Conor McGregor is one of the most legendary MMA fighters in history. This was only proven further when the 32-year-old defeated José Aldo in 2015 via knockout after only 13 seconds into their first round. He has since become the first fighter in the history of the UFC to hold titles in two separate weight divisions. 

He has also debuted in boxing matches, with the legendary fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. This match drew no less than 4.3 million pay-per-view buys in North America alone, which is the second-most in history. McGregor was ranked the highest-paid athlete in 2021, with his impressive $180 million earnings. Beating such legendary acts and his impressive success and high earnings is no easy task. However, there are constantly new talents being made, and these are 3 MMA fighters that might give McGregor a run for his money.  

James ‘The Strabanimal’ Gallagher

James Gallagher is a Bellator bantamweight contender and a top Irish MMA prospect in 2021. He holds the impressive fight score of 11-1, where nine of his wins are by submission. His fighting techniques are dangerous for anyone that steps into the ring with him, and you shouldn’t underestimate how the name “The Strabanimal” helps to reinforce that fearsome image he has built up.

It is important to choose a good name that resonates and reflects what you stand for. It can be tricky and difficult, but there are multiple guides, like this one, on how to create a great name that can strengthen your brand. Maybe James ‘The Strabanimal’ Gallagher used such one? He has certainly made a fitting name for himself, with his nickname ‘The Strabanimal’.  Unfortunately, he suffered his only professional loss in 2018, but then probably decided to redeem his winning streak by defeating his next opponents four times in a row.  

Ian ‘The Future’ Garry

As the name suggests, Ian Garry has a bright future ahead of him in the world of MMA fighting. He has a professional fighting score of 5-0, making him undefeated in the Cage Warriors welterweight. This score is a part of his impressive four in a row fight streak. His goal is to reach McGregor’s level by earning titles in two weight divisions in Cage Warriors. Looking at his growing success, this dream might just become a reality. He has also stated that he wishes to be in the UFC by the age of 25, in two years. Garry is known for the words “The only thing I’m bad at is not being bad”. 

Leah ‘The Curse’ McCourt

The female MMA fighter, Lea McCourt is a curse to anyone that steps into the ring against her. She currently holds a 3-0 fight score at Bellator, after her impressive win against more experienced fighter, Judith Ruis. McCourt is 28 years old and has formerly been an IMMAF World and European Amateur champion. Furthermore, she is a gold medalist in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. She, unfortunately, lost in her professional MMA debut fight in 2017 but has since reeled off a four-fight win streak to redeem her reputation. The Irish fighter is one to look out for. 

While Conor McGregor will go down in history as 2021’s highest-paid athlete, and both a successful, legendary, and impressive MMA fighter, there is bound to be a descendant to this throne, and we are all excited to see who it will be.