Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor became the biggest pay-per-view draw in UFC history through a combination of fighting skill, promotional genius, and an outrageous personality that transcended mixed martial arts. His business ventures, particularly Proper No. Twelve whiskey, have made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Rising from collecting welfare checks in Dublin to becoming a two-division UFC champion, McGregor’s journey captured imaginations worldwide. His trash talk, fashion sense, and knockout power made every fight an event. His rivalry with Nate Diaz and feud with Khabib Nurmagomedov generated record pay-per-view buys.

McGregor crossed over to boxing in 2017, fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr. in one of the highest-grossing fights ever. While he lost, the reported $100 million payday established his drawing power extended beyond MMA.

Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, launched in 2018, became his most successful business venture. McGregor sold his majority stake to Proximo Spirits for a reported $600 million in 2021. Despite legal troubles and inactivity in the octagon, McGregor remains one of combat sports’ most famous figures.