In part one of our series on Conor McGregor’s story, we covered his origins and his early career. Now, we will continue the story and discuss how McGregor went from an unknown fighter to a UFC star. Without further ado, let’s dive into part two of Conor McGregor’s story.
The Story of Conor McGregor Part 2: Early Professional Career
Conor McGregor made his professional MMA debut on March 9th, 2008 when he defeated Gary Morris via TKO in the second round. McGregor went 4-2 in his first six professional MMA bouts. After that, he won eight fights in a round and became Cage Warriors’ featherweight and lightweight champion. In doing so, he became the first European in professional MMA to be a simultaneous two-division champion.
Following this success, Dana White, the UFC’s president, traveled to Dublin, Ireland. The purpose of his visit was to receive Trinity College’s Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage. However, he also met with McGregor and after discussing signing McGregor with then-UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, White offered McGregor a UFC contract.
The UFC announced that McGregor had agreed to a multi-fight contract with the promotion in February 2013. Conor McGregor had arrived in the UFC.
The Story of Conor McGregor Part 2: Conor McGregor Becomes a UFC Star
In his UFC debut, Conor McGregor knocked out Marcus Brimage in the first round. McGregor then won his next four fights in a row, only going to a decision once. That decision win happened in McGregor’s fight with Max Holloway, who went on to become the UFC featherweight champion.
Following this win streak, McGregor was scheduled to challenge UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo for the divisional belt. Aldo was a long-time and beloved champion at the time. That is why Jose Aldo merchandise exists.
However, Aldo pulled out with an injury. Chad Mendes would now fight Conor McGregor for the interim UFC featherweight championship. This marked a major turning point in McGregor’s UFC career.
McGregor vs. Mendes: McGregor Secures a Massive Victory
Despite not being an undisputed title fight, McGregor vs. Mendes was still a massive fight and headlined UFC 189 above the undisputed title fight of Lawler vs. McDonald 2. It is important to note that McGregor faced adversity in his fight with Mendes. Mendes took McGregor down in both the first and second rounds.
Additionally, Mendes’ striking opened a cut over McGregor’s right eye in the first round of the fight. However, McGregor came through and finished Mendes by TKO late in the second round. He was now the interim featherweight champion and guaranteed a title unification bout against undisputed featherweight champion Jose Aldo.
McGregor was one win away from becoming the undisputed UFC featherweight champion.
Our Conor McGregor Series Will Continue Soon
This is part two of our series on the story of Conor McGregor. It will return soon. Check back next week for the third chapter in the story of Conor McGregor.