Conor McGregor
22-6-0
Welterweight
About
The biggest star in combat-sports history — a former two-division champion whose knockout power and trash talk reshaped the UFC, and its most polarizing figure.
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Conor 'The Notorious' McGregor is the most commercially significant fighter the sport has ever produced. After a meteoric rise from the Irish regional scene, he flattened featherweight king Jose Aldo in 13 seconds in 2015 and a year later became the first fighter to hold two UFC titles at once by stopping Eddie Alvarez. His charisma, his left hand, and his rivalry with Nate Diaz turned him into a genuine crossover celebrity, culminating in a record-shattering 2017 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather.
He is also the sport's most polarizing figure. Beloved for his finishing power, comebacks, and unmatched self-belief, he is criticized for long periods of inactivity, trash talk that often goes too far, and a slide to 0-3 against the division's elite since his title reign — losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 and twice to Dustin Poirier in 2021. Whether fans are tuning in to cheer or to see him lose, they are still tuning in: McGregor remains the UFC's biggest draw.
Why fans love McGregor
Beautiful, devastating left hand; electric comebacks; once-in-a-generation charisma and self-belief; and the willingness to chase the biggest fights and biggest moments. His rise from Dublin welfare lines to global superstardom is the sport's defining story.
Why some fans hate McGregor
His trash talk crosses the line for many, and critics point to long layoffs and sparse activity since 2018. His record at the elite level slid to 0-3 against top lightweights (Khabib, Poirier twice), and some view the Mayweather boxing pivot as chasing money over MMA competition. The UFC 229 post-fight brawl added to a divisive image.
