Roger Federer and Conor McGregor are not known to be friends, relatives, business partners, or sporting rivals. The clearest verified links between them are a 2018 interview in which Federer mentioned McGregor while discussing athlete behavior, and their exceptional commercial success, including topping Forbes’ highest-paid-athlete ranking in consecutive years.
Their careers otherwise developed in completely different sports. Federer became one of tennis’s most decorated champions, while McGregor became the UFC’s first fighter to hold championships in two weight divisions simultaneously. As of September 2026, Federer is retired and newly inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, while McGregor is recovering from knee surgery after his July 2026 UFC comeback.
Is There a Real Connection Between Roger Federer and Conor McGregor?
Available credible reporting does not establish a personal or professional relationship between Federer and McGregor. There is no well-documented joint business venture, friendship, family connection, competitive rivalry, or collaboration between the two athletes.
There is, however, one notable direct reference connecting their names. In November 2018, Federer mentioned McGregor while discussing Serena Williams‘ confrontation with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during that year’s US Open final.
Federer argued that Williams had gone too far during the dispute, while also noting that tennis generally maintains relatively strict behavioral standards compared with some other sports. He told The Times, in comments subsequently reported by Sky Sports: “You see the UFC guy [Conor McGregor] throw a railing.”
That remark was not evidence of a relationship between Federer and McGregor. Federer was using McGregor as an example while comparing standards of conduct across sports.
What Did Roger Federer Say About Conor McGregor?
Federer’s McGregor reference came from a broader discussion about athlete behavior rather than MMA itself.
During the 2018 US Open women’s final, Serena Williams received code violations during a heated dispute with chair umpire Carlos Ramos. When Federer later discussed the controversy, he said Williams could have walked away from the confrontation sooner but also acknowledged that the umpire’s handling of the situation was part of the debate.
He then widened the comparison beyond tennis. Federer noted that behavior regarded as extraordinary in tennis can look different when compared with confrontations in other sports, and McGregor was the UFC example he chose.
This remains one of the strongest verified reasons people searching Roger Federer and Conor McGregor may find their names connected in older reports.
Their Other Major Connection: Extraordinary Sports Earnings
Federer and McGregor also share an unusual financial distinction. They topped Forbes’ annual highest-paid-athlete ranking in consecutive years.
Federer took the No. 1 position in 2020. Forbes estimated that he made $106.3 million before taxes during its 12-month measurement period. Only $6.3 million came from tennis prize money, while approximately $100 million came from endorsements and appearance fees. He became the first tennis player to lead the ranking since Forbes began it in 1990.
One year later, McGregor moved to the top. His estimated 2021 earnings reached $180 million, helped heavily by the sale of his majority interest in Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. Forbes reported that the transaction contributed roughly $150 million to his earnings.
| Measure | Roger Federer | Conor McGregor |
|---|---|---|
| Primary sport | Tennis | Mixed martial arts |
| Forbes No. 1 year | 2020 | 2021 |
| Estimated earnings in that ranking period | $106.3 million | $180 million |
| Major driver | Endorsements and appearance fees | Proper No. Twelve transaction plus fighting and endorsements |
| Competitive status in September 2026 | Retired | UFC lists him as active, currently recovering from injury |
These numbers measure estimated income over separate 12-month periods. They are not net-worth figures, and McGregor’s higher 2021 total does not by itself show that he accumulated more money over his entire career.
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How Federer Built His Sporting Career
Roger Federer was born in Basel, Switzerland, on August 8, 1981 and turned professional in 1998. His rise eventually placed him at the center of men’s tennis during an era that also included Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Federer finished his career with 20 men’s singles Grand Slam titles, including a record eight Wimbledon men’s singles championships. He completed the career Grand Slam when he won Roland Garros in 2009.
His wider ATP record includes:
- 103 tour-level singles titles
- 1,251 tour-level match victories
- 310 total weeks as world No. 1
- A record 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1
- Six ATP Finals titles
- 28 ATP Masters 1000 titles
Federer announced in September 2022 that the Laver Cup in London would be his final ATP event. His last professional appearance came in doubles alongside longtime rival Rafael Nadal.
Roger Federer’s Status in 2026
Federer reached another career milestone on August 29, 2026, when he was officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Broadcaster Mary Carillo joined him in the Class of 2026.
Although he no longer competes on the ATP Tour, Federer has continued appearing at major tennis events and exhibitions. In 2026, he returned to the court for special appearances at events including the Australian Open, the US Open, and the Hall of Fame celebration.
How McGregor Became a Two-Division UFC Champion
Conor McGregor was born in Dublin, Ireland, on July 14, 1988. After competing professionally in European MMA, he entered the UFC in 2013 and quickly became one of the organization’s most recognizable fighters.
McGregor defeated José Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194 in December 2015 to become the undisputed UFC featherweight champion. Less than a year later, he stopped Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 to win the lightweight championship. That victory made McGregor the first UFC fighter to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.
His major UFC wins have included victories over Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, Chad Mendes, José Aldo, Nate Diaz, Eddie Alvarez, and Donald Cerrone.
The UFC currently lists McGregor’s professional MMA record as 22 wins and seven losses, with 19 victories by knockout.
Conor McGregor’s 2026 Comeback and Injury
McGregor spent roughly five years away from UFC competition following the serious leg injury he suffered against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. His long-awaited return eventually took place at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026.
He faced Max Holloway, whom he had previously defeated in 2013. The rematch ended almost immediately.
McGregor injured his right knee while attempting a jumping kick in the opening moments. Holloway was officially awarded a TKO victory just 1 minute and 9 seconds into the first round.
McGregor subsequently said the injury involved his ACL and meniscus. He underwent surgery and has stated that he intends to compete again, although any return timetable remains dependent on his recovery and medical clearance. His suggestion that he could return in 2027 is his own projected timeline rather than an independently confirmed medical prognosis.
That creates a sharp contrast with Federer in 2026. Federer has permanently ended his professional career, while McGregor still publicly intends to continue competing despite another major injury setback.
Roger Federer and Conor McGregor as Business Figures
The most interesting parallel between the two athletes may be how successfully they converted sporting fame into businesses and commercial relationships.
Federer’s Endorsement Model
Federer’s commercial strength traditionally came from long-term premium sponsorships. His partners have included Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, Wilson, Uniqlo, and other international companies.
His 2018 agreement with Uniqlo was reported by Forbes as a 10-year deal worth approximately $300 million. Federer also became an investor and co-owner in Swiss footwear company On in 2019. Forbes
That On investment became especially important to his wealth. Forbes estimated Federer at $1.1 billion in March 2026, largely because of investments and commercial earnings accumulated beyond tennis. In August, however, Forbes estimated his fortune had fallen to about $952.4 million after On Holding shares dropped sharply.
The change demonstrates why celebrity net-worth estimates should always be tied to a date. Public-company shares can cause estimated wealth to move significantly even when an athlete does not buy or sell anything.
McGregor’s Business Model
McGregor took a different path. Endorsements played a role in his income, but one of his most valuable ventures was Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, launched in 2018 with business partners.
The brand eventually produced a major financial exit. Forbes reported in 2021 that McGregor sold his majority stake for an estimated $150 million, helping push him to the top of that year’s athlete earnings ranking.
This distinction matters when comparing Federer and McGregor. Federer’s commercial earnings were built heavily around long-running sponsorship agreements and equity investments. McGregor’s biggest single reported earnings year was boosted by a large business transaction.
Who Has Earned More, Federer or McGregor?
There is no reliable current figure that allows a precise lifetime wealth comparison using the same methodology for both men.
McGregor had the bigger single Forbes annual total of the two, earning an estimated $180 million in the 2021 ranking compared with Federer’s $106.3 million when Federer topped the 2020 ranking.
Federer’s documented long-term commercial earnings are enormous. Forbes estimated in 2021 that he had generated nearly $1 billion in pre-tax career earnings by that point, and his investment in On subsequently became an important part of his wealth.
Public estimates of McGregor’s present net worth vary widely, and there is no recent audited personal balance sheet available publicly. It would therefore be misleading to turn estimates from unrelated methodologies into a definitive current wealth comparison.
Why Their Careers Make an Interesting Comparison
Federer and McGregor reached global sporting fame through very different systems.
Tennis required Federer to compete throughout lengthy seasons and build a record across hundreds of tournaments and matches. His commercial image developed alongside more than two decades of sustained elite performance.
McGregor’s sport operates differently. MMA fighters compete far less frequently, while individual fights can become enormous pay-per-view entertainment events. McGregor’s rise combined championship success with promotion, media attention, major fight purses, and entrepreneurship.
The overlap is therefore not a traditional rivalry. It is a comparison between two different ways elite athletes have turned sporting achievement into global recognition and considerable commercial value.
FAQ
Are Roger Federer and Conor McGregor friends?
There is no credible public evidence establishing Federer and McGregor as close friends. Their most notable documented direct link is Federer’s reference to McGregor during a 2018 interview about athlete behavior.
What did Roger Federer say about Conor McGregor?
While discussing conduct in professional sports in 2018, Federer referred to McGregor as “the UFC guy” and mentioned him throwing a railing. Federer was contrasting behavior seen in tennis with incidents in other sports.
Did Roger Federer and Conor McGregor ever compete against each other?
No. Federer was a professional tennis player, while McGregor competes in mixed martial arts. There has been no competitive sporting match between them.
Who had the higher highest-paid-athlete year?
McGregor’s reported peak was higher. Forbes estimated his earnings at $180 million when he topped its 2021 ranking, while Federer earned an estimated $106.3 million when he led the 2020 ranking. Those figures cover different reporting periods and do not represent lifetime wealth.
Are Roger Federer and Conor McGregor still competing in 2026?
Federer is not. He retired from professional tennis in 2022 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in August 2026. McGregor remains listed as an active UFC fighter but is recovering from surgery following the knee injury suffered against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
Do Federer and McGregor have a business partnership?
No publicly documented business partnership between them has been established. Federer has major endorsement agreements and an equity interest in On, while McGregor’s best-known entrepreneurial success has included Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey.
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