Forbes today released their Top 100 Highest Paid Athletes list for 2017 and UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor was the only mixed martial arts fighter to make the list. The 28-year-old Irishman stated earlier in the year that his aim is to become the world’s number one highest paid athlete, and if that highly-touted boxing match against Floyd Mayweather ever comes to fruition, he will no doubt take a huge jump in the rankings.
This year Conor tied with Real Madrid soccer star Gareth Bale at $34 million for the number 24 spot. $27 million of Conor’s earnings came through salary/winnings and $7 million was earned through endorsements. The champ fought three times last year, twice against Nate Diaz at welterweight, and then against Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight title.
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list at $93 million. LeBron James came in second with $86.2 million. And Lionel Messi ($80 million), Roger Federer ($64 million), and Kevin Durant ($60.6 million) round-out the top five.