Conor McGregor's Last Fight Before UFC Ended With Stunning Knockout

Conor McGregor's last fight before his UFC debut saw one of his most brutal knockouts ever.

The Irishman was on UFC's radar after bagging the Cage Warriors featherweight title, before then booking a spot on Dana White's roster after winning the Cage Warriors lightweight title in devastating fashion.

McGregor produced a virtuoso performance against Ivan Buchinger - ducking and weaving the Slovak's shots before connecting a lethal left-hand flush on his chin.

Buchinger collapsed to the floor in stages with McGregor crowned champion, subsequently making Cage Warriors history.

He became the first fighter in the promotion to simultaneously hold two different titles, ultimately recreating that very same feat under the UFC banner a few years down the line.

After dispatching Buchinger, McGregor was called up to the big leagues and debuted in the famed Octagon against Marcus Brimage.

McGregor stopped the American in 67-seconds, collecting 'Knockout of the Night' honours.

Five more victories earned him a title shot opposite 145lbs kingpin Jose Aldo. McGregor famously dethroned the legendary fighter in just 13-seconds.

He then added the UFC lightweight strap to his collection after annihilating Eddie Alvarez.

McGregor became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two belts at the same time.

His last appearance inside the Octagon didn't go so well as the Irishman was dominated by UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in a hugely personal encounter at UFC 229 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McGregor has had a lengthy break from the sport as a result but will be making his return next month against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 on January 18 in the same city.

Interestingly he has returned to welterweight, the division he fought Nate Diaz in twice - with the Notorious eyeing up a fight with BMF title winner Jorge Masvidal at some point next year.

He's also wanted or a rematch by UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, who wants to see the best version of McGregor upon his return.

"If Mystic Mac arrives and if he wants to be like what he was a couple of years ago when he was the greatest mixed martial artist in the world, and he wants to be great again, sure we're going to run in to each other," Holloway told MMA Junkie, as per South China Morning Post

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Topics: Conor Mcgregor, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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