Sean O’Malley spills beans on why Conor McGregor is the only star who can break Jake Paul set celebrity boxing viewership records

Celebrity boxing numbers continue to grow at an unbelievable pace. Viewership records are no longer being broken by small margins. They are being completely blown away. Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson pulled in more than 108 million viewers on Netflix. That single event changed how fans and promoters define a “massive” combat sports spectacle.

Still, many believe that number may not stand forever. As streaming platforms reshape how fights are watched, attention has already shifted to what could top it next. According to UFC star Sean O’Malley, there is still one fighter who can attract global attention like no one else. That name, he believes, is Conor McGregor.

Sean O’Malley explains why Conor McGregor still moves the needle in celebrity boxing

The discussion surfaced on Sean O’Malley’s YouTube channel during a conversation with Tim Welch. Welch listed recent blockbuster events including Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua which reportedly drew 33 million live viewers. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford crossed 41 million, while Paul vs. Mike Tyson went far beyond that, touching over 108 million.

Welch suggested that the ceiling could not be broken again unless something extreme happened. He said, “That’ll never be touched unless he fights someone like Tyson Fury in MMA or something.” O’Malley, however, did not fully agree. He pushed back by saying, “There are going to be bigger people nowadays,” pointing to the rapid rise of stars and the growth of crossover fights.

O’Malley then introduced a scenario he felt made sense. He spoke about an older Conor McGregor returning to fight a younger and more relevant opponent. Not a prime version of McGregor. Instead, a long-absent version returning in a moment similar to Mike Tyson’s comeback.

O’Malley explained that the appeal would not be just about fighting skills. It would be about emotion, curiosity, and history. He suggested fans would tune in for closure and chaos as much as competition. Welch added that Tyson brought in older fans, while Jake Paul attracted younger viewers. In his view, McGregor could once again connect both generations.

For now, it remains only a theory. McGregor is not yet chasing a farewell-style comeback. At 37, he still sees himself as a serious contender. He has openly targeted Islam Makhachev and spoken about winning a third UFC title, framing it as a business move. However, reality complicates that ambition. McGregor has not fought since 2021, making an immediate title shot unlikely.

Still, one carefully chosen return fight could restore his relevance and challenge the massive viewership record Netflix has recently set.

Also Read: Conor McGregor drops four-word praise for Jake Paul’s grit after brutal Anthony Joshua knockout loss

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