Irish fighter Conor McGregor has been named as a pioneer on Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People list.
Writing about McGregor, former Mr Universe and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says: "Conor McGregor is more than a fighter, more than an athlete, more than a champion -although, as the first person in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship to hold titles in two weight divisions at once, he is clearly all of those things.
"Conor is also the rare personality who has become bigger than his sport.
"That lean, compact body must struggle to keep his enormous character inside.
"From the first time I met Conor, I knew he wasn't the type of star you could box into one category.
"Since I've gotten to know him, I can tell you that what you see on the screen - the now familiar face of mixed martial arts—just scratches the surface.
"The Dublin native is razor-sharp, disciplined and charismatic.
"His energy is absolutely contagious, to the point where you almost start shouting in an Irish accent after 30 seconds of hearing that world-famous mouth."
Others on the list of influencers include British Prime Minister Theresa May, US President Donald Trump, his daughter Ivanka, actor Ryan Reynolds and drag queen RuPaul.
US President Donald Trump listens after signing the S. 544 the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act | Image: Sipa USA/SIPA USA/PA Images
On Donald Trump, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Paul Ryan writes: " He always finds a way to get it done. When so many, including me at times, didn't see how he could pull it off, Donald Trump won a historic victory.
"And in becoming the 45th President of the United States, he completely rewrote the rules of politics and reset the course of this country.
"A businessman always willing to challenge convention, he has shaken up Washington and laid out an agenda of generational proportions."
Another influencer named is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has claimed victory in a referendum on sweeping constitutional change there.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during a rally of supporters in Ankara, Turkey | Image: Burhan Ozbilici/AP/Press Association Images
Former editor-in-chief of the Turkish daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dundar, says: "Bolstered by a West willing to accept the facade of a 'Muslim democrat,' Erdogan grew intoxicated by his own might after winning six elections in 15 years.
"He imprisoned dozens of journalists who criticized his regime, including me. Then, after the coup attempt on July 15, 2016, he widened his witch hunt, imprisoning more than 70,000 people.
"Ever more authoritarian—and glossing over Turkey's faltering economy and alienation from the world at large - Erdogan has claimed victory in a constitutional referendum that would significantly increase his power.
"This actually could mark the beginning of the end, as he lost not only the cities but also the ability to cast blame elsewhere."
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