Conor McGregor has been named the highest-paid athlete by Forbes for the past year, pipping Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to top spot.
The mixed martial arts star, currently training in Dubai for his return to the octagon at UFC 264 in July, was estimated to have banked $180 million in earnings, most of which was generated outside his sport – a remarkable feat considering the global pandemic.
According to Forbes, Tiger Woods and Roger Federer are the only other athletes to make more than $70m in a single year in “off the field” earnings.
McGregor’s endorsements are reported to have been worth $158m during the past year, with his one appearance in the UFC – January’s defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi – believed to have made up the other $22m in his annual earnings.
It marks the first time McGregor has registered at No 1 in Forbes’ rankings, and only the second time the former two-division champion has featured at all. In 2018, the Irishman came in at 4th.
McGregor, 32, faces Poirier in their trilogy bout on July 10, which is to take place at a sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Forbes says "on the field" earnings include prize money, salaries and bonuses earned between May 1, 2020, and May 1, 2021. Meanwhile, "off the field" earnings figures are said to be an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and licensing income for that same period, plus cash returns from any businesses operated by the athlete. Based on conversations with industry insiders, the list comprises athletes active during that allotted timeframe.
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Federer's 11 Wimbledon finals
2003 Beat Mark Philippoussis
2004 Beat Andy Roddick
2005 Beat Andy Roddick
2006 Beat Rafael Nadal
2007 Beat Rafael Nadal
2008 Lost to Rafael Nadal
2009 Beat Andy Roddick
2012 Beat Andy Murray
2014 Lost to Novak Djokovic
2015 Lost to Novak Djokovic
2017 Beat Marin Cilic
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet