CONOR McGREGOR believes he is on the way to becoming a billionaire – having already made it half way there.

The Irishman is the biggest star in UFC history, which has afforded him mega-money paydays in the octagon and ring.

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And his rising popularity has also seen him branch out into business ventures and sponsors partnerships.

In 2021, he was named the highest-earning athlete in the world with £130million made, which was almost all down to his Proper 12 whiskey.

But in 2022, McGregor dropped out of the top 30 and this year the famed fighter did not make the list.

Still, the ex-UFC champion has high hopes for his financial future and reckons he has already banked $650m (£525m).

He told the UFC’s Megan Olivi: “It’s motivating, obviously Michael Jordan is at the top spot with the Jordan brand took him there, he’s worth multiple billions, 3.3 I think he’s made.

“I’m closing in on a billion now, I think I’m at about 650million all in I’ve made.

“I think they (Forbes) estimate that, I’d have to probably do my own little check of that.

“But I fancy my chances, I fancy my chances of getting up that list.

“It’s good to see, as you say that Forbes was a goal of mine to hit that, I got that and on we go.”

McGregor, 34, in 2018 launched his Proper 12 whiskey and three years later he sold his majority stake for close to £120m.

That came a year before he is understood to have earned around £100m in defeat to boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.

For his last two UFC fights – both against Dustin Poirier – Forbes estimates he made a combined £40m.

And he could pocket similar for his return to the cage against American Michael Chandler, 37, set for this year.

McGregor has now released his own Forged Irish Stout, after purchasing the Black Forge Inn pub in Dublin.

Other ventures include a recovery spray called Tidl and sponsorships with Beetroot Lab, DraftKings and Rolls-Royce.

The father-of-three – who is engaged to partner Dee Devlin – has a passion for watches, with his collection rising to over £3m.

He also has a fleet of supercars and has been known to own two Lamborghinis and four Rolls Royces totalling over £2.5m.

Perhaps most impressive is his luxury £2.7m Lamborghini yacht.

He is believed to live in a £2m mansion in Kildare while also having properties in Spain and America.

McGregor has been sidelined from action since July 2021, when he broke his leg in the first round against Poirier.

But he is eyeing a return this year after coaching on reality show The Ultimate Fighter with Chandler.

And it sets up a fight between the pair despite a date and venue not yet being announced.