Irish · Crumlin, Dublin · Born 14 July 1988Conor McGregor is a former two-division UFC Champion whose career has been marked by long inactivity, with a brief comeback in July 2026.
Conor Anthony McGregor was born on 14 July 1988 in Dublin, Ireland, and trained under coach John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland, turning professional in mixed martial arts in 2008 and developing into one of the most commercially significant and stylistically bold strikers in the sport's history. McGregor, nicknamed "Notorious," won the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2015 with a 13-second knockout of José Aldo, one of the fastest title-fight finishes in UFC history, before adding the lightweight championship in 2016, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. McGregor's rivalry with Nate Diaz and his blockbuster 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. helped establish him as one of the highest-earning athletes in the world, transcending mixed martial arts to become one of the sport's most recognisable global personalities. McGregor has faced numerous legal matters throughout his career, including driving offences and assault charges, and has competed only sparingly in recent years. He married his longtime partner, Dee Devlin, in 2025, and remains one of the most polarising and commercially influential figures in the history of mixed martial arts.
First UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously; global MMA superstar
His KO of José Aldo in 13 seconds is the fastest finish in UFC championship history.
Did You Know?How They Played
McGregor is known for his precise striking, particularly his powerful left hand and excellent timing. He employs a karate-influenced stance with fluid movement and uses psychological warfare to unsettle opponents before fights. His counter-punching ability and knockout power made him one of the most feared strikers in the UFC.
Lasting Impact
McGregor transformed MMA into mainstream entertainment and became the sport's biggest pay-per-view draw. His charismatic personality and marketing ability helped elevate the UFC's global profile and brought unprecedented attention to mixed martial arts.
Career Honours
- UFC Featherweight Champion 2015
- UFC Lightweight Champion 2016
- first simultaneous two-division UFC champion
Irish Athletes