In a surprising snub, the biggest UFC superstar, Conor McGregor, was notably absent from the ESPN project’s ranking of the top 100 professional athletes since the year 2000. The list, which typically features the likes of five-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady, Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, overlooked the Irish UFC icon.
This latest exclusion comes on the heels of McGregor’s recent absence from Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes, despite his staggering financial success. In 2021, the Irishman’s wealth saw a significant shift, with $22 million coming from purses and an impressive $158 million from brand endorsements, putting him on the path to billionaire status.
However, with his comeback sabotaged by injury, McGregor’s stock might take a further hit, as he continues to recover from his 2021 trilogy loss and leg break. The UFC brass has had to scramble to salvage the UFC 303 pay-per-view card following McGregor’s withdrawal, further underscoring his dwindling status as a global top athlete.
While the “Notorious” one was snubbed, the ESPN project did include two other MMA stars in its top 100 list. The youngest to win a UFC championship, Jon Jones, secured the 66th spot, with the list highlighting his impressive 16-year unbeaten streak (excluding a controversial disqualification loss in 2009). The list also featured Georges St Pierre.
Also featured are Boxing’s Floyd Mayweather at #25, #71 Manny Pacquiao, #76 GSP, #78 Bernard Hopkins,
The ESPN Senior writer, David Schoenfield, who compiled the list, noted that the reason for the UFC’s top brass’ staunch defense of Jones’ legacy is his remarkable accomplishments, including the most title defenses in UFC history.
The absence of Conor McGregor from this prestigious list is a surprising development, considering his undeniable impact on the sport of MMA and his global fame. As the UFC continues to navigate the post-McGregor era, the spotlight will likely shift to the next generation of stars, such as the ones who have made their mark on the ESPN SportsCentury project’s top 100 list.
