Once a plumber, McGregor taps into fame

In the space of four short years, Conor McGregor has grown accustomed to the trappings of luxury that have accompanied his rise through the ranks of mixed martial arts.

But the 29-year-old multi-millionaire Irishman, who faces Floyd Mayweather in a crosscombat superfight on Saturday, insists he has never forgotten his humble beginnings.

Until he was discovered and signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2013, McGregor was eking out a handto-mouth existence. The former apprentice plumber was on the dole as he attempted to make a name for himself on the Irish mixed martial arts circuit.

Private jets, tailor-made suits and multi-million-dollar purses feature regularly in his life now.

He owns a luxury yacht which he christened “The 188” -- a reference to the amount of his 188euro (222 dollar) weekly benefits cheque before his career took off.

“I pinch myself because I am surrounded by luxury. But make no mistake - it’s luxury built on sacrifice,” McGregor explained.

A mixed early start to his career in Ireland was followed by an eight-fight winning streak between 2011 and 2012.

In 2013, UFC chief Dana White signed him to a mult-fight contract and the world’s dominant mixed martial arts circuit had its next star. McGregor’s explosive punching and ability to market himself, backing up his brash, cocksure press conference persona inside the octagon quickly endeared him to the sport’s fans.

A serene start to his UFC career culminated with McGregor winning back-to-back titles, defeating Chad Mendes by knockout in July 2015 before a 13-second demolition of Jose Aldo five months later.

He’s a hell of a fighter, he’s a stand up guy, a tough competitor. It’s not going to be an easy fight. There will be blood sweat and tears Saturday.