Conor McGregor recently shared the story behind one of the most recognizable nicknames in combat sports history – the “Notorious”.

McGregor is set to return to action at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, where he will face longtime rival Max Holloway in a welterweight bout.
It will mark his first fight since suffering a devastating leg injury against Dustin Poirier five years ago.

During the interview, host Jimmy Fallon asked McGregor how he came to be known as “The Notorious”…

And, according to the former two-division UFC champion, the nickname developed naturally because of his reputation as a teenager:

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.

McGregor also revealed that the nickname was influenced by his admiration for legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., whose music has long been associated with his career:

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 nickname has followed McGregor throughout his rise from Dublin prospect to global superstar and has become synonymous with one of the biggest personalities the sport has ever seen.
Over the years, however, the nickname has taken on additional meaning as McGregor’s career became increasingly defined by both his accomplishments inside the cage and controversies outside of it.

Check out the full interview on the video below:

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