From Fighter Business to Sports Betting: McGregor’s Move Could Shake Up the Gambling Market

• Latest online chatter has McGregor interested in buying adult entertainment site OnlyFans
• No updates on UFC return
• McGregor, 36, last fought six years ago

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Ongoing discussions surrounding Conor McGregor’s potential return to the UFC Octagon have become a massive driver for sports betting markets, as fans eagerly place wagers on his next move. However, these betting trends are often overshadowed by his diverse business ventures, highlighting the complexities of the fighters brand, with the latest news revolving around his interest in acquiring the adult subscription service, OnlyFans.

Diaz Expresses Interest in UFC Return

McGregor has made ambitious claims, such as his intention to run for the presidency in Ireland. He has also had noteworthy meetings, including one with former President Donald Trump. His foray into business includes launching an Irish whiskey brand which faced challenges, leading to a public split over legal issues.

Additionally, McGregor co-owns the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship and has been active in promoting it. Recently, BKFC unveiled a new promotion featuring sanctioned hockey fights with complete gear while using MMA gloves on ice. The fighter has also shown interest in cryptocurrency, investing in Bitcoin, purchasing pubs, and launching a new line of cigars.

Despite his various ventures, there have been no recent updates from McGregor or UFC CEO Dana White regarding a potential return to fighting.

Rubber Match?

During an interview on The HJR Podcast, fellow fighter Nate Diaz, who has faced McGregor twice, expressed his desire to return to the UFC, laying out that there remains “unfinished business” between the two.

“Me and him have unfinished business,” he stated.

McGregor’s recent Instagram posts regarding his negotiations with OnlyFans have fuelled further speculation. Reports suggest the platform could be sold for USD $8 billion. Impressively, OnlyFans posted a record gross revenue of USD $6.63 billion in the last fiscal year.

Whether McGregor possesses the necessary funds or backing to finalise such a deal remains unclear, with his net worth reported to be around USD $200 million.

No Props on McGregor Comeback

As discussions on social media grow, the likelihood of McGregor returning to the Octagon seems to diminish.

The last time McGregor fought in the UFC was at UFC 264 in July 2021, where he sustained a serious leg injury during a fight against Dustin Poirier. The last encounter between McGregor and Diaz was at UFC 202 in August 2016, where McGregor secured a win.

Previously, McGregor was slated to return to the ring against Michael Chandler last summer, but the matchup was scrapped after McGregor suffered a broken toe. There were also talks of an exhibition fight with Logan Paul, which reportedly fell through.

Although UFC’s Dana White has previously suggested he anticipates a McGregor comeback, there is a notable absence of betting props related to McGregor’s returning fight plans.

According to Mark Collier, a trader at BetVictor, there are currently no active rumours regarding McGregor’s comeback. He draws parallels between McGregor’s situation and that of boxing champion Tyson Fury, emphasising that McGregor currently appears more focused on business ventures, including his presidential aspirations and his interest in OnlyFans. Collier indicates that there seems to be a greater chance of McGregor engaging in boxing matches rather than returning to UFC, given the circumstances.

“But stranger things have happened. I just can’t see him fighting for the UFC anytime soon. I’m still waiting for the Jon Jones/Tom Aspinall fight to happen but Jones has issued more retirement hints,” Collier added.