Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor was the sporting world’s highest-paid athlete in 2020, raking in around $180 million ($A233m) with earnings boosted by commercial ventures, a Forbes report showed Wednesday.
The 32-year-old Irishman only fought once in 2020, earning around $22 million ($A28m) from his victory over Donald Cerrone in January.
The bulk of the former plumber’s pay packet — an estimated $158 million ($A205m) — came via his successful business activities, which included the sale of his Proper Twelve whiskey brand.
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McGregor was one of only four athletes to earn more than $100 million ($A130m) in 2020, according to the Forbes annual list of sport’s highest earners.
Back in 2017, McGregor predicted one day he would usurp Ronaldo on the top of the list, telling him: “You were number one on the Forbes list, I was like number 35 or something. I’ll get up. Maybe next year I’ll get you.”
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was second on the list with $130 million ($A168m) in earnings, followed by Juventus idol Cristiano Ronaldo with $120 million ($A155m).
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was ranked fourth on the list with $107.5 million ($A139m).
The bulk of Prescott’s earnings came via a $66 million signing bonus agreed when he inked a $160 million ($A207m) contract extension with the iconic NFL franchise.
LeBron James came in fifth with $96.5 million ($A125m) after a year that saw him lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals crown.
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Some $65 million ($A84m) of James’ earnings came from endorsements and other off-the-court activities.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian striker Neymar was sixth on the list with $95 million ($A123m).
Swiss tennis star Roger Federer, meanwhile, continued to make the top 10 despite playing only one tournament in 2020.
The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion earned most of his $90 million ($A117m) from endorsements.
Formula One star Lewis Hamilton ($82 million/$A106m), NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady ($76 million/$A98m) and NBA Brooklyn Nets ace Kevin Durant ($75 million/$A97m) rounded out the top 10.
FORBE’S 10 HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES
1. Conor McGregor, UFC: $180 million ($A233m)
2. Lionel Messi, Barcelona: $130 million ($A168m)
3. Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus: $120 million ($A155m)
4. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: $107.5 million ($A139m)
5. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers: $96.5 million ($A125m)
6. Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain: $ 95 million ($ A123m)
7. Roger Federer, tennis: $90 million ($A117m)
8. Lewis Hamilton, F1: $82 million ($A106m)
9. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $76 million ($A98m)
10. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets: $75 million ($A97m)
