Conor McGregor’s Nickname: Why is the Irishman Called “The Notorious”

Conor McGregor’s notoriety inside and outside the cage is well known. The former dual champion Conor McGregor has always relied on his ability to sell fights through his trash-talking skills and his ability to back it up inside the cage. The Notorious, as he is so fondly called has often used the monicker to compliment the approach he takes in the lead-up to his fights.

Over the years, Conor McGregor has built a reputation for being one of the most fiercest strikers in the world of mixed martial arts. However, the fame and popularity has not come just because of his fighting style inside the Octagon, but partly due to his trash-talking skills, and his ability to back his words inside the cage. While just like every mixed martial artist, McGregor has had his ups and downs, the former dual champion has time and again proved to be the biggest asset for the UFC. 

Why is Conor McGregor called The Notorious?

Conor McGregor has found himself in a lot of trouble both inside the outside the Octagon. The former dual champion continues to find himself under severe scrutiny from fight fans and has been the center of controversy on various occasions. When McGregor was asked why he is decided to go with the moniker, “The Notorious,” here’s what he had to say.

“The Notorious’, well, I’m notorious for getting into a little bit of trouble, you know? My coach called me that back in the day, and he had (my name) saved in the phone as ‘trouble’, you know. So, it just kind of stuck, you know.”

Who can forget the advent of Conor McGregor into the Ultimate Fighting Championship? The Irishman took over the world of mixed martial arts with his brass language that crossed boundaries often not touched by other fighters in the lead-up to fights. One can compare him to the likes of Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen, but McGregor stands next to none when it comes to selling a fight. 

Also Read: How Many PPVs Has Conor McGregor Sold in His UFC Career

Conor’s trash talk in the lead-up to his fight with Dustin Poirier back at UFC 178, where the Notorious crossed the line on several occasions, instigating Poirier to a level where he found himself compromised in the psychological warfare that McGregor likes to play with his opponents.

Notorious always has something to say 🗣 @TheNotoriousMMA

[ #UFC264 | July 10 | ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/DZxtGSEqWu ] pic.twitter.com/9FpjTYdwz6

— UFC (@ufc) June 21, 2021

There’s no denying that the rivalry with Nate Diaz which saw all kinds of personal attacks from both the fighters, including a heated moment where Diaz disrupted the press conference after McGregor arrived late to the interview goes on to speak volumes about McGregor’s notoriety inside the cage. Additionally, his decision to later step into the boxing world and call out arguably the greatest boxer of all time in the form of Floyd Mayweather for a boxing bout has made him a superstar in the eyes of combat sports fans around the world. 

McGregor dedicates his nickname to American rapper “The Notorious B.I.G.

While McGregor’s brash attitude and his entertaining personality compliment his nickname, there’s another reason why McGregor went with “The Notorious” as his moniker inside the UFC Octagon. 

“And then, obviously, I’m a fan of ‘The Notorious B.I.G.’. I used his entrance music… I’ve gone through all (of his songs). I’ve gone through a good few entrances.”

Christopher George Latore Wallace fondly called the Notorious B.I.G. is an American rapper who used to perform back in the 1990s. While Notorious B.I.G. died at the young age of 24, he left behind him a legacy that remains unparalleled. One of the pioneers of hip-hop songs, McGregor has credited Notorious B.I.G. on various occasions in the past. Many fans will remember McGregor giving a shout-out to the hip-hop legend during a press conference in the lead-up to his boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather.

Also Read: Who Are Conor McGregor’s Training Partners?

Conor McGregor is one of the most polarising figures in the world of sports entertainment. The former dual champion has achieved everything that there is to achieve inside the UFC cage, having triumphed over some of the greatest mixed martial artists to ever grace the UFC Octagon. The Notorious continues to remain the most popular fighter in the world of mixed martial arts and is currently eyeing to become a two-time UFC lightweight champion. 

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