From plumber to superstar

– In the space of four short years, Conor McGregor (above) 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 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.

McGregor’s life now, as he contemplates today’s bout with Mayweather, could not be more different.

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

Initially, McGregor’s family had attempted to steer him away from fighting, encouraging him to work as a plumber’s apprentice during his teens.

“I hated every minute of it,” McGregor recalled. “I just thought, ‘This life isn’t for me, I’m going to pack it in. I’m going to chase my dreams’.”

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

In 2013, UFC chief Dana White signed him to a contract and the world’s dominant mixed martial arts circuit had its next star.

McGregor’s explosive punching and ability to market himself 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.

An upset defeat to Nate Diaz in early 2016 was followed by a decision that stunned the MMA world – McGregor declaring his apparent retirement from the sport.

This, however, was seen as a negotiating gambit. – AFP