Conor (photo) is one of the highest paid athletes in the world Photo: Disclosure
The year 2016 was unforgettable for Conor McGregor and it continues to bear fruit, already in the middle of 2017. The Irish lightweight was elected one of the 25 richest athletes in the world, with earnings of US$34 million (R$110 million) last year, when he had his first defeat in the UFC, in March against Nate diaz, but managed to avenge the setback in August and made history in November. At UFC 205, Conor became the first fighter to hold two Ultimate titles at the same time when he captured the lightweight belt against Eddie Alvarez while still holding the featherweight title.
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Conor McGregor is the only MMA name on the list, which ranks the 100 highest-paid athletes in the world and is divided into earnings through salaries (in the case of the Irishman, scholarships per fight) and earnings from advertising or sponsorship. The lightweight champion earned US$27 million in purses and US$7 million in advertising/sponsorship, mainly from Reebok. “The Notorious” is also the top combat sports representative on the list, as no boxer earned more than him in 2016.
The survey of the richest athletes in the world was carried out by “Forbes” magazine. At the top is Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo, with earnings of US$93 million in 2016. LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Roger Federer and Kevin Durant complete the top-5. The first Brazilian on the list is Barcelona striker Neymar, who earned US$37 million last year and is in 18th place.
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