Imago
Credits: IMAGO
Imago
Credits: IMAGO
Punching up in weight is nothing new to Conor McGregor, be it in the fight world or in the business world. Most fans already know the range of ventures ‘The Notorious’ has backed, from Forged Irish Stout to The Black Forge Inn and Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. This time, though, he’s stepping into a completely different arena.
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“Hey folks, I have founded my latest venture,” McGregor wrote on X. “My creation for the $90bn per annum energy drinks category.”
McGregor’s new creation is an energy drink under the brand name MAC Energy. According to Conor McGregor, the drink includes new ingredients that sets itself apart from the plethora of options available in the market. The key ingredients include 250mg of the powerhouse nootropic Cognizin Citicoline, which supports cognition, and 5g of goBHB ketones.
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“However, it is unlike any other,” he added. “It is the ONLY energy drink with 5grams of the ketone ‘BHB’ inside. I also have this ketone patented. Meaning, while all the sleeping giants in the category have just been caught off guard by the MAC! They can do nothing about it! … Enjoy, Beverage Forum, California! That’s how it’s done!”
In simple terms, BHB stands for Beta-Hydroxybutyrate. It is the main ketone produced by your liver when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. BHB acts as a clean, efficient alternative energy source, especially for the brain, heart, and muscles. It can even cross the blood-brain barrier easily.
Cognizin, on the other hand, is a patented, high-quality branded form of citicoline. It is one of the most researched nootropics used in supplements and functional beverages.
In any case, Conor McGregor previously partnered with Bucked Up energy drinks, ‘Notorious Buck,’ with his face and branding on them. But now, he appears to have launched his brand.
Hey folks, I have founded my latest venture.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 28, 2026
My creation for the $90bn per annum energy drinks category.
However, it is unlike any other.
It is the ONLY energy drink with 5grams of the ketone “BHB” inside.
The “energy” ketone. (Google BHB)
I also have this ketone…
He also founded the popcorn brand, KUDO Protein Popcorn, in 2024. With this one, he tried to tap into the $47B snacks market. He had announced at the time, “I am proud to announce my latest venture today, KUDO Protein Popcorn – the Mac’s go-to snack! Met with the Worlds top retailers today, and they’re pumped to bring this protein-packed popcorn to the masses. High protein, low carb – snack like a champ champ.”
In January 2025, the UFC and KUDO Snacks announced a partnership, whereby the brand became the exclusive ‘Official Global Popcorn of UFC.’
Before launching his own energy drink, McGregor had deals with Bucked Up and Monster Energy before that. In October 2024, he announced his deal with Bucked Up, writing, “I don’t partner with just anyone. Bucked Up is the real deal—no nonsense, no shortcuts, just straight power and performance, exactly how I operate. They’ve got that same unstoppable drive, that hunger to be the best.”
“At Bucked Up, we don’t just aim to be the best—we aim to dominate. That’s why bringing Conor McGregor on board was a no-brainer,” Bucked Up CEO and Co-founder Ryan Gardner stated. They introduced an Irish Apple flavor named ‘Conor McGregor Notorious Buck Energy Drink.’
His latest venture is the latest in a series of bold business moves. Last year, Conor McGregor welcomed Donald Trump Jr. as a business partner.
Company co-owned by Conor McGregor went into business with the Trumps
MMA Inc., the NYSE-listed venture backed by Conor McGregor, brought in Donald Trump Jr. as a strategic advisor, according to The Mac Life, with the Trump-linked American Ventures leading a $3 million initial investment and pledging up to $20 million more. Previously, Conor McGregor welcomed the move during an interview with TMZ Sports.
“Don is a globally recognized business leader with a deep passion for martial arts and for the coaches and small business owners who are the backbone of this sport,” he said. “With Don joining our team, I couldn’t be more excited about the future we’re building together at MMA.INC.”
“I am deeply passionate about supporting small business owners to thrive…,” Trump Jr. added. “And help MMA.INC connect these businesses with fans.”
It appears that while Conor McGregor is out of the cage, he is starting a business and making connections left and right. He is expected to return to the UFC this year in July.
Written by
Edited by
Yeswanth Praveen