Conor McGregor Peaked with Sensational Four-Punch KO to Earn $100 Million Floyd Mayweather Fight
In the world of combat sports, few moments have been as electrifying as Conor McGregor’s ascent to global stardom, culminating in his iconic four-punch knockout against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in 2016. This victory not only solidified McGregor’s status as the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion but also paved the way for his blockbuster $100 million boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. McGregor’s journey from Dublin’s Crumlin neighborhood to the bright lights of Las Vegas is a tale of ambition, skill, and unparalleled showmanship, with the Alvarez fight marking the pinnacle of his meteoric rise. Recent updates in 2025 continue to highlight the enduring impact of this defining moment in McGregor’s career.
McGregor’s performance against Alvarez at Madison Square Garden was a masterclass in precision and power. Entering the octagon as the featherweight champion, McGregor faced a formidable opponent in Alvarez, the reigning lightweight champion. The Irishman’s confidence was palpable, his trademark swagger amplified by the stakes of becoming the UFC’s first “double champ.” In the second round, McGregor unleashed a devastating four-punch combination—a jab, straight left, right hook, and a final left—that sent Alvarez crashing to the canvas. The T-Mobile Arena erupted as McGregor claimed the lightweight title, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in mixed martial arts (MMA). This victory showcased his ability to dominate in multiple weight classes, a feat that underscored his versatility and drew the attention of the combat sports world.
The Alvarez knockout was more than just a highlight-reel finish; it was the catalyst for McGregor’s crossover into professional boxing. His brash persona and undeniable charisma made him the perfect candidate to challenge Floyd Mayweather, an undefeated boxing legend with a 50-0 record. Dubbed “The Money Fight,” the August 2017 bout was a spectacle that transcended sports, generating over $600 million in revenue. McGregor, despite being a boxing novice, earned a reported $100 million, while Mayweather pocketed an estimated $280 million. The fight, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, saw McGregor start strong, landing more punches in ten rounds than Manny Pacquiao did against Mayweather in twelve. However, Mayweather’s experience prevailed, as he weathered McGregor’s early aggression and secured a tenth-round TKO after a blistering 15-punch combination left McGregor exhausted and defenseless.
The financial and cultural impact of the Mayweather fight cannot be overstated. McGregor’s ability to draw 4.3 million pay-per-view buys—second only to Mayweather’s fight against Pacquiao—demonstrated his unparalleled marketability. His trash-talking prowess, honed during a global promotional tour, captivated audiences and amplified the event’s hype. Despite the loss, McGregor’s performance earned respect, with Mayweather himself acknowledging the Irishman’s unorthodox style and resilience. The fight not only elevated McGregor’s net worth but also bridged the gap between MMA and boxing, sparking discussions about future crossover events. McGregor’s ability to hold his own against one of boxing’s greatest defensive fighters for ten rounds was a testament to his adaptability and courage.
In 2025, McGregor’s legacy from this period remains a topic of fascination. Recent developments show him leveraging his combat sports fame to expand his business empire. His Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand, launched in 2018, was sold for a reported $600 million in 2021, though a 2024 Dublin court case led to the brand distancing itself from McGregor’s name due to legal controversies. Additionally, McGregor has expressed interest in a bare-knuckle fight with Mayweather under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he holds a stake. In October 2024, McGregor called out Mayweather for a $130 million rematch, taunting the retired boxer to “take the gloves off” at 170 pounds. While Mayweather has remained silent, the prospect of another lucrative showdown keeps fans speculating.
McGregor’s UFC return remains uncertain after injuries and canceled bouts, including a planned 2024 fight against Michael Chandler. His focus on BKFC and potential boxing ventures suggests a shift in priorities, with the Alvarez knockout and Mayweather fight serving as the high-water mark of his fighting career. The four-punch KO was not just a moment of athletic brilliance but a springboard to global fame and fortune. At 36, McGregor continues to chase big paydays, but his 2016-2017 run—capped by the Alvarez knockout and the Mayweather spectacle—remains his defining era, a time when “The Notorious” redefined what it meant to be a combat sports superstar.
