Conor McGregor, the renowned MMA fighter and entrepreneur, has once again stirred the pot with his bold claims about his earnings, asserting he made more than $32 million from his last UFC fight against Dustin Poirier. This assertion ignited immediate controversy among fans and analysts alike, leading many to question the validity of his statement.
The last time McGregor entered the UFC Octagon was on July 10, 2021, during UFC 264, where he faced Poirier. The fight came to an abrupt end when McGregor suffered a severe ankle injury at the conclusion of the first round. Since then, McGregor has not fought and had initially been scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 before withdrawing due to another injury.
On February 25, 2025, as the boxing world buzzed around the massive payouts from the recent fight card featuring Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, McGregor made waves on social media. He responded to reports estimating the total payout for the boxing card at $32.1 million, where both Bivol and Beterbiev earned $10 million each. McGregor asserted, "If accurate, I made more than this entire card’s estimated payout combined in my last outing for the UFC. 2021. I garnered record gate, as well as record PPV’s for the company through my service. #MONEY."
McGregor's claim generated mixed reactions from fans and observers. Many expressed skepticism, arguing his figures didn't add up. Comments like, "Bro just lies for the sake of lying," and another stating, "Take Conor's claims and divide them by 2 and you'll usually get the rough correct number," reflected the general disbelief. Some fans also urged McGregor to return to the UFC, with messages such as, "How about finishing your contract in UFC? What are we doing??"
Critics flooded social media with accusations, with one remarking, "Stop the 🧢🧢🧢🧢"—a colloquial way of accusing someone of lying. This questioning of McGregor's integrity isn't new; he has often faced scrutiny and skepticism concerning his pronouncements about earnings and fights.
Interestingly, McGregor’s last opponent, Dustin Poirier, shared his views on the former champion during his recent appearance on the Outta Pocket podcast. Poirier surprisingly had complimentary words for McGregor, stating, "Look, I love to talk trash on Conor... but he’s special. He has something special…" This statement was met with humor on social media, as fans pointed out past grievances, including how McGregor disrespected Poirier’s wife during their feud.
The return to MMA for McGregor remains uncertain, with many believing he may be more occupied with endorsements and business ventures, including his highly-publicized whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve, which he sold for about $150 million, underpinning his status as one of the highest-earning athletes.
Despite the controversy, McGregor's comments speak to the larger discourse about fighter pay within the UFC compared to boxing, where payouts can often soar to unprecedented heights. Many observers have called for greater transparency around fighters' earnings to eliminate speculation and prevent scathing backlash from fans.
McGregor's financial claims also feed his self-promotional persona, which has contributed significantly to his marketability and lasting allure—qualities which have fundamentally changed the dynamics of pay-per-view events. Fighters like McGregor typically command massive buy rates, largely attributed to his fame and unique fighting style. His iconic bout against Khabib Nurmagomedov remains the highest-grossing event in UFC history.
Looking closely, McGregor’s financial acumen and the attention surrounding his fighting career show how intertwined the worlds of sports and business can be. While McGregor basks aptly in the limelight of wealth and fame, the real question remains: Will he ever return to the Octagon? Whether his claims are accurate or exaggerated might matter less than the spectacle he creates around his brand.
Nonetheless, McGregor's undeniable charm and ability to spark debates about fighter earnings and his significant impact on the UFC means he will always be at the forefront of discussions about MMA. His comeback or even his participation outside of the sport could continue to intrigue both fans and critics alike.
For now, all eyes remain on 'The Notorious' as he navigates the complex world of professional fighting and business, leaving many to wonder: is he still the cash cow of UFC, or has the rise of new stars shifted the dynamics entirely?