Challenges in the Life of Conor McGregor in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Conor McGregor's life and career.

Conor McGregor is an Irish professional mixed martial artist, best known for his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He achieved the distinction of being the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold championships in two weight classes: Featherweight and Lightweight. Before joining the UFC, McGregor was also a champion in Cage Warriors Fighting Championship (CWFC), holding both the Featherweight and Lightweight titles simultaneously. He is a significant figure in the world of mixed martial arts.

Sections (5)

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

August 2013: Fight Against Max Holloway

On 17 August 2013, McGregor fought Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night 26, winning by unanimous decision. Following the bout, an MRI scan revealed that McGregor had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the bout and would require surgery, keeping him out of action for up to ten months.

2017: Transitioned to Professional Boxing

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

2018: Civil case of assault and rape

In 2018, Conor McGregor was involved in a civil case for assault and rape, which later led to a court ruling in November 2024.

January 2021: Lost Against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257

On 24 January 2021, McGregor faced Dustin Poirier in a rematch at UFC 257 and lost the fight via technical knockout in the second round, marking the first knockout loss in his career. McGregor was later handed a 6–month medical suspension after the knockout.

July 2021: Lost Against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264

On 10 July 2021, McGregor faced Dustin Poirier for a third time at UFC 264 and lost the fight via technical knockout in round one after the ringside doctor stopped the bout. McGregor had rolled his ankle while stepping back, resulting in a broken lower tibia which rendered him unable to continue.

2022: The Black Forge Inn Targeted by Petrol Bombs

In 2022, the Black Forge Inn, owned by McGregor, was targeted by petrol bombs.

November 2024: Irish High Court Ruling

In November 2024, an Irish High Court ruled in a civil case that McGregor had assaulted and raped a woman in 2018, ordering him to pay over €248,000 in damages.

December 2024: Ordered to Pay Legal Costs

In December 2024, McGregor was ordered to pay the victim's legal costs, amounting to approximately €1,500,000, following the civil case ruling.

July 2025: Fire at The Black Forge Inn

On July 25, 2025, at 3 am, a fire broke out at the Black Forge Inn. The blaze was extinguished with no casualties. The fire is being treated as suspicious.