Conor McGregor's transition from slender KO king to a heavyweight brute
Conor McGregor's journey in the world of mixed martial arts has witnessed fluctuations as significant as his fighting weight. The lean and tattoo-free Irishman who made his debut in UFC a decade ago in 2013, is almost unrecognizable when compared to the muscular McGregor who is gearing up for his comeback in the upcoming year.
UFC debut match changed McGregor's life
In 2013, McGregor made his UFC debut that changed his life as he compiled a 9-1 record with seven knockouts. Transitioning from an apprentice plumber to arguably the most renowned mixed martial artist globally, the Irishman's journey thus far has been truly remarkable.
A man with many dreams
In under a decade, McGregor evolved from a promising young fighter climbing the ranks in the UFC featherweight division. During that time, he shared a tweet expressing his aspirations of becoming a two-division UFC champion, earning a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame, attaining a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and accumulating $25 million in his bank account. He also became a two-division UFC champion in 2016 after beating Eddie Alvarez.
The beginning of 'bulking up'
Initially joining the UFC in the 145lb featherweight division, McGregor swiftly ascended to champion status within two years by delivering a knockout blow to the Brazilian Jose Aldo, aged 35. The initial indication of weight gain emerged a year later in 2016 when McGregor moved up to the 170lb welterweight division for two fights against Nate Diaz, aged 36. Riding on the wave of his heightened popularity, McGregor made a crossover into the boxing ring, experiencing a loss to Floyd Mayweather, aged 44, in 2017.
McGregor's arrest in 2019
In March 2019, The New York Times brought to light an investigation by the Irish police into Conor McGregor, following accusations of a sexual assault on a woman at a Dublin hotel in December 2018. McGregor vehemently denied both allegations and did not face criminal charges in either instance. Additionally, in 2019, McGregor faced legal trouble in Miami, where he was arrested and charged with two felonies—strong-arm robbery and criminal mischief. He was subsequently released on bail after paying $12,500.
McGregor's earnings shoot up
In a remarkable turn of events, Conor McGregor ascended to the status of the highest-earning athlete in 2021. The 33-year-old's earnings surpass those of renowned figures like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar on a 'per-minute' basis. Research conducted by Ladbrokes reveals that McGregor raked in an astounding £6.2 million ($7.5 million) per minute throughout the course of 2021, establishing a substantial lead over other fighters in the UFC.
Hulk in the making
Even Conor McGregor's training partner has been taken aback by the UFC star's significantly bulkier physique in recent years. McGregor has been absent from the Octagon since fracturing his leg in a bout against Dustin Poirier in July 2022. During this hiatus, McGregor saw a substantial weight gain, disclosing that he reached a weight of 86kg at one point—15kg more than his weight when he last weighed in for his July 2021 fight against Poirier.
Fighter's return slated in 2024
Contrary to speculations about Conor McGregor's potential return to UFC action this year in 2023, the fighter is set to stay out of the octagon at least until 2024. Audie Attar, representative of some of UFC's most prominent stars, including McGregor, has officially confirmed this. McGregor, aged 35, has been absent from UFC competition since July 2021. However, McGregor is enjoying his days alongside his family, basking under the sun and enjoying the high life.
