The first championship of Conor McGregor’s UFC career was nearly derailed when Jose Aldo withdrew from their UFC 189 headliner because of a rib injury.
Though he didn’t get the fight he intended, McGregor showed his willing to face all-comers side when he agreed to fight Chad Mendes as a short-notice replacement. The two met for the interim UFC featherweight title.
McGregor not only won the belt, but secured a Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts.
Five months later, he would finally have the bout with Aldo, and it was a memorable one. McGregor stormed from the bell, knocking Aldo out at 13 ticks of the clock.
Take a look back at Conor McGregor’s first UFC title fight, as he won the interim featherweight championship by taking out late replacement Chad Mendes.
(Video courtesy of UFC)
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