Conor McGregor is the biggest star in the history of the UFC. He’s the only fighter in the illustrious history of the company to hold two world titles at the same time. He’s produced record setting ratings on television when his fight against Dennis Siver averaging 2.75 million viewers and his last four pay-per-view fights against Jose Aldo at UFC 194, his two fights against Nate Diaz at UFC 196 and UFC 202 and the Eddie Alvarez fight at UFC 205 have all done over one million pay-per-views including record setting numbers for the second Diaz fight at 1.5 million PPV buys.
Anytime McGregor does something, we are writing about it. Whether it is his online pay-per-view interview or a non-sensical fight against Anderson Silva, the media is talking about it and writing articles on it.
But, has the UFC lost control of the Irishman, who seems to play to the beat of his own drummer as it seems like the premiere MMA organization lets him be in the driver’s seat?
“Beyond that, McGregor’s fights became money fights because the UFC took the leash off the brash Irish star. It helps that he has the gift of gab,” said Jay Anderson from FanSided with the article appearing on FoxSports.com. “It helps more that he backs up most of what he says come fight night. Most importantly? The UFC allowed him near free reign while his career was taking off.
“Throughout his meteoric rise, Conor McGregor could say what he wanted. He was pretty much handed what he asked for, though to his credit, he was more than willing to fight anyone, including on short notice. Still, it was free reign that allowed him to promote himself. His persona became an extension of his core being, blown up pro wrestling style. Conor McGregor himself is well aware of that symmetry — after all, he even admits to stealing his strut from Vince McMahon.
“His persona is larger than life — and it has come close to outgrowing the promotion. Thus it’s no surprise that the UFC is having a hard time controlling their biggest star.”
You can the rest of the article at FoxSports.com.
Is the article right? Can the UFC reign McGregor in before it’s too late? It will be interesting battle in 2017 and beyond.
