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This past year hasn’t proven to be too fruitful for Conor McGregor in, or out of the Octagon. After getting choked out by Khabib Nurmagomedov a year ago at UFC 229, “Notorious” was involved in several out-of-the cage incidents which gave his public image a black eye.
After settling his issues regarding the smashing of a fan’s cell phone to pieces (see it), Conor was then caught on tape punching an elderly man inside an Irish pub (video here). And though he has since come out and apologized for his behavior and promised to do better, he will still have his day in court.
Still, there are several people who feel Conor can turn it around after having been afforded several chances already. Among them is Mike Tyson, who says he can relate to Conor since he has gone through several personal low-lights throughout his combat career, as well.
Drawing from his own personal experiences, Mike says going from rags-to-riches seemingly overnight is something that can attribute to such erratic behavior, as having all the money and fame you can ever dream of is something not everyone can handle right away.
“I think he’s an awesome guy. Listen, we don’t know how to handle this stuff. We have millions of dollars and we’ve never had this stuff. Our family never had any of this and we’ve never been around this life,” said Tyson during an interview on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show.
“All of a sudden you start fighting, doing something you love to do and you do it easy. Then all of a sudden they give you a lot of money for doing it. But you don’t have no restraint, no control,” said Tyson.
“You don’t know what to do. You give it way, you buy people gifts they they may not deserve it. You don’t know what to do with it and you feel you don’t deserve it.”
Conor has been known to splurge his countless millions, but he has also turned his earnings into money-making ventures, such as his Proper No. 12 whiskey and August McGregor clothing line.
And by the looks of it, Conor is in no danger of going broke anytime soon.
That said, Tyson believes having such wealth can be a factor in leading many to feel that are invincible and bulletproof when it comes to the law. So you’d be kidding yourself if you don’t believe the rich and famous usually get more leniency when it comes to forgiveness and punishment for their legal transgressions. Just ask Joe Rogan.
But Conor’s resurrection — so to speak — has to start within, according to the former heavyweight boxing champion.
“Conor has to look at himself and ask, ‘What happened? Why am I the way I am and how do I stop this from continuing to be?’”
McGregor is adamant he will right his ship, much like Tyson did over the years. As far as his mixed martial arts (MMA) comeback, despite several teases, there is still no return in site for the former champ-champ.