Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Conor McGregor

How Conor McGregor built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Conor McGregor is an Irish professional mixed martial artist, primarily known for his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He achieved the distinction of becoming the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold championships in two weight classes: Featherweight and Lightweight. Before joining the UFC, he was also a simultaneous champion in Cage Warriors Fighting Championship (CWFC) for both Featherweight and Lightweight divisions. McGregor's accomplishments have solidified his status as a prominent figure in mixed martial arts.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 2007: Amateur MMA Debut

On 17 February 2007, at the age of 18, McGregor made his mixed martial arts debut in an amateur fight against Kieran Campbell for the Irish Ring of Truth promotion in Dublin, winning via technical knockout (TKO) in the first round.

March 2008: First Professional MMA Bout

On 9 March 2008, McGregor had his first professional MMA bout, as a lightweight, defeating Gary Morris with a second-round TKO, marking the start of his professional career.

2008: Professional MMA Debut

In 2008, McGregor began competing professionally in mixed martial arts (MMA), fighting in the lightweight and featherweight divisions.

2008: Training at Straight Blast Gym (SBG)

In 2008, McGregor began training at the Straight Blast Gym (SBG) in Dublin under John Kavanagh, marking a pivotal point in his MMA development.

2011: Winning Streak

During 2011, McGregor began an eight-fight winning streak, demonstrating his growing dominance in the sport.

2012: CWFC Championships

In 2012, McGregor won both the CWFC Featherweight and Lightweight championships, making him the first European professional mixed martial artist to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.

February 2013: Dana White's Trip to Dublin

In February 2013, UFC president Dana White visited Dublin and, after meeting with McGregor, offered him a contract days later, paving the way for his UFC career.

February 2013: Signing with the UFC

In February 2013, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced that they had signed McGregor to a multi-fight contract, marking his entry into the major league of MMA.

April 2013: UFC Debut

On 6 April 2013, McGregor made his UFC debut against Marcus Brimage at UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi, winning the fight by knockout in round one and earning his first "Knockout of the Night" award.

August 2013: Fight Against Max Holloway

In August 2013, McGregor fought Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night 26, winning by unanimous decision. An MRI scan later revealed he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and would require surgery.

2013: Signing with the UFC

In 2013, McGregor signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), marking a major step in his MMA career.

July 2014: Fight Against Diego Brandão

In July 2014, McGregor fought Diego Brandão at UFC Fight Night 46 in Dublin, Ireland, winning by TKO in the first round and earning his first Performance of the Night award.

September 2014: Fight Against Dustin Poirier

On 27 September 2014, McGregor faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 178, securing a victory via TKO in the first round, earning his second straight "Performance of the Night" award and marking Poirier's first UFC loss via KO/TKO.

2014: Rematch with Dustin Poirier Announced

In 2014, it was arranged that McGregor would have a rematch with former opponent Dustin Poirier.

January 2015: Fight Against Dennis Siver

In January 2015, McGregor faced Dennis Siver at UFC Fight Night 59, winning the fight via TKO in the second round and earning his third straight "Performance of the Night" award.

January 2015: Aldo Fight Announcement and World Tour

In January 2015, the fight against José Aldo was announced at UFC 183, leading to a 12-day world tour covering eight cities in five countries to promote the event.

January 2015: Announcement of Aldo Fight

On 30 January 2015, the highly anticipated bout between McGregor and José Aldo was announced at the UFC 183 Q&A, set for 11 July 2015 at UFC 189 for the undisputed UFC Featherweight Championship.

July 2015: Scheduled Fight against Aldo

In July 2015, McGregor was expected to face José Aldo at UFC 189 for the undisputed UFC Featherweight Championship, marking a highly anticipated event.

February 2016: Press Conference for UFC 196

In February 2016, a press conference was held to promote the UFC 196 main event between McGregor and Nate Diaz, setting the stage for their welterweight bout.

March 2016: UFC 196 Fight Promotion

In March 2016, McGregor faced Nate Diaz at UFC 196. The pre-fight press conference saw both men trading insults, escalating tensions before the event.

November 2016: Time Off After UFC 205 Win

After winning the lightweight championship at UFC 205 in November 2016, McGregor announced he would take time off from the UFC to await the birth of his first child.

June 2017: Terms Agreed for Mayweather Fight

After months of negotiations, on 14 June 2017, McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr. agreed to terms for a boxing match, officially announcing the highly anticipated event to take place on 26 August.

June 2017: Announcement of Boxing Match Against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

On June 14, 2017, it was announced that Conor McGregor would compete in his first professional boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. The fight was scheduled for August 26, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

August 2017: Mayweather vs. McGregor Fight Details and Payout

On August 24, 2017, the WBC Money Belt was announced for the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight. Mayweather was guaranteed $100 million, and McGregor was guaranteed $30 million. The fight took place with Mayweather winning via TKO in the 10th round. The event's live gate was over $55.4 million with Mayweather reportedly earning around $280 million overall and McGregor earning $130 million.

August 2017: Boxing Match Against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

On August 26, 2017, Conor McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing match at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The fight was broadcast on Showtime PPV in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

2017: Endorsement Deals Summary

In 2017, Conor McGregor's endorsement deals with Beats by Dre, Monster Energy, Reebok and Bud Light rounded up to $7 million.

2017: Boxing Match against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

In 2017, McGregor transitioned to professional boxing and faced Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a highly publicized bout, which he lost via TKO in the 10th round.

September 2018: Launch of Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey

In September 2018, Conor McGregor launched Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey in Ireland and the United States, named after the Crumlin neighbourhood in Dublin 12 where he grew up.

December 2018: Court Case Impact on Sponsors

In light of the 2024 Dublin court case where McGregor was found to have assaulted and raped a woman in December 2018, IO Interactive video game company ceased its collaboration with him, marking the loss of his first sponsor.

December 2018: Court Case Impact on Proper No. Twelve

In the aftermath of a 2024 Dublin court case, in which McGregor was found to have assaulted and raped a woman in December 2018, Proximo Spirits announced it would no longer use McGregor's name or image on the drink Proper No. Twelve.

March 2019: Retirement Announcement

On 26 March 2019, McGregor announced his retirement on social media, though it was viewed by many as a ploy for securing ownership in the UFC.

April 2019: Eligibility to Compete Again

Conor McGregor became eligible to compete again on April 6, 2019, following the conclusion of his six-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

January 2020: Fight Against Donald Cerrone

In January 2020, after over a year away from the Octagon, McGregor faced Donald Cerrone in a welterweight bout at UFC 246, winning via technical knockout in 40 seconds and earning a Performance of the Night award.

June 2020: Second Retirement Announcement

On 6 June 2020, McGregor announced his second retirement from fighting, adding another layer of uncertainty to his career.

2020: Purchase of The Black Forge Inn

In 2020, McGregor purchased a pub in South Dublin, renaming it to the Black Forge Inn.

January 2021: Loss to Dustin Poirier

In January 2021, McGregor faced Dustin Poirier in a rematch at UFC 257, losing the fight via technical knockout in the second round, marking the first knockout loss in his career.

July 2021: Loss to Dustin Poirier Due to Injury

On 10 July 2021, McGregor faced Dustin Poirier for a third time at UFC 264, losing the fight via technical knockout in round one after the ringside doctor stopped the bout due to McGregor's broken lower tibia.

2021: Forged Irish Stout Launch

In 2021, Conor McGregor officially launched Forged Irish Stout.

2021: Sale of Majority Stake in Proper No. Twelve

In 2021, it was reported that Conor McGregor and his business partners sold their majority stake in the Proper No. Twelve company to Proximo Spirits for a reported $600 million.

2021: Purchase of the Marble Arch Pub

McGregor purchased a second pub in 2021, the Marble Arch, where he had previously assaulted a man in April 2019.

August 2022: Lobov's Allegations Regarding Whiskey Idea

In an August 2022 interview Artem Lobov alleged that McGregor was initially headed towards creating a vodka product, but it was Lobov who pitched the idea of doing a whiskey instead.

2022: Cast in Road House Remake

In 2022, Conor McGregor was cast along with Jake Gyllenhaal in a remake of the 1989 film Road House.

Loading Video...

February 2023: Coaching The Ultimate Fighter 31

In February 2023, Conor McGregor began coaching The Ultimate Fighter 31, marking his second time in the role. His opposing coach was Michael Chandler. Filming for the show commenced during this month.

August 2023: Airing of The Ultimate Fighter 31

From May to August 2023, The Ultimate Fighter 31, coached by Conor McGregor, aired on television. The airing concluded in August 2023.

December 2023: Consideration of Running for President of Ireland

In December 2023, it was reported that Conor McGregor was considering running for the office of President of Ireland. Elon Musk commented "Not a bad idea." on X.

April 2024: Part-owner of BKFC

On April 2024, it was announced that McGregor and his company "McGregor Sports and Entertainment" were now part-owners of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

June 2024: Cancellation of UFC 303 Fight

In June 2024, specifically on June 13th, the UFC officially announced the cancellation of Conor McGregor's scheduled welterweight bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, originally set for June 29th, 2024. The cancellation was attributed to an injury (broken toe) sustained by McGregor.

2024: Delisting of McGregor-Linked Drinks

Following a 2024 Dublin court case, in which McGregor was found to have assaulted and raped a woman in December 2018, Musgrave delisted McGregor-linked drinks, leading to SuperValu, Costcutter, Centra, and Carry Out ceasing to sell McGregor's Forged Irish Stout and Proper No. Twelve whiskey. Tesco and Ocado additionally pulled all alcoholic products associated with McGregor from their stores.

2024: Advertising Standards Authority upheld complaints

In 2024, complaints about the sexualised nature of Forged Irish Stout's advertising were upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland.

March 2025: White House Visit and Political Aspirations

On 17 March 2025, Conor McGregor visited the White House in Washington DC at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, for a Saint Patrick's Day event. During the visit, he made controversial comments about immigration and announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate in the 2025 Irish presidential election.