Conor McGregor, the charismatic Irish fighter who has left an indelible mark on the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), is no stranger to the spotlight. His meteoric rise from a humble background to becoming a two-division UFC champion captured the imagination of fight fans worldwide. But what about the financial side of his success? How much did McGregor really earn during his championship reigns?
The Enigma of McGregor’s Payouts
While McGregor’s fights have consistently drawn massive pay-per-view (PPV) numbers, the exact details of his earnings have remained shrouded in mystery. Backstage bonuses, perks, and undisclosed payouts have fueled speculation. Enter Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, a former UFC flyweight champion, who recently shed some light on the matter.
Johnson’s Revelation
In a revealing YouTube video, Johnson discussed the payouts handed to McGregor and other UFC champions. He specifically highlighted the amount McGregor likely received after winning his first UFC title. According to Johnson, once a fighter becomes a UFC champion, they receive a flat $500,000 payout for every PPV fight they compete in while holding the title. For McGregor, this meant a guaranteed half-million dollars for each PPV appearance as the reigning champion.
The Pay-Per-View Points System
But what about the elusive pay-per-view points? These points are a crucial part of a fighter’s compensation. When a champion enters a PPV event, they receive a flat fee based on PPV sales, in addition to their fight purse. McGregor, Jon Jones, and Amanda Nunes—all champions—accrued financial rewards from these points. However, Johnson, despite amassing 11 consecutive title defenses during his UFC flyweight reign, was deprived of this additional income stream.
Dana White’s Stance
In the video, Johnson included a clip of UFC CEO Dana White expressing his reluctance to receive pay-per-view points. White had doubted his ability to sell PPVs effectively. Johnson countered by insinuating that the UFC didn’t grant pay-per-view points to flyweight fighters like himself. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of fighter compensation and the UFC’s business model.
McGregor’s Future
As of now, Demetrious Johnson holds the ONE flyweight title and competes in the Singapore-based MMA promotion. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor remains signed to the UFC. His next matchup and exact comeback date are yet to be officially announced. Fans eagerly await his return, whether it’s against Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz, or perhaps even a boxing match with Manny Pacquiao.
In conclusion, while McGregor’s fame and fortune continue to grow, the financial intricacies of his UFC career remain a captivating puzzle—one that fans and fighters alike will continue to dissect and debate.
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