Conor McGregor has been a behemoth of a star for the UFC, on the fast-track to success since joining the promotion in 2013. By 2016, just three years later, he had achieved megastar status not just in the fight game but in popular culture as a whole. Like no other fighter save perhaps Ronda Rousey (and possibly Brock Lesnar, but his star was launched by the WWE, not UFC), he transcended mixed martial arts into mainstream consciousness.
Like so many shooting stars, however, McGregor’s ascension was quick, and the inevitable decline came shortly after. After peaking by becoming the first simultaneous champ-champ in UFC history in 2016, McGregor dabbled in boxing, whisky making, and rarely saw the inside of the cage. Since claiming the lightweight title against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 (he was later stripped of the belt for inactivity), McGregor has fought just three times, posting a 1-2 record. Losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier sandwiched a lone win against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in 2020. Heading into UFC 264, where he’ll meet Poirier for the third time in the rubber match of their trilogy, McGregor arguably needs a win, more than ever before, just to maintain his megastar status.
Or does he? Our round table tackles whether McGregor’s seemingly bulletproof persona can handle another loss below.
Jay Anderson: I’m on the fence on this one. On one side, McGregor’s popularity seems to transcend wins and losses, up to a point. But as much as the general public got behind the Irish star, this sport requires that you to keep winning. There’s no Mick Foley in MMA, no points for effort in the end. However, should McGregor lose, there’s still another massive trilogy fight awaiting him in the form of Nate Diaz. That would be the true must-win fight, and I think what happens this Saturday at UFC 264 will lead to two specific outcomes: a win, and McGregor fights Charles Oliveira for the title. A loss, and he’s Diaz-bound.
Mike McClory: I do not think Conor McGregor is at risk of loosing his status with most of the casual MMA fans, who love him for his words and antics. And those who never took him seriously will continue to do so. That being a said a win could go a long way to furthering his brand and mass appeal— I’m just not sure if 2021 Conor has that drive anymore.
Gabriel Gonzalez: I think as a celebrity his megastar status is pretty set win or lose. Now, I do think his status as the top draw in the game could be in jeopardy. He will always be entertaining against the right opponents, but his drawing power has largely been helped by the fact that he often is in the conversation with the best in the division. That would take a hit with a loss on Saturday
Alex Behunin: To me, Conor is in a must-win situation. It reminds me of the Nunes vs. Rousey fight. Rousey’s star and shine left that night when she lost. Yes, Conor will always be a draw and must-watch TV but his mystique will be gone.
Dan Doherty: McGregor’s megastar status is seemingly immune to wins and losses. He’s simply made it. People will take his trash talk less seriously – like in the leadup to UFC 264 – but he’ll still draw the most eyeballs if he decides to fight again.
Michael Lynch: I think McGregor is in a must win situation this weekend. If he loses the only interesting fight left for him in the UFC is the Nate Diaz trilogy. There’s no shame in losing to Poirier but if he loses he will only have beat Donald Cerrone in the last five years. That’s not a good look.
Justin Gibbons: I would say no. The aura that surrounds him will never go away and there will always be fans who champion his legacy. When it comes to Conor McGregor, there will always be fights to be made (whether he wins or loses) that excite the fans.
Paarth Pande: Depends on your definition of mega stardom. If it means blind worship in his abilities and calling him GOAT then yes Conor Mcgregor is in a must win situation to maintain his mega star status. Since his loss to Khabib people have been doubting his credentials, the Poirier loss just confirmed those doubts. If it’s in terms of his drawing power or Fandom, nope McGregor still has a great record and his fans will just say he’s not fit for the ring anymore. That way they’ll still continue to follow whatever he does blindly.
