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Conor McGregor's octagon return has been made official, and he will take on former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler on June 29 at UFC 303. The bout will make the Irishman's first since July 21, 2021, when he snapped his shin in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
However, despite his absence from fighting, he wasn't absent from the UFC. McGregor had been active on the sidelines. In fact, for some time, it seemed like he was aiming to fight anyone but Chandler himself, calling out numerous other fighters, even KSI, an influencer boxer.
Fortunately, he is now focused on his upcoming clash with Chandler. Though before he was, he was busy with countless other responsibilities.
#5 Conor McGregor vs. Burnie
At Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals, Conor McGregor took part in a promotional stunt to generate hype for his pain relief spray. He and Burnie, the Miami Heat's mascot, were set for a choreographed tussle, which saw the former UFC champion deliver a faux knockout blow.
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Check out the 2023 NBA Finals skit:
While that was part of the script, there is a disagreement over the next part, with reports claiming that the Irishman went off-script with his subsequent punch to the grounded Burnie, landing the latter in the hospital. McGregor, however, disputes this narrative, claiming that it was all part of an agreed upon script.
He further stressed that there was no ill will between him and Chris Brown (not the singer), the man who wore the Burnie costume.
#4 Conor McGregor films 'The Ultimate Fighter 31' with Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor's octagon return was announced back in early 2023. However, there was no official date announced at the time, only his opponent's identity: Michael Chandler. To draw further interest for their future fight, the Irishman filmed 'The Ultimate Fighter 31' with his foe.
Both men served as opposing coaches for competing teams, with Chandler commanding an outstanding lead over McGregor. Tensions ran high, and a shoving match ensued. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and their encounter never evolved into a full-on brawl.
However, 'The Ultimate Fighter 31' failed to reach the viewership heights expected of it, hinting at fan fatigue with the concept behind the show.
#3 Conor McGregor is now part-owner of BKFC
In a more recent turn of events, Conor McGregor made the latest move in his entrepeneurial expansion. After previously hinting at a subtle interest in BKFC by taking part in an impromptu face-off with Mike Perry, and even carrying a BKFC belt when doing so, McGregor stunned the MMA world.
Check out Conor McGregor's BKFC announcement:
It was announced that he and his company, McGregor Sports and Entertainment, had a minority stake in BKFC, making them part-owners of the promotion. The exact percentage he owns or even his plans with his newfound status remain unknown, but BKFC would be wise to use his likeness.
McGregor is among the most popular combat sports athletes in the world, and is synonymous with MMA. He generates more interest than any other fighter across all combat sports, so his connection to BKFC can only benefit it.
#2 Conor McGregor's Forged Irish Stout
The business of brewing alcohol is nothing new to 'The Notorious.' The former UFC double champion has a widely-known whiskey brand called Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. However, last year, he expanded his alcohol business with Forged Irish Stout, a brand of dark beer made in Ireland.
He embarked on a significant marketing campaign, enlisting the services of Australian boxer and social media model Ebanie Bridges. Furthermore, he stole the show following Anthony Joshua's emphatic knockout over Robert Helenius, force-feeding the Englishman a glass of Forged Irish Stout.
McGregor has spent a large chunk of the preceding year, and a decent chunk of 2024, promoting Forged Irish Stout. In doing so, he has quickly turned it into one of his fastest-growing business ventures, with Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey taking a backseat.
#1 Conor McGregor made his action movie debut
Perhaps the biggest story of 2024 is Conor McGregor's debut on the silver screen. While it almost happened in 2016, with the Irishman slated to take on a minor role in 'XXX: Return of Xander Cage,' he opted against it to focus on his then upcoming UFC 202 rematch with Nate Diaz, who had beaten him in their prior outing.
Check out Conor McGregor in the 'Road House' trailer (1:38):
Nearly a decade later, 'The Notorious' joined forces with world-renowned actor Jake Gyllenhaal in a 2024 remake of action movie classic, 'Road House.' McGregor enjoyed a far larger role in this film than what he had been promised back in 2016, playing its main antagonist, Knox.
He promoted the movie quite well, taking part in interviews alongside its leading man, and offering behind-the-scene glimpses of the filming process. While the film drew a mixed critical reception, it has been a financial success, like nearly everything the Irishman touches.
