Conor McGregor has admitted that the pressures of superstardom and constant attention nearly overwhelmed him. Even though he has not competed since July 2021 and has not won a fight since January 2020, McGregor remains one of the most recognizable figures in MMA. After suffering a major injury in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, he shifted focus to business ventures, including co-owning the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), while keeping the door open for a potential fighting return.
Following BKFC 82, the first sanctioned bareknuckle event in New Jersey, McGregor was asked whether promoting gives him the same thrill he experienced as a top-tier fighter. The Irish superstar offered an honest reflection on balancing both roles.
“Yes, I’ve just come on as a promoter and owner of the bareknuckle for how long, a year or so, but I’m doing it a long, long time,” McGregor said. “I came up through the school of the Fertitta empire and with Dana White at the helm – and I was the protege. I tell you this, and this is why we must really, really, really put our maximum respect and support behind our combatants in here, because to fight as well as promote is the real deal. To promote on its own, is easy, and also, coincidentally, to fight on its own is easy. People don’t really realize that.”
Conor McGregor admits to being broken by fame pic.twitter.com/J4d0d88PAf
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 5, 2025
The Toll of Superstardom on McGregor’s Career
McGregor’s rise in the UFC was unprecedented. He moved quickly through the ranks, winning interim gold in his sixth UFC fight and then cementing his place in history by knocking out Jose Aldo in 13 seconds. He created legendary rivalries, captured a second UFC title, and even took on a massive boxing match against Floyd Mayweather. Along the way, legal and personal challenges also added stress.
“You know, you get these fighters, they come up, and no one cares about you,” McGregor said. “You rock in under the radar, no one asks you a question, you get to show up and have fun and do your thing, and there’s no stress or outside world and it’s perfect. Then when you rise, you’ve gotta add this promotional animal to it – and both of them combined is incredibly draining.
“I wouldn’t be the first to tell you, it almost broke me. To be honest, maybe it did break me as I went on and achieved massive success and global, otherworldly superstardom. It overcame me at times.”
Despite the challenges, McGregor has gained perspective and respect for fighters navigating high-level promotion and competition.
“To promote and fight at a high level, deserves support and respect – and that is what I’m here for, to ensure that is what happens,” he said. “To promote on its own, it’s absolutely amazing. I put on a nice suit, I put on a nice watch – that’s what I love to do. But don’t get me wrong, I miss the fight game, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.
“I know Dave wants me in the bareknuckle, UFC are concocting a new contract deal or whatever’s gonna happen, I don’t know, we’ll see. We’ll take it day-by-day, but God is great, and I thank him every day.”
Looking ahead, McGregor also hinted at bigger ambitions, including a potential appearance on the upcoming UFC White House card. He is clearly focused on selective high-profile opportunities to return to the Octagon while maintaining his status as a central figure in combat sports.
