McGregor Hits Top Spot As World's Richest Sports Star

Messi, Ronaldo and Lewis beaten to the punch by Irishman

- Donagh Corby & Gavin Quinn

Conor McGregor has beaten the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton to claim the No1 spot on Forbes’ highest paid athlete list.

The UFC star made €123million from his recent sale of whiskey brand Proper Twelve to Proximo Spirits, as well as €18million from his sporting exploits.

And he could well add plenty more to those earnings this summer as he gears up for a grudge trilogy showdown against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, and he’s tipped to return to the Octagon again later in the year if all goes to plan.