“I didn’t have money before this. I was collecting 188 euros a week off the social welfare. And now here I am, with like 60 G’s bonus and then my own pay,” said Conor McGregor, reflecting on his remarkable rise to fame. Like so many fighters, the Irishman started with uncertainty, unsure of where the journey would take him. But one thing was always clear—his ambition never wavered. From the beginning, McGregor envisioned himself as the biggest star in MMA. The road, however, was anything but smooth. Setbacks, sacrifices, and sleepless nights lined the road. Still, McGregor pressed forward, driven by a belief in himself and the unwavering support of his longtime girlfriend, Dee Devlin.

For the unversed, the former double champ struggled to fund his training during his initial MMA days, even working as a plumber—his first trade—before fighting became his career. Today, he stands as one of the most iconic and highest-paid athletes in sports history. But despite the wealth and worldwide fame, McGregor hasn’t forgotten where he came from. In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, the Irishman looked back on his early life: “18 years of age. I didn’t go to college — I went into an apprenticeship. It’s either you get a job, you go to college, or you get an apprenticeship. And I got an apprenticeship as a plumber on an industrial site in Kilieran, County Wicklow, which was actually, at the time, the largest building site in Europe.”

McGregor’s powerful rags-to-riches journey has resonated deeply with fans on social media, offering inspiration to aspiring fighters and seasoned pros alike. His appearance on Carlson’s platform only amplified the impact of his story. Reacting to the interview on Instagram, ‘The Notorious’s longtime partner Dee Devlin responded with heartfelt emojis: “🙌🏻🙏🏻❤️.”

From the very beginning, Dee Devlin has been by Conor McGregor’s side, standing strong through every struggle and triumph. In the early days, when money was tight and the future uncertain, they lived in the attic of McGregor’s parents’ home—unable to afford rent elsewhere. While Conor poured everything into training and chasing a dream that once felt out of reach, Dee quietly held things together. She managed his finances, offered emotional support, and ensured he could stay focused on his goals. Their journey is a powerful testament to loyalty, sacrifice, and building something remarkable from the ground up.

Now, with his legacy firmly rooted in the world of sports, Conor McGregor seems poised to take on a bold new frontier: Irish politics. His recent interview with Tucker Carlson has only fueled speculation about a potential presidential bid in Ireland, where the Irishman could be preparing to open the next defining chapter of his extraordinary journey. Let’s dive in!

Throwback: when Conor McGregor turned Santa for Irish families

“Ireland forever! Ireland first! Ireland always!” Six years ago, Conor McGregor shocked the MMA world by announcing that he was building three-bedroom homes for homeless families. But the Irishman didn’t just talk the talk—he was hands-on throughout the entire process. He regularly visited the construction sites to ensure everything met his high standards. Looking back on the project, McGregor expressed immense pride, stressing how deeply personal the initiative was to him.

Despite his controversial status in the sports world, ‘The Notorious’ has consistently put helping his fellow Irish citizens at the forefront of his priorities. Now, McGregor is taking his charitable efforts to the next level, reportedly constructing 300 housing units, with the project currently underway. As he eyes a potential political career, McGregor is reminding the Irish people of his ongoing commitment to his nation and his past efforts. He also highlights what he could accomplish with the power of the presidency. McGregor made this clear during his recent interview with Tucker Carlson, where he passionately discussed Ireland’s future and his charitable contributions.

Reflecting on his early work, McGregor shared, “I completed a build of eight houses. It was actually my very first one, maybe two years ago. I’ve only been at it for three, maybe four years now. It was in a part of Dublin called Santry, and there were eight homes. I had them completed just before Christmas. So, eight homeless families were brought into their new forever homes right before Christmas. That filled me with such energy to continue and go and do more. I went full steam ahead.”

What are your thoughts about Conor McGregor’s future? Do you think he’ll be able to replicate the extraordinary success he had inside the Octagon during his brief but impactful UFC career? Drop your opinions below!