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Conor McGregor is one of the most famous sportspersons in the world. He undoubtedly is still the most famous active combat sports athlete besides, maybe, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Unfortunately, the Irishman has been on a downward spiral for some time now, and 2024 may have just been his worst-ever year.
Inactivity, legal trouble, and blows related to his businesses have defined his 2024. Throughout it all, McGregor has also faced accusations of drug abuse, with many wondering if he will ever fight again, despite UFC CEO Dana White's assertion that 'The Notorious' will return to the octagon in 2025.
2024 has, in some form, felt like the end of McGregor's tenure at the top of the UFC, for while he remains more famous than his roster-mates, his image is no longer what it once was.
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#5 Conor McGregor pulled out of a fight for the first time in 2024
Conor McGregor has always prided himself on never withdrawing from his fights, having taken aim at his hated rival Khabib Nurmagomedov for his past pullouts. Unfortunately, 2024 saw him walk back on his previous stance, and it wasn't even for a particularly serious injury.
To make matters worse, it was an injury Pereira fought with after replacing McGregor at UFC 303, from which the Irishman withdrew citing a broken toe. This drew ridicule from the MMA world, as it is among the least serious injuries a fighter can sustain, and is relatively easy to fight with.
Yet, McGregor still pulled out, extending his streak of inactivity to four years with 2025 now just days away.
#4 Michael Chandler finally fought somebody else
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler have been linked to one another since February 2023, when they began filming 'The Ultimate Fighter 31' as opposing coaches. They were expected to fight that same year, but McGregor's issues with USADA prevented the promotion from booking him in a timely return.
Chandler, however, remained committed to the bout. Fans and fighters alike ridiculed him for sitting out for so long in anticipation of a McGregor bout. After more than a year of waiting, the Irishman pulled out of UFC 303, and Chandler finally moved on.
At UFC 309, 'Iron' faced Charles Oliveira in a rematch. That he did so signifies that even Chandler is steadily losing interest in a bout with McGregor, who no longer commands the attention he once did. Case in point, Chandler is now eyeing a welterweight clash with either Colby Covington or Jorge Masvidal.
#3 Conor McGregor claims he'll box Logan Paul in an exhibition bout
Just this week, Conor McGregor made the stunning claim that he will take on WWE Superstar and influencer boxer Logan Paul in an exhibition boxing match. According to him, he'll do so in India at the request of the billionaire Ambani family. If true, it is a tremendous fall from grace for McGregor.
The Irishman once ridiculed the influencer boxing genre, and has spent the better part of the last few years dismissing Jake Paul's attempts at goading him into a fight. He went from scoffing at 'The Problem Child' and KSI, both of whom have far more boxing ability than Logan, to reportedly accepting a bout with the latter.
Logan is, by far, the least skilled influencer boxer of the group, with a disappointing 1-1 record and no grasp on the mechanics or fundamentals of boxing. To agree to face him, when McGregor once mocked such fights, is telling of how seriously he isn't taking his combat sports career anymore.
#2. Conor McGregor was found liable for assault
Sexual and physical assault are not new allegations in Conor McGregor's life. He has been accused of the two multiple times throughout the years. Unfortunately for him, an alleged Dublin r*pe of Nikita Hand in 2018 has led to a verdict years later. It was first reported in 2019, but no criminal charges were filed.
Irish prosecutors reasoned that there wasn't enough evidence to get a conviction. However, a civil case was subsequently filed in the Irish High Court. On Nov. 22, 2024, McGregor was found liable for assault. While he contested the verdict, it massively tarnished his image.
McGregor became the recipient of severe criticism, with many turning their backs on him. Gyms in Ireland even began to remove murals of him in an unprecedented move.
#1. Conor McGregor has faced severe financial consequences
After Conor McGregor was found liable for assault in the Nikita Hand case, a financial fallout followed. First, IO Interactive removed all content featuring Conor McGregor from the 'Hitman: World of Assassination' video game, ending their collaboration with him.
Next, major retailers like Tesco, Spar, and others pulled McGregor's alcoholic beverages from their shelves, prompting Proximo Spirits, the parent company of Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, to announce that they would no longer be working with McGregor, removing his likeness from the brand.
Moreover, pub chains like J D Wetherspoon stopped selling McGregor's Forged Irish Stout. It is a level of blowback that he has never seen, marking 2024 is likely his worst-ever year since finding fame.
