Will the UFC Have a Next Global Superstar?

Whether showered in praise or embroiled in controversy, the name Conor McGregor reigns notorious among sports fans across the planet. McGregor skyrocketed to fame not just for his slick suits, iconic one-liners, and unmistakable Irish accent but also for his exceptional fighting skills, which led him to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously. In capturing the Featherweight and Lightweight titles, he took down some of the best fighters the sport has seen, including Chad Mendes, Jose Aldo, and Eddie Alvarez.

It’s no secret that McGregor’s electrifying rise drew legions of new fans to MMA. His explosive style and polarising personality catapulted him to superstardom and introduced millions to a sport that was, until then, still growing its mainstream appeal. For many, McGregor is the reason they started watching MMA.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

McGregor’s impact is undeniable, and his influence on fight business and UFC pay-per-view sales has been staggering. He holds four of the top ten highest-selling PPV buys across all combat sports:

• UFC 257: Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor II – 1.6 million PPV buys
• UFC 202: Nate Diaz vs Conor McGregor II – 1.65 million PPV buys
• UFC 229: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor – 2.5 million PPV buys
• Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor – 4.3 million PPV buys

In the top 18 highest-selling combat sports PPVs, McGregor appears nine times. This ranks him above boxing titans like Floyd Mayweather (who has five top PPV spots) and Canelo Alvarez (with three), according to Tapology. These numbers cement McGregor’s status as the biggest UFC draw and arguably the biggest combat sports star ever. It raises a provocative question: with his career now approaching its twilight, who, if anyone, could be “the next Conor McGregor?”

Sean O’Malley: The Heir Apparent?

Many fighters have aspired to follow in McGregor’s footsteps, with American “Suga”Sean O’Malley believing he has embodied the persona and charisma that McGregor has. He has been vocal about his ambition to become MMA’s next global superstar and believes he possesses the skill set and marketability to capture the public’s imagination. However, despite O’Malley’s character personified by his rainbow coloured hair and multitude of tattoos, one major element he lacks according to fans is the gift of the gab. O’Malley, along with anyone else vying to be the sport’s next big star, faces unique challenges that didn’t exist when McGregor was making his climb. Here’s what separates McGregor and why replicating his success might be nearly impossible.

What Made McGregor a Once-in-a-Lifetime Star?

1. Trash Talk as a Weapon

One of the elements that made McGregor a global icon was his masterful trash talk. McGregor understood that selling a fight was just as much about showmanship as skill. Fans either loved him for his audacious predictions or tuned in, hoping to see him humbled. But it wasn’t just the volume of his trash talk but his accuracy. Like Muhammad Ali before him, McGregor didn’t just predict that he’d win; he’d often call the round and method of his victory. His verbal warfare and charisma became legendary, culminating in unforgettable moments, such as the infamous lead-up to his fight with Jose Aldo, which ended in a 13-second KO and a viral triumph.

Trash talk is of course still prevalent in today’s UFC, but McGregor’s rare blend of boldness, wit, and confidence—matched by decisive victories—is rare. Fighters like O’Malley have tried to embrace a similar approach, but duplicating the psychological effect McGregor had on opponents and fans alike is an art form.

2. Creating New History

McGregor didn’t just talk; he changed the game. After knocking out Jose Aldo, he did what was once considered unthinkable—he moved up to Lightweight to challenge Eddie Alvarez, then the champion, in pursuit of becoming the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion. Not only did he win, but he dominated Alvarez, delivering one of the most technically brilliant title performances in UFC history. This crowning achievement was punctuated by his unforgettable post-fight declaration:

“I’d like to take this chance to apologize… to absolutely nobody! The double champ does what the [expletive] he wants!”

The moment is now cemented as one of the most iconic in MMA, not only for its audacity but also for the seismic shift it created in how fighters approached their careers. However, creating such history today would be far more complex. To even think of surpassing McGregor’s legacy, a fighter would almost have to achieve the near-impossible feat of winning titles in three weight classes, a challenge that seems nearly insurmountable in today’s MMA landscape.

3. The “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Factor

McGregor is a true anomaly in combat sports—possessing equal parts charisma, technical prowess, and the ability to deliver under pressure. His background in boxing gave him unique timing and precision, which, combined with his unyielding self-belief, made him almost mythic in fans’ eyes. McGregor’s rise wasn’t just about skill or entertainment; it was about a moment in sports history that can’t be easily recreated. His combination of a marketable personality and fighting genius is scarce.

Fighters like Sean O’Malley may have the makings of a new era’s breakout star, but capturing that once-in-a-lifetime aura is much more complicated than it looks. O’Malley brings the flash and fight IQ that fans crave, and he certainly has his eyes on a similar legacy. However, the immense landscape of social media and the UFC’s more crowded roster means that achieving McGregor’s singular impact requires a perfect storm of talent, timing, and cultural resonance.

The Legacy McGregor Leaves Behind

Conor McGregor’s name is now synonymous with MMA. His impact on the sport is unparalleled, from bringing legions of new fans into the fold to single-handedly making MMA and UFC events worldwide spectacles. He remains a benchmark for what it means to be a superstar in combat sports, raising the bar for fighters aspiring to emulate his legacy. McGregor’s journey from a small gym in Dublin to the biggest stages in Las Vegas proves that the right mix of skill, persona, and ambition can make history.

So, is there a “next Conor McGregor”? The answer in my opinion is simply no. Fighters like Sean O’Malley and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Alex Pereira are massive stars in their own right. Still, the particular blend of skill, timing, and cultural zeitgeist that McGregor captured is unlikely to be seen again. His story is one of a kind, leaving fans wondering if MMA will ever witness another figure with as much magnetism and impact.

For now, the “Notorious” one remains irreplaceable—an icon whose influence on MMA continues to echo, ensuring that his name will be spoken for generations. And while the search for the next big star continues, McGregor’s legacy serves as both an inspiration and a reminder that greatness is rare and legends, by nature, will always be hard to replicate.