Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC return was over in seconds, defeating Cowboy Cerrone via quick TKO in the main event of UFC 246.
For the UFC, one named mattered above all others at UFC 246 — Conor McGregor.
Whatever your thoughts on the controversial Irish star, the biggest name MMA has ever known, the UFC’s 2020 year largely depends on his return to form. For the UFC to grow, stars are necessary, both to pad bank accounts, and draw eyeballs to events that can then showcase younger fighters.
McGregor, whose last win had come in 2016 against Eddie Alvarez, didn’t necessarily need to win Saturday night. But he at least needed to look good, to entertain. Especially given that he build-up to the UFC 246 main event had been uncharacteristically subdued. Conor and Cowboy got along famously throughout fight week. While a more professional McGregor was a nice twist, there was a real question about whether the mainstream audience would care.
No buses attacks, no can-throwing warfare, McGregor didn’t even try to steal Cerrone’s hat during the pre-fight press conference!
In cage, the performance was going to be crucial when McGregor and Cerrone collided at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Conor ran across the cage for what looked like a superman punch, and missed! Conor got the fight into the clinch and began landing some shoulder strikes that bloodied Cerrone’s nose! A flush head kick connected by Conor! Conor put on the pressure and began landing some hard shots that dropped Cerrone. Conor jumped on with some heavy ground and pound and that’s it! What a finish by Conor McGregor!
An amazing win for Conor McGregor. He hadn’t won a fight in four years and gets the win in under a minute. Absolutely flawless performance. A heartbreaker for Cerrone, but a monster win by McGregor.
Conor McGregor def. Cowboy Cerrone via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in Round One (0:40)
