in the sport.
Notable UFC Earnings
McGregor’s biggest paydays have come from some of his most high-profile bouts. On July 11, 2015, he earned $3.285 million after defeating Chad Mendes at UFC 189. Later that year, he earned $4.5 million when he knocked out Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194. His rematch with Nate Diaz on March 5, 2016, reportedly earned him $5.6 million, with a similar sum for their second fight later that year at UFC 202. In November 2016, McGregor reportedly earned around $7 million for his win over Eddie Alvarez.
Perhaps McGregor’s most lucrative fight was against Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018. The fight earned him an estimated $50 million, a sum that further bolstered his financial standing.
McGregor’s Boxing Debut and Floyd Mayweather Fight
In August 2017, McGregor made his boxing debut against undefeated champion Floyd Mayweather. The event became one of the most lucrative pay-per-view (PPV) spectacles of all time, generating 4.3 million buys. McGregor was guaranteed $30 million for the fight. With PPV bonuses, merchandise sales, and other earnings, his total gross income from the event exceeded $100 million. This fight also allowed McGregor to earn an additional $14 million in endorsements from brands like Burger King, Beats by Dre, and Anheuser-Busch.
Though McGregor lost the fight, the earnings helped him build a net worth of $85 million after taxes. Had he won, it was anticipated that a rematch could have generated an even larger payday, potentially reaching $200-$300 million. McGregor had also signed an 8-fight deal with the UFC in September 2018, which was likely worth at least $200 million, though the exact terms were not disclosed.
Conor McGregor’s Whiskey Venture and Business Success
McGregor’s business ventures have added significant wealth to his portfolio. In September 2018, McGregor launched Proper No. Twelve, an Irish whiskey brand. His partners brought in Proximo Spirits, a liquor company, as a 20% equity partner. Proximo, known for its ownership of Jose Cuervo tequila, later increased its stake in Proper No. Twelve to 49%. In April 2021, McGregor and his partners sold their remaining 51% stake in the whiskey brand to Proximo Spirits, with the total value of the deal reaching $600 million. McGregor’s share of the deal amounted to an estimated $200 million.
Acting Career and New Ventures
In addition to his fighting and business ventures, McGregor has also explored acting. He was paid over $5.5 million to star in the reboot of Road House, which debuted on Prime. McGregor wanted to claim the title of the largest salary ever paid to an athlete for a first-time acting role, surpassing The Rock’s $5.5 million salary for The Mummy Returns in 2001.
