As Conor McGregor prepares for his long-awaited UFC return, the former two-division champion is also sharing stories from the early days of his rise in MMA.
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, McGregor was asked by Jimmy Fallon about the origins of the nickname that became one of the most recognizable brands in combat sports. The Irish superstar offered a glimpse into how “Notorious” first entered his life.
From ‘Trouble’ to ‘Notorious’
McGregor explained that the nickname traces back to his younger years, when his coach jokingly labeled him based on his tendency to find himself in difficult situations.
“It actually came because I had a habit of getting into trouble when I was younger a little bit and my coach had me saved in the phone as ‘Trouble,’ actually,”
“Now, I was only a young guy, but you know, I was just notorious for it. That’s it.”
The nickname stuck and eventually evolved into the identity that accompanied McGregor throughout his climb to UFC stardom.
A Tribute to a Hip-Hop Icon
McGregor also revealed that the name carried another influence beyond his personal history.
“I like Biggie as well, I like the music, and that was the walkout song and it just kind of gelled together over the years and it became the Notorious,”
The reference is a nod to legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., whose music has frequently been featured during McGregor’s walkouts over the years.
McGregor Continues Media Tour Before UFC 329
The 37-year-old is set to return to action on July 11 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. He will face longtime rival Max Holloway in a welterweight contest, marking his first fight since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier five years ago.
During his appearance with Fallon, McGregor appeared relaxed and playful. After watching the late-night host throw a few punches, he even came up with a nickname on the spot.
“That’s not bad,”
“How about Jimmy ‘The Slow Jammer’ Fallon?’”