On a day in which former two-weight world boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi shot down a prospective move to pugilism, it would appear Conor McGregor is keen to extend his empire beyond the world of combat sports altogether.
'The Notorious' was once penned to star in the new XXX film, but was forced to cancel his appearance alongside Vin Diesel in order to focus fully on a career-defining rematch with Nate Diaz. Now freed from the shackles of training, he's traded the big screen for the computer screen, starring in quite the amusing comedy promo for the Pegasus World Cup - the world's richest thoroughbred race.
In the video, McGregor announces to the world that like Alexander the Great before him, he's dismayed at the lack of fields he has left to conquer, and so will be riding in the Pegasus World Cup in an attempt to become the world's greatest jockey. Standing in his corner in lieu of John Kavanagh is comedic actor John Lovitz - quite the task-master as it transpires towards the finish.
It's worth noting that the winner of the Pegasus World Cup, which takes place at Gulfstream Park in Florida on January 28, earns 12 million big ones. Unconfirmed reports suggest 'The Notorious' will not ride in the race unless that prize money is increased to roughly $100m.
Conor McGregor horse racing promo
Sport of Kings - meet your new King! @PegasusWorldCup @realjonlovitz pic.twitter.com/IOiqHw8ImC
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 4, 2017
A decent effort by all involved, and a bit of a coup by the event organisers. Something tells us it won't be McGregor's final acting appearance of the decade - particularly if there will be, as expected, a number of follow-up entries ahead of the 28th of January.
