Published on: November 24, 2024, 01:37h.
Last updated on: November 24, 2024, 01:37h.
It’s not ideal when a prominent figure in the UFC and the world’s top podcaster according to Spotify, Joe Rogan, puts you in the spotlight.
That’s exactly what happened on the latest episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, where Rogan, in conversation with actor Josh Brolin, discussed Conor McGregor’s rise to stardom in the UFC and subsequent decline, particularly from a performance perspective.
Rogan: Change of Path After Mayweather Fight
Conor self-destructed, in a lot of ways, due to money. I mean, he went for that fight with Floyd Mayweather (in 2017), earned a significant amount of money from it, and then took an extended break before returning to MMA. He just hasn’t been the same since. I believe it’s primarily due to the money and excessive partying. But when Conor was at his peak, he was a killer,” Rogan mentioned on his podcast.
McGregor has been out of action since injuring his leg in a TKO defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. His planned comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June was canceled due to a toe injury. McGregor has suffered three losses in his last four UFC fights.
Withdrawal from Chandler Match
Depending on how you view his career, McGregor remains one of the highest-earning athletes globally. Reports suggest his net worth is $200 million, which includes endorsements and business ventures (such as his Irish whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve), in addition to earnings from his career.
Furthermore, a civil court jury in Ireland ruled that McGregor did indeed sexually assault a woman in a hotel room in 2018, ordering him to pay her 248,000 Euros ($258,000 USD). McGregor maintains that the encounter was consensual, denies any wrongdoing, and has expressed intentions to appeal the verdict.
So, what lies ahead for the 36-year-old fighter?
High-Stakes Bout of the Year
His marketability in the realm of fighting remains intact. A return to the UFC would draw significant viewership and earnings.
“Even at present, when McGregor’s name is involved, we expect a surge in interest which presents a lucrative opportunity to engage customers,” a trader previously mentioned.
Traders from various sportsbooks agree:
If or when Conor steps back into the ring, it would undoubtedly be the biggest fight of the year. He attracts a large following from casual fans,” a representative from BetMGM stated.
“If McGregor decides to return to fighting, the four-year hiatus may impact his performance, influencing betting patterns depending on his opponent,” noted Mark Collier, a trader at BetVictor. “If he faces Chandler, which is expected to be a closely contested bout, we anticipate a significant increase in betting. A strategic matchup like his fight against Cowboy Cerrone may not carry as much weight, but it would still generate above-average business for us. The options are plentiful for Conor if he renews his training with John Kavanagh and fully commits…we’ll be ready to offer the betting opportunities for sure.”
BetMGM has McGregor at +4000 to become the UFC Men’s Welterweight champion by December 31, 2025 (+3500 for Men’s Lightweight champion on the same date).