Conor McGregor. The name itself ignites a start in the world of combat sports. From his brilliant rise to the apex of the UFC to his later setbacks, McGregor’s battle record is a captivating story of brilliance, versatility, and controversy.
This article delves into the Irishman’s professional career, analyzing his wins, losses, and the bequest he continues to build.
Early Exploits: Featherweight Domination (2008-2015)
McGregor’s journey began in the unforgiving world of Irish MMA. Starting with a 12-2 novice record, he transitioned to the professional scene in 2008. His early career was marked by a savage fighting style, racking up impressive knockouts and showcasing a knack for exact striking.
Fighting primarily in the featherweight division (145 lbs), McGregor tore through his competition in Cage Warriors, a European promotion. He captured both the Featherweight and Lightweight Championships, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
In 2013, McGregor signed with the UFC, the undisputed king of MMA. His debut was electric, a first-round knockout over Marcus Brimage that sent shockwaves through the fight world. Triumphs over established names like Dustin Poirier and Dennis Siver further cemented his reputation as a future champion.
The Apex: Champion and Superstar (2015-2016)
2015 was a watershed year for McGregor. At UFC 189, facing the intensely favored Jose Aldo, the ruling Featherweight Winner, McGregor conveyed. In a stunning 13 seconds, he knocked Aldo out cold, etching his title into UFC history as the fastest champion dethronement in a title battle.
The win moved McGregor into superstardom. His brash personality, coupled with his obliterating fighting style, made him a global phenomenon.
McGregor’s next move was audacious – a jump up two weight classes to challenge Eddie Alvarez for the Lightweight Championship (155 lbs) at UFC 205. In another display of dominance, McGregor became the first-ever UFC warrior to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously, further solidifying his legend.
A Junction: Challenges and Setbacks (2016-Present)
However, McGregor’s way took an unforeseen turn. A highly anticipated rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 196 resulted in a shocking disturbed misfortune via submission. The following year, McGregor ventured into the world of proficient boxing, facing the undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. Despite a valiant exertion, McGregor eventually lost via TKO in a bout that transcended combat sports.
Returning to the UFC in 2018, McGregor challenged Khabib Nurmagomedov for the Lightweight Championship. This exceedingly anticipated battle ended in controversy, with McGregor losing through submission and a post-fight brawl erupting. A rest followed, punctuated by legal issues that kept him out of the octagon for several years.
McGregor’s return in 2020 saw a dominant first-round knockout victory over Donald Cerrone. However, his following two battles against Dustin Poirier were defaced by vanquish, the second due to a broken leg. These losses ignited discourses about McGregor’s future and whether he may recover his former glory.
Iconic Fights and Defining Moments
The 13-Second Knockout: At UFC 189, McGregor’s fight against Jose Aldo was a display. Aldo, the reigning Featherweight Winner for an amazing 10 years, was considered unbeatable. McGregor, however, resisted the odds.
His lightning-fast left punch thumped Aldo out cold in a fair 13 seconds, a record for the fastest championship dethronement in UFC history. This victory cemented McGregor’s status as a superstar and ushered in a modern era in the Featherweight division.
The Diaz Calamity:
Not everything went according to plan for McGregor. His first battle against Nate Diaz at UFC 196 was a major disturbed. Stepping up on brief notice to fight Diaz, a actually greater fighter, was a bet that didn’t pay off.
In the second round, Diaz submitted McGregor through a rear-naked choke, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports. This loss forced McGregor to adjust and advance, ultimately leading to a dominant victory over Diaz in their highly anticipated rematch.
The Boxing Experiment:
In 2017, McGregor took a daring step outside the octagon, facing the undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. This cross-sport display transcended MMA, creating immense hype and record-breaking pay-per-view deals.
Despite a brave effort, McGregor’s lack of experience in conventional boxing proved to be a jump. He ultimately lost via TKO in the 10th circular, displaying the vast differences between the two disciplines.
The Nurmagomedov Nightmares:
The rivalry between McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of the most heated in UFC history. Their 2018 Lightweight Championship bout was a profoundly expected clash. However, the fight ended in controversy.
While Nurmagomedov overwhelmed the battle, ultimately submitting McGregor in the fourth circular, a post-fight brawl emitted, tarnishing the event. This incident, along with McGregor’s consequent lawful troubles, led to a lengthy rest from competition.
A Legacy Still in the Making
So, where does Conor McGregor stand today? His record of 22 wins and 6 losses paints a picture of a warrior who has achieved colossal success but moreover faced critical challenges. His highlight-reel knockouts and captivating persona are undeniable. He remains a major pay-per-view draw, ensuring his place in MMA history.
Conclusion
Love him or hate him, Conor McGregor is a captivating figure. His fight record serves as a testament to his undeniable talent and battling soul. As he navigates the latter stages of his career, the story of the “Notorious” one continues to unfold, captivating the combat sports world.
FAQs
What is Conor McGregor’s overall fight record?
Conor McGregor‘s professional MMA record is 22 wins and 6 losses.
How many times has Conor McGregor won by knockout?
McGregor has a reputation for his devastating striking and has won an impressive 19 fights by knockout (KO).
Does Conor McGregor have any wins by submission?
Yes, McGregor has one submission triumph, a rear-naked choke against Marcus Brimage in his UFC debut.
Did Conor McGregor ever hold multiple UFC titles at the same time?
Yes! McGregor achieved a notable feat by getting to be the first-ever UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously. He captured the Featherweight Championship (145 lbs) in 2015 and then went up two weight classes to win the Lightweight Championship (155 lbs) in 2016.
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