Since the foundation of the UFC back in 1993, there have been several big names that helped gain influence and bring popularity to the sport. However, there has really been no one quite like Conor McGregor. This feisty Irishman has been a UFC fighter since 2013 and has done wonders for the sport in a few short years. He adopts an “anytime, anywhere” mentality and isn’t afraid to call out other fighters on anything he may not agree with. McGregor’s vivacious personality has skyrocketed publicity for the UFC and his predictions for himself and his career have yet to be wrong. So whether or not you agree with his loud personality, he is here to stay and so many UFC fans are loving what he brings to the sport.
McGregor’s fighting career began after his occupation as a plumber, which he subsequently quit once he decided to pursue his passion for combat. He entered into MMA fighting back in March of 2008 and quickly rose through the ranks to eventually win himself a Cage Warriors Fighting Championship (CWFC) for the featherweight and then the lightweight division. His two titles in the CWFC made him the first European to hold two titles at the same time in two different weight classes. These feats landed him an opportunity with the UFC. He made his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championships in April of 2013 and has not looked back since.
For both MMA fights and UFC fights, McGregor’s record is 19-2-0 (W-L-D). His two losses to Artemij Sitenkov and Joe Duffy come from the beginning of his career and were both by submissions (Kneebar and Arm-Triangle, respectively). His wins have almost all been from TKO’s or KO’s, which clearly suggests that he is much more comfortable on his feet. However, McGregor has earned himself a brown-belt in jiu jitsu that he keeps in his back pocket for when he needs it.
In the last couple years, McGregor has really built up his record and captured not only the interim Featherweight title but is also the current champion for the Featherweight division following his record breaking knockout of Jose Aldo in 13 seconds in the first round back in December. Additionally, McGregor’s upcoming fight, scheduled for March 5th, 2016 would have been his attempt at making UFC history with being the first multi-division champion with his recent move up to Lightweight to fight Rafael Dos Anjos (RDA). However, RDA pulled out last minute with a broken foot. A similar occurrence happened last summer when Aldo pulled out with a rib injury and was replaced by Chad Mendes, who McGregor KO’d, earning him his Featherweight interim title. For his replacement on March 5th, McGregor is scheduled to fight Nate Diaz at the Welterweight division. This fight will be a great match of standup fighting from both competitors. Not only does McGregor have lightning fast striking abilities and killer reaction times, he couples his skills with his outspoken personality.
There is no mistaking it when McGregor opens his mouth. Being of quick wit and caustic tongue, he is not afraid to say exactly what is on his mind at any given moment. Although this is a source of dislike for some fans, he definitely knows how to talk up his fights, which is the important thing. Whether or not you agree with the way he carries himself, McGregor is confident and brings in huge amounts of fans simply due to the fact that he’s so damn exciting, not to mention hilarious. However, it’s not all about trash talk with McGregor. The respect he holds to the sport and to his opponents is huge. He holds himself to a high standard and makes predictions for himself that he has yet to get wrong. So what’s wrong with McGregor demanding the same from his co-fighters? If you’re looking for a big-win fighter who absolutely will be making UFC history in the future, do yourself a favor and buy an Irish flag, some beer, and check out “The Notorious” Conor McGregor.
