Conor McGregor takes a steep tumble as uncertainty clouds his long-awaited UFC return

Former UFC double-champion Conor McGregor’s road back to the octagon has hit another roadblock, deepening doubts about his fighting future. The Irish icon, whose last appearance in 2021 ended with a gruesome leg break during his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, has since struggled to reignite his combat career. A planned 2024 comeback against Michael Chandler fizzled due to a training injury, leaving fans questioning if the 35-year-old will ever reclaim his throne.

Now, as speculation swirls, McGregor faces an unexpected blow—one that transcends sports and strikes at his legacy as Ireland’s wealthiest athlete.

Rory McIlroy poised to dethrone Conor McGregor

While McGregor’s fighting future remains in limbo, another Irish superstar is sprinting toward history. Golf phenom Rory McIlroy, fresh off a career-defining US Masters triumph, is on track to surpass McGregor as Ireland’s richest athlete—and potentially become the nation’s first sports billionaire. McIlroy’s estimated net worth, fueled by tournament wins, endorsements, and savvy investments, now hovers around 700 million, eclipsing McGregor’s 200 million fortune.

McGregor’s wealth, largely anchored in fight purses and ventures like Proper No. Twelve whiskey, has stagnated amid his UFC absence. McIlroy, meanwhile, enjoys a steadier income stream. His recent Masters victory not only padded his prize money but also amplified lucrative deals with brands like Nike and TaylorMade. Unlike Conor McGregor’s boom-or-bust earnings, McIlroy’s financial portfolio thrives on consistency, with sponsorships and equity stakes in tech startups ensuring long-term growth.

McGregor’s misfires vs. McIlroy’s momentum

The contrast between the two icons couldn’t be starker. McGregor’s career hinges on high-risk, high-reward combat sports—a realm where injuries and layoffs erode marketability. Since 2021, his ventures outside the octagon (whiskey, fashion, acting) have generated buzz but lack the financial firepower of McIlroy’s diversified empire. The golfer’s strategic investments in real estate, sports tech, and even Formula 1 teams (via Alpine Racing) showcase a forward-thinking approach McGregor hasn’t matched.

McIlroy’s ascent also highlights the perils of McGregor’s hiatus. With no fights since 2021, the UFC star’s social media clout and brand partnerships have plateaued. Meanwhile, McIlroy’s Masters win—a crowning achievement in a sport with global prestige—cements his status as a transcendent figure, appealing to demographics beyond traditional golf fans.

McGregor’s unlikely lifeline

In a bid to stay relevant, Conor McGregor has recently dabbled in politics, vocalizing strong opinions on Ireland’s immigration policies and even teasing a presidential run. However, political ambitions offer little financial upside. As analysts note, Irish politics lacks the lucrative lobbying or endorsement opportunities seen in larger nations like the U.S. McGregor’s presidential tease, while headline-grabbing, is more spectacle than strategy—a distraction from his eroding athletic and financial dominance.

Can McGregor catch up?

McIlroy’s path to billionaire status seems plausible. With career earnings projected to hit $1 billion by 2030, he’s leveraging golf’s global reach and his own business acumen. Conor McGregor, unless he stages a blockbuster UFC return or launches a unicorn startup, risks fading into Ireland’s sporting lore rather than its financial future.