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Conor McGregor might be on the sidelines in the Octagon, but he’s anything but idle. Known for turning nearly everything he touches into gold, the Irish fighter has now set his sights on a fresh venture: the snack world. After making his mark with a successful alcohol brand, becoming a part-owner of ‘BKFC’ (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) and even owning a Dublin pub, The Black Forge Inn, McGregor has taken the next big leap with KUDO Protein Popcorn.

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On October 10, McGregor introduced KUDO Protein Popcorn to his millions of followers on social media, touting it as “the Mac’s go-to snack.” But what adds a bit of spice to this endeavor is the support from UFC veteran and karate expert, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson!

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Conor McGregor taps in “The UFC’s Karate kid” to promote KUDO popcorn  

Conor McGregor and Stephen Thompson have joined forces to promote his latest venture into the world of snacks! The promotional rollout even includes appearances by Thompson himself, inviting fans to “snap a pic, get an autograph, and maybe learn a few moves?,” according to the official KUDO Snacks account.

In fact, McGregor was quick to praise Thompson, posting, “The UFC’s Karate kid Wonderboy!” on his Instagram story, adding that extra touch of camaraderie to the partnership. It’s a savvy move from McGregor. Not only is he leveraging Thompson’s likability, but he’s also bringing in a seasoned UFC name to appeal to fans who live for the sport’s high-octane action.

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In the comment section for the post, ‘Wonderboy’ has been actively engaging fans by imploring them to “Come see me” at the event set to go down on, “1-2:30PM, FRIDAY 11/15, QuickChek 435 Minnisink Rd, Totowa, NJ.” ‘The Notorious’ also added his voice to the comment section with a karate gi and popcorn emoji to highlight Thompson’s involvement.

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But let’s talk numbers. Why would Conor McGregor dive into a crowded protein market? One word: potential. In recent years, high-protein, low-carb products have surged as more people turn to healthier snacks and meals. According to The Brainy Insights, the global protein supplement market hit $24 billion in 2023, and with demand climbing, it’s expected to soar to $47 billion by 2032. That’s a lot of room for KUDO Popcorn to grow, and McGregor clearly wants a piece of the pie

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As the Irish MMA icon’s journey into the snack world unfolds, only time will tell if KUDO Popcorn will dominate like his whiskey or fizzle out. Because there is another industry that the ‘The Notorious’ is aiming to take over!

McGregor sets his crosshairs on the music industry to expand his empire  

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While fans eagerly await his return to the octagon, Conor McGregor is busy adding to his ever-growing empire. McGregor, a part-owner of BKFC, has already made waves in the world of bare-knuckle boxing. But now, he’s setting his sights on an entirely new arena. And this time, it’s not about punches or kicks—it’s about beats and bars.

In a post shared on social media, the Irishman announced, “I am excited to create Ireland’s first major record label in an industry that I have had great interest in for some time. Greenback Records is here! We are forming a stable of artists that will avail of the best deals in the music industry. Period!”

It’s this fresh approach that’s catching the eyes of some big names in the industry. ‘Kingmaker’, the first solo record from hip-hop artist Xzibit since 2012, will be released under Greenback Records. In a recent interview, Xzibit revealed, “He wanted to get out into the market and really promote his artists, and create a platform that’s going to be beneficial for everybody involved. That was very attractive to me. And putting both of our audiences and both of our demographics together is new. I think it’s going to blow people away.”

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In conclusion, from the UFC to the music industry and now the snack world, Conor McGregor is constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers. Whether it’s through his KUDO Protein Popcorn, his Greenback Records label, or his stake in BKFC, McGregor has proven that his ambitions extend far beyond the Octagon! What do you think of the Irishman’s remarkable success beyond combat sports? Let us know in the comments below! 

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Dushyant Patni

2,506 Articles

Dushyant Patni is a Senior UFC Writer at EssentiallySports, bringing over eight years of diverse writing experience and a Master’s in English Literature to the fight game. For the past two years, he has been a key figure at the ES Fight Night Desk, covering live MMA action with a sharp eye for subtle in-round details that often escape casual viewers. A lifelong combat sports enthusiast, Dushyant’s passion spans boxing, Bruce Lee’s martial arts philosophy, PRIDE FC’s golden era, and modern-day UFC.

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Amal Joyce

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