Conor McGregor: UFC star tops Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

The fighter is the only MMA athlete in the top 10 and has beaten some of the biggest names in football, NFL, NBA and Formula 1 to top spot

The majority of Conor McGregor’s income came from ‘off-the-field’ earnings such as investments and endorsements (Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor was the world’s highest-paid athlete over the last year ahead of football players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the annual Forbes list released on Wednesday.

During the 12-month period ending May 1, 2021 McGregor earned $180 million, a figure which includes $158 million from endorsements and the recent sale of the majority stake of his whiskey brand, Forbes said.

Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi was second on the list and set a record as the highest-earning soccer player after bringing home $130 million while Portugal and Juventus forward Ronaldo earned $120 million to sit third among the top 10 highest-paid athletes.

NFL quarterback Dak Prescott ($107.5 million) of the Dallas Cowboys and four-times NBA champion LeBron James ($96.5 million) rounded out the top five.

Forbes said its on-the-field earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned during the 12-month period while off-the-field earnings are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and licensing income.

McGregor faces the next instalment of his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July.

The Irishman fought just once in the last year - when he was knocked out by Poirier at UFC 257 in January.

Reuters