8 Most Powerful People In MMA
3. Conor McGregor
You know his name. You knew he'd be on this list.
Never has a fighter held more sway than Conor McGregor. He was right when he said "we're not here to take part, we're here to take over" - only he should have just referred to himself. McGregor has taken over the sport, and love him or hate him, you will watch him.
He's the biggest draw in MMA history. The only fighter to have simultaneously held belts in two weight classes in the UFC. His last four PPV events have all sold more than a million buys. He draws more than Ronda Rousey. Has made the most money. And he's starting to move into the mainstream, turning up in video games and commercials. He has been offered movie roles as well, though thus far he has turned them down.
The latest rumor? He may appear in the next season of Game of Thrones.
Beyond all that, he has the power to choose when and where he fights. Who he fights. A dream match with Floyd Mayweather in a boxing ring? No one thought it possible, but this week Dana White offered both fighters $25 million U.S. each, and PPV bonuses, to do the match.
No one has ever had as much power as a fighter as McGregor. No one.