UFC: Conor McGregor tops Forbes’ 2020 sporting rich list with US$180 million in earnings
- ‘The Notorious’ was the sporting world’s highest-paid athlete last year, with earnings boosted by commercial ventures
- Irishman beats out football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as LeBron James
Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor was the sporting world’s highest-paid athlete in 2020, raking in around US$180 million with earnings boosted by commercial ventures, a Forbes report showed on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old Irishman only fought once in 2020, earning around US$22 million from his victory over Donald Cerrone in January.
The bulk of the former plumber’s pay packet – an estimated US$158 million – came via his successful business activities, which included the sale of his Proper Twelve whiskey brand.
McGregor was one of only four athletes to earn more than US$100 million in 2020, according to the Forbes annual list of sport’s highest earners.
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was second on the list with US$130 million in earnings, followed by Juventus idol Cristiano Ronaldo with US$120 million.