UFC Athlete of the Decade

By Andrew Gutman

 

From 2013 to 2016, Conor McGregor’s performances inside the cage–you know,  when he won UFC debut in one minute, took out featherweight legend Jose Aldo in 13 seconds, and became the first fighter to win two belts in two weight classes at the same time–were other-worldly. He was untouchable.

Then, after reaching peak fame in 2016, and with his record (now 21-4)  beginning to dwindle, McGregor turned his attention to his exploits out of the cage. He amassed over 30 million Instagram followers, had a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, launched a new website (The Mac Life), a clothing brand (August-McGregor), and a whiskey company (Proper 12), and starred in a documentary (Conor McGregor: Notorious) about his ascension.

 

 

In less than half a decade, Mystic Mac became one of the most influential athletes on the planet, landing the number four spot on Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes list in 2018, bested only by Lionel Messi, Floyd Mayweather, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In short, that is why the New York Beacon names Conor McGregor the UFC Athlete of the Decade. Not because he excels at his sport, but because he transcends it. Your dad knows McGregor, your co-workers know McGregor, your grandmother knows McGregor.

Even if he’s not the best to ever throw another punch, you can bet that he’ll always be the most notorious.