“I’m going to the stars and then past them.” Among the countless statements circulating online today, this one from UFC megastar Conor McGregor feels the most fitting. Once an unstoppable force inside the Octagon, the Irishman’s aura of dominance has faded. It has been almost four years since he last stepped into the cage, his career derailed by a brutal leg break suffered in his 2021 trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. Since then, his highly anticipated return has remained a mystery.
Setbacks have come in many forms—injuries, an extravagant lifestyle, and Hollywood distractions—all of which have cast doubt on his hunger for competition. Does the Irishman truly want to fight again? The answer appears to be ambiguous! The lack of an official fight announcement leaves fans wondering: If ‘The Notorious’ isn’t fighting, what has he been doing all these years? We’ve been following his journey closely, and here’s a look at what the former champion has been up to.
Conor McGregor is busy with Greenback Records, Forged Irish Trout, & other businesses
Despite being absent from the Octagon for years, Conor McGregor continues to thrive, living a life of luxury and success. How does he do it? Even with a relatively short fighting career, ‘The Notorious’ built an empire through his immense star power and lucrative endorsements. Even in his time away from competition, he has only expanded his wealth—embodying his own famous words: “I’m not a businessman; I’m the business, man.”
Now, McGregor is making moves beyond the fight game. Last year, he launched Greenback Records, an independent record label in Ireland, alongside business partners Richard Buck and Julian O’Brian. The label made waves in the $28.6 billion music industry when rap legend Xzibit made his long-awaited return with the single Play This at My Funeral under its banner. Looking to shake up the industry even further, the Irishman recently signed the all-female group Sweet Love, aiming to recreate the global dominance once held by the Spice Girls.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing @sweetlove , the biggest girl band since The Spice Girls
Welcome to @greenbackrecords ladies !!
First single coming soon, watch out for new music !! pic.twitter.com/ieOcc09JAE
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 12, 2025
While making waves in the music industry, Conor McGregor is also staying true to his Irish roots. He has ventured into the brewing business, launching his own Irish Stout in collaboration with a local brewery. This move came after he acquired The Black Forge Inn in 2020, further solidifying his reputation as a business mogul beyond the Octagon. However, there’s even more keeping the UFC star away from the cage. Let’s dive deeper.
Controversies stand between McGregor & UFC return
Whenever Conor McGregor’s name makes headlines, controversy is never far behind. From heated rivalries to legal battles, the former UFC champion has built a reputation that extends far beyond the Octagon. One of his most infamous incidents dates back to UFC 223 media day, when ‘The Notorious’ attacked a bus with a steel dolly carrying several fighters, aiming to confront Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team. That moment was just the start of a long history of legal troubles that have followed him ever since.
Over the years, McGregor has grappled with multiple legal implications, but things escalated significantly in November 2023, when the Dublin High Court found him liable in a long-pending civil lawsuit case from 2018 involving a woman named Nikita Hand. The verdict sent shockwaves through the Dubliner’s life, leading to business partners severing ties and endorsement deals falling apart. Another similar controversy erupted when McGregor attended an NBA game in 2023.
Conor McGregor | via Imago
While the issue was initially settled, the controversy reignited when the woman later filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, seeking $75,000 in damages. She also claimed that the Kaseya Center failed to ensure her safety. However, after further review, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office dismissed the case, clearing Conor McGregor of any legal consequences.
Is Conor McGregor the next Dana White? BKFC and promotional aspirations
No amount of controversy can silence Conor McGregor, and he never misses a chance to remind the world of his larger-than-life persona. At BKFC KnuckleMania V presser, he made his presence felt with a bold declaration last month: “Oh, Philly. Sorry, I’m late. I don’t give a f–k. I’m the big boss around here.” A statement that perfectly embodies his brash confidence and dominance. In the summer of 2024, ‘The Notorious’ expanded his empire by becoming the co-owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)—a promotion notorious for its raw and unforgiving fights.
With his name now tied to the organization, BKFC has surged in popularity, grabbing mainstream media attention. Former UFC standouts Eddie Alvarez and Mike Perry have since taken center stage, further solidifying its status as a premier combat sports league. As speculation grows that McGregor’s fighting career is winding down, many believe he is transitioning into a Dana White-style role, positioning himself as a top fight promoter.
White is regarded as one of the best in the business, and the Irishman appears to be following in his footsteps. However, stepping away from competition entirely doesn’t seem to be on McGregor’s agenda just yet. Rumors are swirling about a potential bare-knuckle showdown against Jeremy Stephens—a possibility that even former fighter-turned-analyst Michael Bisping has considered. Sharing his thoughts on the matter, ‘The Count’ said: “Fair play, we’ve got to say, Jeremy Stephens; I mean, he did knock people out. And of course, ‘Who the f* is that guy?’—he might be fighting Conor McGregor in bare-knuckle!”
With everything laid out, what’s your take on Conor McGregor’s future? Will he get caught up in his business ventures, or does he still have one last run left in the Octagon? Share your thoughts below!
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