Conor McGregor, the Irish mixed martial arts icon and entrepreneur, has become a household name both in and out of the octagon. As of 2025, McGregor, 36, commands an estimated net worth of $200 million, positioning him as one of the wealthiest and most recognizable figures in combat sports. From his rapid rise in the UFC to his lucrative ventures in business and entertainment, McGregor’s empire is built on a combination of record-breaking fight purses, brand endorsements, and entrepreneurial success.
Humble Beginnings to UFC Stardom
Born Conor Anthony McGregor on July 14, 1988, in Crumlin, Dublin, McGregor’s early years were rooted in working-class Ireland. As a teenager, he trained as a plumber before being introduced to MMA by future UFC fighter Tom Egan. McGregor’s background in boxing quickly evolved as he added disciplines such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and Capoeira, under the guidance of renowned coach John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland.
McGregor’s amateur MMA debut came at the age of 18, where he won by first-round TKO. Just before that fight, McGregor was living on government assistance, collecting €188 ($235 USD) weekly welfare checks. That story has since become part of the McGregor legend — a rags-to-riches journey fueled by resilience and confidence.
UFC Breakthrough and Record Paydays
McGregor’s life changed forever in 2013 when UFC president Dana White signed him to a multi-fight contract. McGregor made his UFC debut in April 2013, delivering a knockout victory over Marcus Brimage just over one minute into the first round. His meteoric rise saw him defeat big names like Max Holloway, Chad Mendes, and Jose Aldo, the latter of whom he famously knocked out in just 13 seconds to win the UFC featherweight title.
McGregor’s paydays reflected his growing star power. He earned $3.2 million for defeating Mendes at UFC 189 and $4.5 million for his lightning-fast victory over Aldo. His two clashes with Nate Diaz in 2016 generated approximately $11 million combined. By the time McGregor defeated Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight title in 2016, he had cemented himself as the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view draw.
However, his most lucrative UFC fight came in 2018, when he faced undefeated champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Despite losing the bout, McGregor earned an estimated $50 million, including pay-per-view bonuses.
The Historic Mayweather Fight and Boxing Payday
In August 2017, McGregor made history by crossing over to boxing to fight the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. in one of the most hyped events in combat sports history. Although he lost the bout via TKO in the 10th round, McGregor walked away with a staggering $100 million payday, thanks to the fight’s colossal pay-per-view numbers and commercial appeal. The fight catapulted his earnings into the stratosphere and established McGregor as a true crossover superstar.
Business Ventures: Proper No. Twelve and More
McGregor’s entrepreneurial prowess is as noteworthy as his fighting career. In 2018, he launched Proper No. Twelve, an Irish whiskey brand that quickly became a global success. Initially partnering with Proximo Spirits, McGregor and his partners sold 49% of the company for $250 million in 2020. By April 2021, they sold the remaining 51% to Proximo for a reported total deal valuation of $600 million.
McGregor’s share of that windfall is believed to be around $200 million, solidifying Proper No. Twelve as one of his most lucrative ventures outside the octagon. The brand’s success demonstrated McGregor’s ability to leverage his star power beyond fighting, following in the footsteps of athletes like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who built wealth through business.
Additionally, McGregor has dabbled in other ventures, including the launch of McGregor FAST, a fitness and training program, and endorsements with major brands such as Beats by Dre, Burger King, and Reebok.
The Road House Reboot and Hollywood Foray
In March 2024, McGregor made his Hollywood debut, co-starring with Jake Gyllenhaal in the Amazon Prime reboot of the 1980s classic Road House. McGregor was paid over $5.5 million for the role, surpassing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s acting debut salary, and claiming the record for the highest salary ever paid to an athlete for a first-time acting role.
The transition into acting marks yet another chapter in McGregor’s diverse career, hinting at more ventures in film and entertainment to come.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
McGregor has been in a long-term relationship with Dee Devlin since 2008. The couple, who got engaged in 2020, share three children. Despite his lavish lifestyle, McGregor often credits his family for keeping him grounded.
Beyond business and sports, McGregor has invested in philanthropy, contributing to causes in Ireland and abroad, including COVID-19 relief efforts, youth programs, and charitable donations to hospitals and frontline workers.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
McGregor’s career has also been marked by a series of controversies, including arrests and legal disputes related to public incidents and altercations. Despite these challenges, McGregor has maintained his position as a cultural icon and continues to attract massive audiences to his fights and ventures.
McGregor’s Net Worth Breakdown
As of 2025, Conor McGregor’s $200 million net worth stems from a mix of fight purses ($235 million in career fighting earnings), business ventures (including the Proper No. Twelve deal), endorsements, and new entertainment projects. Despite stepping away from full-time MMA competition, McGregor remains one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
What’s Next for “The Notorious”?
While McGregor’s competitive future in MMA remains uncertain, his influence on the sport and business world is undeniable. Whether returning to the UFC, expanding his film career, or pursuing new ventures, McGregor’s legacy is that of a fighter who not only dominated inside the cage but also mastered the business game outside of it.
As Conor McGregor continues to break boundaries, his story serves as one of the most remarkable rise-to-riches tales in modern sports history.
