Forget cage fighting, boxing and world titles - Irishman Conor McGregor's next goal is to build a financial empire and eclipse Real Madrid soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo to become the highest-paid athlete in the world. The 29-year-old UFC lightweight champion told Reuters of his ambition in an exclusive interview ahead of the premier of "Notorious", a documentary film charting his rise from penniless plumber to the face of one the world's fastest-growing sports. In the film, McGregor makes no secret of the dreams that drove him to become a two-weight UFC champion and fight unbeaten boxing great Floyd Mayweather in front of an audience of millions, but his current aims are more banking than sporting.

Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor poses upon arrival to attend the world premiere of the documentary film 'Conor McGregor: Notorious' at the Savoy Cinema in Dublin, Ireland on November 1, 2017. Pic/AFP