Conor McGregor Can’t Avoid Trouble

Conor McGregor finds himself in trouble once again. More accurately, the trouble arises from the unwanted publicity surrounding the Ultimate Fighting Championship superstar’s out-of-the-octagon behavior. In April, McGregor got into a confrontation with a man at a bar in Ireland. McGregor was serving several people whiskey. It seems the patron wasn’t interested, and McGregor responded with a left hook to his face. The incident didn’t receive any attention until recently as a video turned up.

The incident is terrible enough on face value. Making things worse is the man McGregor struck was far older than the pro fighter. McGregor’s unbecoming actions will likely cost him even more fans. And, as UFC president Dana White suggested, the actions will cost McGregor even more money.

Ironically, the man struck by McGregor didn’t even register the blow. McGregor did strike the man. Apparently, the older gentleman is quite tough. Regardless, the unprovoked attack makes McGregor look incredibly bad.

The 31-year-old former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight champion long established himself as a tremendous box office draw. His boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his mixed martial arts return at UFC 229 drew tens of millions of dollars. Unfortunately, McGregor’s lack of self-control appears to be haunting him.

Before the bar incident, McGregor found himself involved in two other high-profile mishaps. In 2018, McGregor threw a metal dolly through a bus window carrying several UFC fighters. The incident led to civil suits and criminal charges. The theft and destruction of someone’s cell phone in Miami Beach led to more charges and lawsuits. Likely, the recent “bar punch” travesty will mean more of the same.

Dana White noted that McGregor’s actions cost the fighter millions of dollars in legal fees and other expenses. While McGregor earned millions of dollars during his fight career, his funds are not unlimited. His controversial behaviors could negatively impact promoters’ long-term plans for him.

McGregor’s MMA record is stellar. He has 21 wins and only four losses. His most recent fight also delivered his most recent defeat. Regardless of McGregor’s behavior, promoters will continue to use him as long as he generates strong PPV buyrates. A losing streak could undermine everything, though. If McGregor continues to lose, fans may see him as “washed up,” which would kill his box office drawing power and subsequent income.

Yes, McGregor claims to be retired. However, millions of dollars in legal woes could coax him to return. That return may not be too far off.