Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise continued into the mid-teens and beyond, as he became a central figure in MMA’s evolution. McGregor’s trash-talking, larger-than-life personality, and ability to draw massive crowds catapulted him into the spotlight. His brash predictions and dynamic striking captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
McGregor’s success in becoming the first fighter to hold two UFC titles simultaneously sparked a trend of superfights—crossweight matchups featuring fighters from different divisions vying for championships. These high-profile clashes, such as McGregor’s bout against Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight title, showcased the potential for unprecedented matchups and generated immense interest within the MMA community.
Superfights also extended beyond the UFC, as evidenced by the crossover boxing match between McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017. The event generated unprecedented hype and blurred the boundaries between MMA and boxing, showcasing the global appeal of both sports.