Conor McGregor 'billionaire strut', explained: How UFC star popularized the swagger walk
Conor McGregor ‘billionaire strut’, explained: How UFC star popularized the swagger walk originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Many UFC fans have been yearning to see Conor McGregor return to the octagon, and that audience will finally get its wish on Saturday. With that could come McGregor’s “billionaire strut.”
That extravagant walk made its debut almost 10 years ago at UFC 205 and has since become a McGregor staple. The Irishman uses the walk to display his confidence, holding his shoulders back like a billionaire.
It remains to be seen whether fans will get to see the billionaire strut. If they do, McGregor’s fanbase will reminisce about when their favorite fighter sat atop the UFC ladder.
Here’s the rundown on McGregor’s famous strut, which may or may not make an appearance during his return.
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What is Conor McGregor’s strut called?
McGregor’s staple cagewalk move is called the “billionaire strut.” The participant typically walks in a rather pompous manner with their shoulders pushed way back and their chest sticking up, with their arms moving forward and back.
McGregor reportedly first showed the world his billionaire strut on November 12, 2016, at UFC 205. When the fighter was in his prime, the walk was an inside-the-cage tradition. It remains to be seen whether or not McGregor will indulge in his past glory with a 2026 version of the billionaire strut.
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What is a billionaire strut?
The billionaire strut is the nickname for McGregor’s walking style, which he partook in before his MMA fights. The Irish fighter walked extravagantly around the octagon with his arms flailing forward and back while his chest protruded upward.
Here is a quick look at McGregor emulating his famous strut ahead of his comeback fight against Max Holloway:
Conor McGregor pulled up to media day today doing his classic strut 😂 #UFC329pic.twitter.com/vXiI6pmTIT
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 9, 2026
McGregor reportedly first performed the billionaire strut ahead of his UFC 205 bout on November 12, 2016, in his lightweight title fight win against Eddie Alvarez, according to Sportskeeda. Here is a look at McGregor’s first-ever billionaire strut:
In a 2017 interview with Fight Hub TV, McGregor was asked about what or who was the inspiration behind the billionaire strut. According to the fighter, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is to thank.
“I perfected it. Vince is a legend. I love Vince,” McGregor said. “Vince McMahon is a mad b**tard, he’s a mad man.”
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How to do Conor McGregor’s billionaire strut
The first, and arguably most important, step to performing a proper billionaire strut involves the participant leaning all the way back. When McGregor performs the strut, his chest is higher than his back.
Once this posture is established, the strutter must alternate flinging their arms in front of them. The trick is to find the perfect medium; swinging one’s arms either too hard or too softly can determine how comparable someone’s billionaire strut is to McGregor’s.
In case those directions were too confusing, here is McGregor giving a how-to on his trademark walk:
Conor McGregor teaches Nina Drama how to do the Billi Strut
🗣️ Conor: “First of all, lead with your balls.”
🗣️ Nina: “But I don’t have balls.”
🗣️ Conor: “Lead with your ovaries.” 😭😭
(via @Ninadrama) pic.twitter.com/z95AvtflAE
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 9, 2026
Conor McGregor billionaire strut gif
McGregor’s billionaire strut has previously gone viral, as the MMA fighter has been relevant for quite some time. His walk style can even be seen in group chats or comments sections that allow GIFs.
Here is a GIF of McGregor’s trademark cage tradition:
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Conor McGregor billionaire strut memes
Here is a look at the various uses of the McGregor billionaire strut as a meme:
Often imitated. Never duplicated. Nobody does the Billionaire Strut quite like @TheNotoriousMMA#UFC246pic.twitter.com/Aws8IdPnVd
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 16, 2020
Only Conor McGregor can pull off the billionaire strut pic.twitter.com/CHkr1C9tV9
— FIGHTFLIX (@Fightflix_) July 9, 2026
The McGregor strut is back.pic.twitter.com/acYdxxrVu0
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 11, 2021
“Conor McGregor pulled up to media day today doing his classic strut” https://t.co/7FFUF2Caclpic.twitter.com/4XwOjrowjh
— Vinteoito (@_vinteoito) July 9, 2026
Conor McGregor iconic billionaire strut. 🇮🇪👑
The billionaire strut is of the most iconic celebrations in sports history.
From football to basketball, boxing, and beyond, the biggest athletes in the world have all recreated the strut. More than a celebration, it became a symbol… pic.twitter.com/iowvYd99KP
— McGregor News (@mcgregormma11) July 4, 2026
See you guys soon. https://t.co/OpJYsoeCVA
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 20, 2020
