Conor McGregor (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Now that Conor McGregor has been part of what could very well be the highest grossing fight in combat sports history, Brendan Schaub believes the star is calling the shots for his career, rather than the UFC.

McGregor is coming off a stoppage loss to boxing star Floyd Mayweather on August 26th, and it’s been reported the bout could become the top selling, pay-per-view fight ever. The UFC lightweight champ received $30 million guaranteed for the contest, and it’s believed McGregor could earn around $100 million in total for the bout, which would far surpass the earnings of any UFC fight he’s had.

Recently Schaub was a guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience“, and while discussing McGregor, the UFC veteran said this (quote via MMA Fighting):

“Conor has changed the game for the better, especially if you’re the fighter,” said Schaub. “With WME, he’s steering the ship. Think about it, he made over – the numbers have come out and they’re saying it’s gonna be the biggest pay-per-view of all time – so he made $100 million, right? So you’re telling me if you’re Conor and you’re part of his team you’re gonna go, ‘Hey, fight Nate Diaz for $5-10 million and also, we need you to wear this Reebok and they’re gonna pay you $100,000 a year.’ You think Conor’s gonna [do that]? You’re crazy.”

“You’re playing a different game now. You’re talking about the biggest athlete in combat sports. You’re not getting him for the $200,000 you were paying him a year. He can go, ‘Listen, I’m down to wear Reebok but it’s a different animal now.’

Before facing Mayweather, McGregor reported he hoped to box and compete in MMA fights moving forward. More recently, UFC President Dana White has said he prefers that McGregor focus on his MMA career.