Conor McGregor, the first ever simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history, has expressed regret over turning down numerous Hollywood roles during his rise to fame, but is now set to make his acting debut in the upcoming “Road House” reboot.
Conor McGregor, the infamous UFC champ, once said he’d apologize to no one. He was the first to hold two division titles simultaneously. But, turns out, he might have a few regrets. Not about his fights, but his career outside the ring.
As he was climbing the UFC ladder, Hollywood came calling. Directors and actors alike were eager to work with him. There were whispers of McGregor considering various projects. But he didn’t commit to anything until the upcoming Road House reboot. It’s due out on March 21.
Looking back, McGregor admits he might’ve ruffled a few feathers. He showed interest in projects but never accepted the roles. “I had turned down a good few roles in my time on the climb,” he confessed to Total Film. He recalled top-tier directors visiting his fight camp, offering him roles. But he always said no.
“I’d leave people a little high and dry,” he said. He suspects he might’ve made a few enemies unknowingly, by saying, “I might do it,” then not following through.
In 2016, McGregor was supposed to join Vin Diesel in xXx: The Return of Xander Cage. But he dropped out after a shocking loss to Nate Diaz. Diesel said McGregor had a role written just for him. But after his first UFC defeat, he “had to go get his manhood back.”
DJ Caruso, the director of that project, was “really pissed” when McGregor backed out. His part went to fellow UFC veteran Michael Bisping.
McGregor had plenty of downtime after a broken leg from his last fight with Dustin Poirier in 2021. He decided the Road House reboot was the perfect start to an acting career. But don’t expect him to jump at more offers anytime soon.
Fighting is still McGregor’s priority. But he enjoyed his role as Knox in the film. He’s a hired gun sent to take out Jake Gyllenhaal’s character. He’s glad he waited for Road House for his acting debut.
“I was just in awe of it all, to be honest,” McGregor said. He wasn’t sure how he’d take to acting. He wasn’t sure if he’d like it. “I’m a fighting man – that’s my bread and butter. It’s where I come from.”
“I’m not an actor, but I’m show business,” he said. He felt that vibe. He enjoyed every second of it.