What a memorable night UFC 189 would be for Irish supporters as Conor McGregor triumphed over Chad Mendes in LA. Here is our report on the fight.

The Build Up

UFC 189 was the most built up event in the sports history and it did not disappoint. There have been so many surprises in the build up to this event and it only made the event even more excruciating to wait for. The main story in the build up to this fight was Jose Aldo pulling out two weeks before the fight due to sustaining a bruised rib. Many fans were left in shock as many had purchased tickets for this event and didn’t know what would happen but the UFC decided to bring in a replacement fighter in Chad Mendes.

The Stats

 

The Fight

ROUND ONE

Round one saw these two fighters toe to toe. McGregor ran straight in with a spinning leg kick but Mendes seemed to defend and was able to manoeuvre his first of four take-downs in the fight. Although Mendes was able to take down McGregor on many occasions McGregor was able to get back to his feet and seemed dominate when they were toe to toe. McGregor caught Mendes with a lot of straight kicks at his stomach leaving Mendes out breath for much of the first round and both fighters made it back to their corners after Round One with McGregor having being the better of the two.

ROUND TWO

Round Two was a completely different story to Round One with Mendes taking McGregor down early and most of the round being spent on the ground in a wrestle which Mendes dominated delivering some punishing elbows to McGregor’s face. Mendes seemed to be in complete control until McGregor was able to escape with 20 seconds left in the fight. With five seconds remaining McGregor delivered a deadly left hook which made Mendes crumble to the floor and McGregor took full advantage and referee Herb Dean ended the fight.

Conor McGregor is the new interim UFC featherweight champion of the World. The Dubliner proved that he is much more than just talk in an unforgettable fight that will linger long in the minds of Irish MMA supporters. ‘The Notorious’ is expected to play Jose Aldo in his next fight to prove that he is the better fighter of the two foes and to reestablish his worth for the best around his waist.

Champion McGregor

Admin Paul