elcome back to the vivid world of ink, attitude, and unapologetic individuality. As we dive headfirst into the latest edition of Inked, I am beyond thrilled to present an exclusive cover story that embodies everything we stand for: rebellion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
In our electrifying spotlight this month, we turn our gaze toward the one and only Conor McGregor, a name that reverberates through the realms of sports, entertainment, and now Hollywood. What sets McGregor apart from the rest isn't just his prowess in the UFC; it's his larger-than-life persona, his magnetic charisma, and of course those unmistakable tattoos that tell a story of their own. We take you behind the scenes of McGregor's whirlwind journey, from humble beginnings in Dublin to meteoric rise to fame. Amidst the glitz of Hollywood, one thing remains constant: McGregor's unapologetic commitment to being the best version of himself.
In McGregor’s world, boundaries are meant to be shattered, expectations are meant to be exceeded, and dreams are meant to be chased with unwavering tenacity. He stands as inspiration for dreamers and doers alike, proving that with enough courage, determination, and a touch of Irish charm, anything is possible. A man of many talents and ventures, when he's not dominating the octagon, he's busy making waves in the world of entrepreneurship. From his successful Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand, his foray into the world of craft beer, and joint partnership with luxury clothier David August in the new menswear label August McGregor, the man is constantly redefining what it means to be a modern-day mogul.
As you flip through the pages of this month's vibrant issue, I invite you to immerse yourself in McGregor’s realm — a world where tattoos tell stories, and the only limit is the sky itself. His role in Road House is a testament to McGregor's indomitable spirit, insatiable hunger, and relentless drive to leave a lasting legacy. Inked readers, I welcome you to relish this front-row seat to celebrate the triumphs of a true icon.
Darrin Austin Publisher
PUBLISHER Darrin Austin
VP OF PRINT MEDIA Toby Thompson
VP OF DIGITAL MEDIA Nicole Martinez
VP OF ECOMMERCE/MARKETING Tianna Martin
VP OF ADVERTISING Christa Lebar
PR/MARKETING MANAGER Carson Leathers
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/CONTENT Ian Sami Hajar
GRAPHIC DESIGN Fanie van Niekerk
MANAGING EDITOR Amy Higgins
SOCIAL MEDIA Jeremy Sodek / Julia Cancilla / Mina Eren Ozgu
OFFICE MANAGER/PENNSYLVANIA Jami Pearlman
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE /PAYABLE Chris Watson
FULFILLMENT Theresa Jones
VIDEOGRAPHER/EDITORS Sammy Martel / Spencer Fahlman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Meghan Elizabeth / Annie Stopak / Kellie Speed / Tami Austin
Katie Sawyer / Simon Roberts / Miguel Costa / Jason Murray
Jillian Dara / Matt Chappell / Si Si Penaloza / Nicole Stover
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jason Goodrich / Ryan Pfluger / Dave Laus / Christopher Kolk
ADVERTISING Kristine Mcguire / Brett Anderton
HEAD OF EVENTS Meghan Elizabeth
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Eventually, Soto’s riskiness paid off. Subsequently, nearly a decade and a half of hustling as a freelance director in the Caribbean and stateside resulted in his independent film La Granja (2015) landing on the radar of Fantastic Fest Founder Tim League, who then offered him a premiere at his annual film festival in Austin, Texas. The critically acclaimed sports drama garnered attention from Javier Alvarado in Southern California, an agent with Creative Artists Agency who went on to become his manager.
Years after relocating to Los Angeles, the Puerto Rican native returned to his home island in May 2022 to make his breakthrough film Blue Beetle. The full-circle moment added $20 million to Puerto Rico’s economy while also manufacturing nearly $76 million worth of jobs, some of whom included friends and crew members from his arthouse film La Carta (2010). Now, the same hands that used to slap
do something with that Juan Salgado style, but I want to do it with black and grey… My left arm is all patched with an engraved aesthetic. And my neck tattoo is from Nora. My wife has a sleeve from her.”
Lyashko tattooed a kiwi flower on Soto’s neck shortly after Charm City Kings (2020), starring Meek Mill and Jahi Di’Allo Winston, wrapped filming in 2018 in Baltimore. Additionally, Soto, his Director of Photography Katelin Arizmendi, and the camera operator Stewart Cantrell, all inked themselves with friendship tattoos, inspired by the 12 O’clock Boys, the dirt bike riders from their movie, during the production phase. Soto’s tattoo is a Molotov cocktail that says “12XII.” Around that time, he also procured an inner lip tattoo of the word “help.”
Soto’s most elaborate tattoo is a chest piece based on artwork by Omar Velazquez. It includes a script that reads, “Honor, loyalty, and respect.” Like many ink enthusiasts, he’s also the owner of a “drunk tattoo.” The whimsical memento is located just above the fingers on his right hand, spelling out the word “true.”
basslines for the ska-punk band Los Chéveres in the late 1990s are writing scripts, rolling cameras, and closing clapperboards for some of Hollywood’s biggest motion pictures. You cannot depict Soto’s timeline as a moviemaking aficionado without conveying his passion for tattoos because they go hand in hand.
At first glance, Soto looks like more of a rockstar than a filmmaker who spends much of his time out of the limelight. His long hair and black fingernail polish are supplanted only by the tattoos that cover nearly half of his upper body. The 41-year-old from the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan frequents a pair of his countrymen, Tattoos by Ché Owner Javier “Che” Rivera and Color Conspiracy Tattoo Gallery Owner Juan Salgado, to conduct the long tattoo sessions Soto compares to therapy.
The theme on his body carries a traditional Caribbean undertone with engravings, Catholic Nautical sensibilities, and random patches throughout his arms and upper torso. Soto also frequents Sashatattooing Gallery Co-Owner and Artist Nora Lyashko when he is stationed in L.A. for filming.
“I think I’ve done all of [my tattoos] around the island,” Soto said. “The biggest ones have been with Ché and Juan Salgado. I’m trying to
Soto is currently in Los Angeles preparing for Wrecking Crew, a buddy-comedy starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. It may take a while for Soto’s filmography to surpass his growing tattoo collection, but even though pre-production is keeping him busy, he is already thinking of his next tattoo.
“The next one is a face tattoo, but my wife is like, ‘no’ (laughs); I’ve always wanted something little [on my face], like the 787 area code of Puerto Rico next to my eyebrow,” Soto said. “Or my mom and father’s initials.
He added, “There are a couple of things that are very iconographical from our Puerto Rican revolutionary legacy. But what I like the most is a native name for Puerto Rico besides ‘Borinquen,’ and it’s ‘Oubao Moin.’ That means ‘Island of Blood.’ It was a name that the Taínos (the indigenous people of the island) called it. I’ve always liked that way of honoring our ancestors.”
SP: I’m glad they drew the line at the catastrophic stair crush.
CM: On the heavy fight choreography days, they had stunt doubles standing by at the ready. I just really didn’t think the guys looked like me, so I did it myself.
SP: I suppose that’s your “quality control” on the image and likeness front.
CM: Exactly. I was invested in the outcome at every stage.
SP: I assumed a team of lawyers would have had a list of 20 things that you’re forbidden to do.
CM: They do have a short list, but not for what happens on movie sets.
SP: You have come of age in the UFC arena — rewritten the rules and broken ceiling
after perceived ceiling. After such a long and storied association with the league, straight up, what’s your take on Dana White?
CM: Height of respect for Dana. No Dana White, no UFC. He was all in — the bootson-the-ground foot soldier working 24/7 from inception to rise and is still very hands-on as CEO.
SP: Your animalistic hype screams are legendary and rally up your most loyal fans. To me, it sounds like one part saber tooth tiger to two parts silverback gorilla. What hybrid beast or primal energy are you channeling in that moment?
CM: Gorillas! Check out my upper chest tat. This is my beast mode — my gym’s logo is my version of a gorilla. Straight up, when the silverback sounds, I’m gonna throw down. I channeled this famous image of a
Siberian tiger diving for meat when we filmed the insane speedboat fight scene in the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a moment when I have to dive right down, practically into the camera lens to get that effect.
SP: I bet that scene got a visceral reaction at the South by Southwest premiere.
CM: They let out a roar for that one, yeah.
SP: The Dominican Republic has pretty solid nightlife options. Share memorable behind-thescenes male bonding moments with co-stars Jake, Billy, and Post Malone that filming fans may get a kick out of.
CM: The most memorable bonding for me was the afterparty at SXSW. That was just wild; we partied till dawn. I made compadres for life on this movie. That we’re all in it together is the most powerful part of it all.
SP: Tell us about the temporary tattoos you sported for this movie. How did the special effects ink help get you into character?
CM: It helped greatly, you know, psychologically, in terms of embodying this hardas-nails badass. An hour and a half in the chair every day on set, and “Knock-Knox” became the big thing. I actually love the character’s tattoos. The back tattoo was very cool.
SP: As one of the most-followed UFC fighters on social media with more than 70 million followers, what do you consider the most meaningful purpose that you used your social media platform for?
CM: Showing people a positive outlook on life, despite what you’re facing. For me, it’s about promoting positivity. You know, fun and happiness. I try to show fans a glimpse of my life.
