Arnold Schwarzenegger and Conor McGregor are The Greatest Showmen

What Tools Propel a Superstar from Zero to Hero?

“Early to bed early to rise, work like hell and advertise” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Recently, I’ve been fascinated by the historic rise in fame and popularity of professional MMA fighter Conor McGregor. However, I couldn’t help but notice his striking similarities to the bodybuilding GOAT, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

So, because of this, I wanted to study the certain laws that each of these men followed to put them above the herd of their competitors and into the eyes of the crowd.

LAW ONE: COURT ATTENTION AT ALL COSTS

Ripped straight from Robert Greene’s book “The 48 Laws of Power” the argument could be made that this is one of, if not, the most important rule to follow.

Both men are known for their exuberant personalities, trash talk, charisma, style, etc. However, the basic symptoms of these traits, whether intentional or not, are massive amounts of attention and audience appeal. I’ll let Arnold explain.

Raw Iron: The Making Of Pumping Iron -

“I made up a lot of this stuff because I felt like that’s the way you get attention - I believe that the more sensationalistic you are, the more outrageous things that you say. The more you get quoted, the more you get in the papers, the more the sport of bodybuilding will benefit because the more stories we will get about the sport of bodybuilding” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Conor shows this same attitude, although a little more extreme and mysterious than Arnold, he will talk outrageous amounts of trash and dip into huge bouts of controversy. Take when he decided to launch a dolly through Khabib’s bus for example. Do you really think he did this just to defend a friend? Or, did he know that this would be the greatest piece of promotion possible to sell the biggest fight in UFC history?

The 48 Laws Of Power:

“Society craves larger-than-life figures, people who stand above the general mediocrity. Never be afraid, then, of the qualities that set you apart and draw attention to you.” - Robert Greene

Obviously, I’m not condoning this level of “promotion”. However, you can’t deny its effects on the event’s PPV status.

Conor and Arnold both understood the way the public viewed them. Arnold would even make up stories, such as how he was unaffected by his father’s passing because he had to focus on winning. He knew that the image of a heartless winner who would do anything for a trophy would SELL. Conor’s press conference with Khabib portrayed him in a dark light as a drunken maniac. But, a crazed drunken maniac SELLS.

LAW TWO: ENTER ACTION WITH BOLDNESS

“Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid” - Robert Greene

Conor Mcgregor changed the game when it came to Mixed Martial Arts, not even, he changed the world.

From day one, Conor walked his shit and talked it just as well. Whether it was a facade or not, the picture was painted. Conor would fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.

People either wanted to see him conquer the world or be sent crashing down from it. Either or, they wanted to watch.

Same goes for Arnie, he exploded onto the bodybuilding scene, famous for his psychological warfare. He made everyone understand that they were competing for second place as long as he was around.

Then, he would emulate these same tactics when it came to making movies. Nobody believed that a jacked giant you could barely understand would ever be a leading man. Could you imagine thinking of Arnold as anything but a leading man today? This would go on and on with countless ventures and achievements, becoming Governor to name one.

Long story short, people want to see what the next bold move is. Who will Conor fight next? What can’t Arnold do? These questions all translate into popularity.

LAW THREE: TALK THE TALK

Charisma is King.

As aforementioned, Psychological Warfare is arguably the most similar type that all major superstars have in common. Mike Tyson, Muhammed Ali, Arnie, McGregor, Michael Jordan.

This could be confused with courting attention or entering action with boldness. While it is a tactic that could be used with these things, it is in a league of its own.

This is what puts #1 above #2. When Conor talks shit to his fellow fighters, he gets in their heads, he causes them to doubt themselves. When Arnold pranks fellow bodybuilders with bad advice, he crumbles them. This mastery of trash talk puts the talker in a position of authority.

“In reality, I see when I watch a Mr. Olympia competition or Mr. Universe competition or any of those things. You know, they all look pretty much the same, the top five guys. But, what makes one emerge is the way he acts.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Tim Ferris Show)

Talking the Talk causes excitement, it is flashy, and it is fun. Those things are undeniable. That is why those that can do it best, those that can shine above everyone else and make them look silly get the big bucks.

LAW FOUR: WALK THE WALK

While it is fun to sit and debate what makes someone a superstar and how you could possibly be one yourself. The most important trait is to actually be the best at what you do.

None of these laws matter without an incredible work ethic and an insatiable desire to win. All antics aside, Conor McGregor would be nobody if he didn’t make good on his word and actually beat the cream of the crop during his rise. Arnold Schwarzenegger would be nobody if he didn’t spend countless hours in the gym which would drive most people mad.

Ultimately, it is being able to walk the walk that separates the champs from the copycats, such as most social media influencers/youtube boxers these days. While they ultimately can corral some attention, it fades almost just as fast.