Joe Rogan, UFC commentator and podcast host, recently discussed Conor McGregor’s rapid rise and subsequent fall in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Rogan pointed to McGregor’s fight with Floyd Mayweather in 2017 as the turning point in his career, describing it as the moment when McGregor began to “self-destruct.”
“Conor self-destructed in a lot of ways because of money,” Rogan said during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. “He took that fight with Floyd Mayweather, made a ton of money off that, and then took a long time before he came back to MMA—and he’s just not been the same guy since.”
McGregor, once celebrated as the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion, was known for his exceptional skills and unrivaled charisma. He coined the term “champ-champ” after holding both the featherweight and lightweight titles.
However, following the Mayweather fight, which earned him over £100 million, McGregor’s focus shifted. His career began to decline, with losses in three of his last four fights, including two against Dustin Poirier.
“I think that’s just money, it’s a lot of partying, but it’s the same kind of thing. It’s just wild,” Rogan added. “But when Conor was in his prime, he was a f***ing assassin.”
Comparisons with Jon Jones
Rogan also compared McGregor’s trajectory to that of Jon Jones, another UFC superstar. Despite controversies and legal troubles, Jones has maintained his dominance in the Octagon. Rogan praised Jones for his ability to stay at the top despite personal struggles.
“Jon [Jones] is a special dude,” Rogan said. “He’s been at the top for 14 f***ing years. Never ducked anybody, fought all the best, destroyed everybody, and dominated his division—went up to heavyweight, dominates at heavyweight.”
Jones, most recently, defended his heavyweight title at UFC 309 and is expected to face Tom Aspinall in 2025.
McGregor’s Future in Question
McGregor, who hasn’t fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, was expected to return to the Octagon in 2025.
However, his recent legal troubles, including a civil court ruling that found him liable for assaulting a woman in 2018, have cast doubts on his future. McGregor has vowed to appeal the court decision, which requires him to pay €250,000 in damages.
Despite his controversies, McGregor remains optimistic about his UFC return, but Rogan believes his unprecedented rise to superstardom is unlikely to be repeated.
“Conor’s rise was unique, but the distractions and money have changed him,” Rogan concluded.
