MONDAY MARKED THE second anniversary of Conor McGregor’s explosive introduction to the UFC.
And The Notorious took a few moments to reflect on how much he has achieved in a relatively short space of time.
There is, of course, a little bit of creative embellishment there.
To date, the five UFC cards on which McGregor has featured have pulled in a combined gate of just over $9 million — and, it must remembered, he only headlined two of those cards: UFC Fight Night 46 in Dublin ($1.4m gate) and UFC Fight Night 59 in Boston ($1.34m).
The impressive $16.3m figure also includes a fight which hasn’t even happened yet — July’s world title shot against featherweight champ Jose Aldo — which is projected to be worth $7m and set a new gate record at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.
Unsurprisingly, McGregor is taking those figures to the bank right now.
Even if he’s jumping the gun slightly, and no matter if you love him or hate him, you have to admit it’s all quite impressive.
I think bringing Sexton before the NZ game was a bad idea. Im all for him helping the 10’s develop for international games but it’s easy to imagine that in addition to wanting revenge for the WC there was a subconscious need to avenge Johnny, which would’ve put undue pressure on everyone—just like how the QF was potentially Sexton’s last ever game was probably a massive distraction. Now I’m just an armchair pundit so waffling out of my thoin but the team looked not only physically rusty but mentally defeated. Anyway, wouldn’t be surprised if the pumas beat us. I think 25 will be the year for blooding new players with Andy away
@J M: Why is it always Sextons fault ? His selection hindered the development of younger outhalves. This was the same year he was awarded World Player. So Crowley is having second album woes, and Frawley is not the golden child because of Sexton. Jeese
@Rugbyanbeer: I just think the timing could’ve been better, maybe next year’s 6N. Or perhaps if we had’ve been playing nz last.
I’d love Sexton to get into coaching if that’s what he wanted
@J M: To pin the blame on Sexton for the reasons you’ve outlined is complete and utter nonsense quite frankly.
Watching both Argentina and Australia last weekend, the Irish team will need to box clever. They can run the ball back from anywhere on the pitch – so poor kicking and falling off tackles (an ongoing problem for this group), will be devastating. I presume that Beirne will go back into second row, Ryan to the bench and an alternative 6 promoted. That player needs to have pace and a solid tackling game.
It seems that Aki is going to be dropped (why?) in favour of Henshaw. Can’t afford to lose this one, given that World Cup draw rankings are at stake.
@PatN: Can only see Osborne replacing Aki, with Aki on the bench or vice versa. Aki is still very strong and a key contributor to this team. Last week’s bench needs to be refreshed with younger talent.