McGregor is the biggest box office star in UFC history
McGregor was the UFC’s biggest star before the fight. Not only was he the top box office attraction, but the first fighter to hold two world titles (featherweight and lightweight) simultaneously. Then, he became even bigger as a sports personality in his boxing match with Mayweather.
In reality, the August 2017 match put an 0-0 pro boxer against one of the greatest boxers of all-time. It was an obvious mismatch. But Mayweather’s light work still drew 4.3 million pay-per-view buys in North America, not only the second biggest number of all time, but a number that doubled the biggest numbers Mike Tyson had ever put on the board.
McGregor then returned to the octagon against Nurmagomedov, and was the biggest money night in UFC history. But the business of major UFC fights has changed significantly since then.
In reality, the August 2017 match put an 0-0 pro boxer against one of the greatest boxers of all-time. It was an obvious mismatch. But Mayweather’s light work still drew 4.3 million pay-per-view buys in North America, not only the second biggest number of all time, but a number that doubled the biggest numbers Mike Tyson had ever put on the board.
McGregor then returned to the octagon against Nurmagomedov, and was the biggest money night in UFC history. But the business of major UFC fights has changed significantly since then.
