The epic matchup between Connor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather on Saturday, Aug. 26, was streamed live on at least 239 illegal streams with millions of people watching, according to Irdeto, a digital platform security firm.
Pirates used streaming capabilities on Facebook, YouTube, Periscope, and Twitch, among other social media platforms, to redistribute the spectacle live. In total, approximately 2.9 million people watched the fight illegally, Irdeto estimates.
The fight was a target for pirates since it combined huge audiences from boxing, where Mayweather is an undefeated champion, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where McGregor is a two-weight champion and huge fan favorite.
Conor McGregor (R) throws a right at Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the second round of their super welterweight boxing match at T-Mobile Arena on Aug. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nev. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
