Plumber to superstar, McGregor taps into fame – The Hindu

In the space of four short years, Conor McGregor has grown accustomed to the trappings of luxury that have accompanied his rise through the ranks of mixed martial arts.

But the 29-year-old multi-millionaire Irishman, who faces Floyd Mayweather in a cross-combat superfight on Saturday, insists he has never forgotten his humble beginnings.

Hand-to-mouth existence

Until he was discovered and signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2013, McGregor was eking out a hand-to-mouth existence.

The former apprentice plumber was on the dole as he attempted to make a name for himself on the Irish mixed martial arts circuit.

Its mind-blowing. But I never forget the struggles. I never forget where I came from. I never ever forget the hard times, McGregor says.

When things were really bad I didnt have a pot to piss in. Really, nothing. Im not a stupid guy and it was hard standing in the dole queue.

McGregors life now, as he contemplates Saturdays bout with Mayweather, could not be more different.

Private jets, tailor-made suits and multi-million-dollar purses feature regularly in his life.

He owns a luxury yacht which he christened The 188 a reference to the amount of his 188 weekly benefits cheque before his career took off.

I pinch myself because I am surrounded by luxury. But make no mistake its luxury built on sacrifice, McGregor explained.

Initially, McGregors family had attempted to steer him away from fighting, encouraging him to work as a plumbers apprentice during his teens.

I hated every minute of it, McGregor recalled. You were talking 14 or 15-hour days.

I was getting ordered around, getting people their lunch, all this crap. I just thought, This life isnt for me, Im going to pack it in. Im going to chase my dreams.

Winning streak

A mixed early start to his career in Ireland was followed by an eight-fight winning streak between 2011 and 2012.

In 2013, UFC chief Dana White signed him to a multi-fight contract and the worlds dominant mixed martial arts circuit had its next star.

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Plumber to superstar, McGregor taps into fame - The Hindu