Conor McGregor is, no doubt, the most-recognizable UFC fighter today. As a matter of fact, his popularity only grew when he knocked out Jose Aldo at the recently concluded UFC event, UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor. Is his popularity enough to topple Mayweather-Pacquiao numbers? The outspoken Irish champion certainly thinks so.
McGregor has been known to be a big talker, who throws insults to his opponent as his way to hype up a fight. However, what people do not know is that his dreams are big as well. However, the possibility of being a number one cash cow could be just around the corner for the champion as it is reported that his last fight with Aldo had a live gate of $10.1 million.
He said that he is just warming up and promised to UFC President Dana White and Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta, that he will bring big numbers to the UFC in his next fights, as reported by MMA Junkie.
The new UFC featherweight champion will earn $500,000 for the win against Aldo, and one can only imagine the bonuses that come with the price. It is reported that Aldo will earn millions after PPV sales.
McGregor definitely has a big mountain to climb if he wants to top Mayweather and Pacquiao's numbers. The boxers fought in a record-breaking event in any sports. Their mega-fight had a total of $72 million live gate and a pay-per-view buys of 4.6 million.
"What did Floyd vs Manny do? 72 Million? I'm catching up," he said during the post-fight interview. "I'm only 27. Them old motherf--s were 40 before they got that."
"I'm bringing in these half a billion dollar revenues, like the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight has done," he said, as gathered by Washington Post.
To achieve larger numbers, the Irishman must find a worthy opponent who knows how to hype up a fight much more like him.
When Pacquiao and Mayweather fought, they had a total of 110 fights and they have been to blockbuster events prior. It took so many years for the two boxers to fight after it was announced five years before their supposed battle in the ring. Both Pacquiao and Mayweather are established superstars in their sport.
They are also the biggest draw in boxing before the match, and, although Aldo has been an undefeated champion in the UFC, he was never a cash cow like McGregor. The latter may be having a hard time finding a formidable opponent like Aldo in the next few years.
