Conor (right) knocked out Mendes (left) and won the interim featherweight title. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Conor McGregor proved that it's not just about talking. The Irishman provoked, anticipated a knockout and wanted to bet millions of dollars with Dana White that he would win the fight in the second round, but he fulfilled his promise, he knocked out Chad Mendes and won the interim featherweight belt in the main fight of UFC 189, in Las Vegas (USA), this Saturday (11).
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With the triumph, McGregor became the first holder of a belt in the featherweight category (up to 66 kg) without being José Aldo and, as a bonus, he stamped his passport for the long-awaited fight against the Brazilian, which will now be used as a unification of the titles, and has already been anticipated by official commentator Joe Rogan as the “biggest fight in UFC history”.
After the triumph, an emotional McGregor received the affection of his family still in the Octagon. Without holding back his tears, the Irishman also received the support of his countrymen, who traveled thousands of kilometers from Europe to fill the stands of the MGM Grand Garden Arena and cheer on their national idol.
As expected, Conor took the opportunity to poke José Aldo in his first speech as champion. “José Aldo He didn't fulfill his commitment, I've fought injured several times. If he wants to come back, that's fine, I'm here. I'm here, I showed up, I fought and I won!” said the Irishman, in an interview still in the octagon.
The fight
The heated atmosphere between Conor and Mendes during the promotion of the event remained and the tension between the athletes was evident from the moment they entered the octagon, which was accompanied by live performances in the gym by singers Aaron Lewis (from the band “Staind”) and Sinéad O'Connor. During the presentation, the two maintained hostility, but it seemed that the Irishman would change history with a greeting right at the beginning of the fight. However, when reaching out to Mendes, Conor was actually waiting for his rival's response to throw a round kick. The American, however, didn't fall for his rival's trick and the fight started off electrifying.
right away, Conor McGregor adopted a style very similar to that of the former Brazilian champion Anderson Silva, abusing provocations, especially in the form of insults at his rival. Exuding confidence, Conor worked from long range and tried to keep Mendes away as much as possible with his powerful kicks, which always opened the way for the Irishman's feared straight left. Mendes, however, quickly showed his calling card, applying a takedown to his rival right away. I hope McGregor reacted and managed to get back on his feet, forcing the fight to take place in striking mode for most of the time.
Even with his size disadvantage, the American managed to close the distance and connected good blows on McGregor, even opening a cut on his opponent's eyebrow. The injury worsened when Mendes took the Irishman to the ground and landed an elbow on the spot, causing Conor to bleed profusely and maintaining control of the duel until the end of the first half.
In the second round, it seemed that the scenario of the last moments of the previous round would be repeated, with Mendes controlling the actions on the ground, using mainly his wrestling of a very high level. The athlete from Team Alpha Male He only needed a few moments to take down his rival, this time in the center of the octagon, making it difficult for Conor to get up. The fight continued like this until the final minute of the match, when McGregor finally managed to get back on his feet and attacked Mendes.
Taking advantage of his opponent's visible fatigue, McGregor enchanted Chad Mendes on the fence and fired a veritable barrage of blows. Without a very effective guard, the American was easy prey for McGregor's arsenal who managed the technical knockout with just three seconds left on the clock until the end of the second round.
Lawler retains title in epic battle against MacDonald
Battle of R. Lawler (left) and R. MacDonald lasted five rounds. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
If the main fight of UFC 189 was notable for winning the interim featherweight title by Conor McGregor and confirmation of the long-awaited duel against José Aldo, the co-main event of the night did not disappoint and became an instant MMA classic. For five rounds, Rory McDonald e Robbie Lawler They fought in a bloody battle in the octagon and the champion retained his title with a knockout in the last round.
The fight began with a lot of study and the first round was marked by a lack of action and caution on the part of both athletes. The situation, however, changed drastically in the second round, when Lawler began to close the distance and landed good blows on MacDonald, who suffered a deep cut on his head and was bleeding profusely.
In the third part, however, when it seemed that the champion would take the advantage again, Rory managed to recover and, in the final stretch of the part, he launched a devastating sequence at Lawler, who was, literally, saved by the bell and staggered away to his corner at halftime.
In the fourth round, more dominance from MacDonald, who used his greater reach to keep the champion at bay and secure another round in scoring, increasing his advantage. But one of the most impressive fights in the history of the welterweight category was far from having its outcome defined and still had yet another impressive, and improbable, twist for the fifth and final round.
Towards the end of the fight, in a moment of frank striking, Lawler hit MacDonald with a clean blow to the nose. The impact appears to have instantly fractured the Canadian's nose, and he fell to the ground shortly afterwards, practically giving up the fight. Lawler still needed to land one or two more punches before the central referee stopped the fight and declared him the winner by technical knockout.
With the triumph, Robbie Lawler He expanded his professional record to 26 wins, ten losses and one fight without result. The American defended his welterweight belt for the first time and is now awaiting confirmation of his next challenge in the Octagon.
Check out the UFC 189 results below:
MAIN CARD
Conor McGregor won Chad Mendes by TKO (punches) at 4m57s of R2;
Robbie Lawler won Rory McDonald by TKO (punches) 1m from R5;
Jeremy Stephens won Dennis Bermudez by TKO (flying knee and punches) at 32s of R3;
Gunnar Nelson submitted Brandon thatch with a rear naked choke 2m51s from R1;
Thomas almeida knocked out Brad pickett with a flying knee at 29s of R1;
PRELIMINARY CARD
Matt Brown submitted Tim means with a guillotine at 4m44s of R1;
Alex Garcia beat Mike Swick by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 and 30-27);
John Howard beat Cathal Pendre in a split decision (29-28, 28-29 and 29-28);
cody garbrandt beat Henry Briones in a unanimous decision by the judges (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27);
Louis Smolka beat Neil Seery by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27);
Cody Pfister beat Yosdenis Cedeno by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28 and 29-28).
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