Conor McGregor Claims Max Holloway Is Making 5x Money and Calls for More Pay to UFC Fighters

Irish UFC star Conor McGregor highlights his star power while advocating for better fighter compensation ahead of UFC 329.

Conor McGregor Claims Max Holloway Is Making 5x Money and Calls for More Pay to UFC Fighters

Conor McGregor talks about Max Holloway's payday at UFC 329 (via X)

Conor McGregor remains one of the most successful fighters in UFC history. His UFC career and business ventures have built an estimated net worth of $200 million. Few fighters have matched his financial success or global influence. However, most UFC stars have never reached those financial heights. Despite that disparity, McGregor recently advocated for improved fighter pay ahead of his UFC 329 return.

McGregor transformed his UFC success into one of combat sports’ greatest business empires. He earned millions through record-breaking paydays, endorsement deals, and the sale of his Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand. The Irishman also became a part-owner of BKFC while expanding his investments across multiple industries. Those ventures helped elevate his estimated net worth to around $200 million.

At 38, McGregor returns against Max Holloway after five years away from the Octagon. UFC 329 tickets sold out within minutes, highlighting his unmatched drawing power worldwide. The event is also expected to deliver a major financial boost for Holloway. During his first UFC interview in years, McGregor advocated for improved fighter pay while discussing the financial impact of the fight.

I’ll always campaign for the fighters getting their worth, and I’m very happy with it. It’s a steady rise. If you ask Max, it’s probably five times his highest pay. So the boys are getting theirs, and I’m happy. The boys and the girls are getting theirs, and I’ll always campaign for that, and I’ll always be happy that I have helped spearhead that.

Conor McGregor via UFC interview

McGregor became a part-owner of BKFC in April 2024 after acquiring an ownership stake in the promotion. The Irishman joined alongside President David Feldman and has actively promoted events since then. His investment further expanded an already diverse business portfolio beyond his UFC career.

At BKFC events, McGregor has repeatedly increased fighter bonuses beyond the standard payouts. He also launched a $25 million tournament to create greater earning opportunities for competitors. Those experiences have helped shape his views on fighter pay and athlete earnings across promotions.

As an owner of Bareknuckle Fighting Championship, it kind of puts me in a pickle. I always vouch for the fighters, but I also have a stake in the company. So there has to be some sort of balance. But still, I am a fighter at heart, I know what it takes in this business, and I know without the fighters, there is none of this. Not an iota of it.

Conor McGregor via UFC interview

UFC CEO Dana White has faced criticism over fighter pay and contract restrictions. However, he has consistently argued that the UFC gives athletes a platform to build their brands and pursue lucrative business opportunities. White has frequently cited McGregor’s financial success as the leading example.

The fighter pay debate has intensified following the UFC’s reported $7.7 billion media rights agreement with Paramount+. Critics have linked the landmark deal to renewed calls for higher fighter compensation. However, White has repeatedly argued that fighter pay is more complex than it appears to the public.

Max Holloway earned an estimated $2.28 million for his UFC 326 main event against Charles Oliveira. He also reportedly made about $2.6 million for his UFC 318 trilogy against Dustin Poirier. Now, it remains to be seen how much more ‘Blessed’ could earn by headlining UFC 329 opposite Conor McGregor.

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Conor McGregor hilariously addresses former champion for trying to be too much like him

Conor McGregor has undoubtedly set the blueprint for success in the UFC. He combined championship achievements with elite self-promotion and lucrative business ventures outside competition. That formula transformed him into a global star and inspired many fighters to build brands beyond the Octagon.

Sean O’Malley is a former UFC bantamweight champion and one of the promotion’s biggest active stars. His popularity has grown through championship success and a strong personal brand. Throughout his career, O’Malley has frequently cited ‘The Notorious One’ as a major inspiration.

Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor (via X)

However, O’Malley has acknowledged that he never reached McGregor’s level of stardom or success. Back-to-back title fight losses to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 and UFC 316 further stalled his rise. ‘Suga’ later admitted he believed he lost part of his identity while trying to replicate McGregor’s path.

McGregor recently starred in a Polymarket advertisement that gained traction throughout the MMA community. Several fighters, including O’Malley, recreated the commercial in parody videos. After watching O’Malley’s version, McGregor recently addressed the former champion while discussing the parody.

I like Sean (O’Malley) he’s funny. He was always trying to be as big as me, just let it go my man, let it be. You are you… You ain’t me baby!

Conor McGregor via Nina Drama Interviews

Sean O’Malley is now rebuilding momentum after consecutive victories inside the Octagon. He defeated Song Yadong at UFC 324 before making another statement with a knockout win over Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Freedom 250. Those performances have revived his rise as McGregor prepares to return at UFC 329.

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