Conor McGregor, the Irish professional mixed martial artist, has taken the world by storm with his unparalleled skills and charismatic personality
Currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), McGregor has etched his name in the annals of combat sports history. Let’s delve into the life and career of this remarkable athlete.
He has ventured into business, launching his brand of whiskey, Proper No. Twelve, and has become a global ambassador for various brands.
Table of Contents
Conor McGregor: Who Is He?
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Conor McGregor: Career
From Dublin’s Amateur to MMA Superstar
Conor McGregor’s journey in mixed martial arts (MMA) began on February 17, 2007, when he debuted for the ‘Irish Ring of Truth’ in Dublin.3
His amateur fight against Kieran Campbell ended in victory, leading to his signing with the ‘Irish Cage of Truth.’
The following year, McGregor commenced training under John Kavanagh at the ‘Straight Blast Gym.’ Known for his southpaw stance, McGregor also adeptly switches to conventional stances during fights.
Early Professional Successes and Setbacks
On March 9, 2008, McGregor won his first professional MMA bout against Gary Morris. He continued his winning streak by defeating Mo Taylor.
While his featherweight debut ended in a loss against Artemij Sitenkov, McGregor quickly bounced back with a victory against Stephen Bailey. He then triumphed over Connor Dillon before moving back to lightweight, where he faced Joseph Duffy, resulting in a loss.
Between 2011 and 2012, McGregor achieved a significant milestone by winning both the ‘CWFC’ featherweight and lightweight championships, making him the first European professional MMA fighter to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.
Entering the UFC and Early Triumphs
In February 2013, McGregor signed a multi-fight contract with the ‘UFC.’ His debut against Marcus Brimage on April 6, 2013, ended in victory, earning him his first ‘Knockout of the Night’ award.
Despite a brief hiatus due to an ACL injury, McGregor returned triumphantly at UFC Fight Night 46, winning against Diego Brandão and receiving his first ‘Performance of the Night’ award.
He continued his winning streak by defeating Dustin Poirier at ‘UFC 178‘ on September 27, 2014, earning his second ‘Performance of the Night’ award.
Rise to Featherweight Championship
McGregor’s victory over Dennis Siver at UFC Fight Night 59 on January 18, 2015, solidified his path to the featherweight championship, which he was slated to face against Jose Aldo at ‘UFC 189.’
After Aldo’s injury, McGregor faced Chad Mendes for the ‘Interim Featherweight Championship,’ winning the bout and securing his fourth ‘Performance of the Night’ award.
McGregor’s highly anticipated fight with Aldo at ‘UFC 194’ ended swiftly with McGregor claiming the featherweight championship and his fifth ‘Performance of the Night’ award.
Challenges and Triumphs at Lightweight
- Despite a setback against Nate Diaz, McGregor avenged his loss in a rematch at ‘UFC 202.’ He then defeated Eddie Alvarez at ‘UFC 205,’ becoming the ‘UFC Lightweight Champion.’
- McGregor took a break from the ‘UFC’ to prepare for the birth of his first child and pursue a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather. Due to inactivity, he was stripped of his ‘Lightweight Championship.’
- McGregor returned to the ‘UFC’ at ‘UFC 229,’ facing Khabib Nurmagomedov for the ‘UFC Lightweight Championship.’ He lost the fight but continued to compete.
- In 2019, McGregor announced his retirement, only to return in 2020 to defeat Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. He announced another retirement in June 2020 but returned to face Dustin Poirier in 2021, resulting in a loss.
- In 2023, McGregor confirmed his return as a coach in The Ultimate Fighter 31 against Michael Chandler, culminating in a bout after the show.
- McGregor’s journey in MMA is a testament to his skill, resilience, and impact on the sport, solidifying his status as one of the most iconic fighters in UFC history.
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