Conor McGregor has revealed that he’s expected to bank an astronomical amount of money for his lightweight title clash with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 on Saturday night.
“We’re estimating around 3 to 3.5 milllion [pay-per-view buys], I’d say I’ll close in around the $50 million mark,” McGregor told the media yesterday.
“So, for a mixed martial artist to make $50 million from a mixed martial arts bout, it’s quite breathtaking. I have to thank my management stable, Paradigm Sports Management. I’ve got to thank Dana White, I’ve got to thank Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank (Fertitta) who schooled me in the game.
“The new owners…W…what’s the name…WME-IMG? Those guys as well. I haven’t really met them that much but they’ve been good to me so far — Ari (Emmanuel) and those guys. Life is good.”
McGregor then cast his mind back to his first fight with Nate Diaz just two years ago and marvelled at how far things have progressed since then.
“To think where we have come from… when I fought Nate Diaz he was on $20,000 to show and $20,000 to win — the game has gone to so many new heights, so quickly and we’re just trying to keep up. And it’s a great time to be involved in the sport for myself, the fighters, the promoters, for the managers, for the media in attendance, for the fans, for everyone… times are good so let’s enjoy it. Let’s enjoy these momentous occasions.”
