UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Brandao – Results and post-fight analysis

With the UFC’s recently implemented saturation strategy, many fans have found themselves lost in the endless avalanche of Fight Night events and international Fight Pass cards. Occasionally, though, some cards capture the imagination of fans and end up producing a thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment.

Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Brandao was one of those memorable events.

The main event featured the long anticipated return of Ireland’s Conor McGregor, as he dominated Diego Brandao for the better part of opening round until the referee stepped in with less than a minute to go in the opening frame.

McGregor was the stronger fighter from the get go, as he imposed his will on a calm and patient Brandao. To the surprise of many, much of the early stages of the fight took place on the canvas, but it was not be long before the two competitors stood back up and resumed their battle.

It was there that McGregor shined, as he immediately outstruck Brandao and needed less than a couple of minutes to close out the fight to the delight of the fans in attendance.

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The curtain jerker fight got as much of a crowd reaction as the main card fights, as Ireland’s Patrick Holohan started the onslaught of Irish victories with his submission upset over Josh Sampo. That was followed by amazing performances from the likes of Cathal Pendred, Neil Seery. Norman Parke and Ian McCall. Even the co-main event between Gunnar Nelson and Zak Cummings did not disappoint, as the Iceland native sunk in a rear-naked choke in the second round.

Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon of fights, and featured a wide array of stoppages and entertaining finishes that served their purpose and sent the Irish crowd home satisfied.

Results:

Conor McGregor def. Diego Brandao via TKO (Strikes, Round 1, 4:05)

Gunnar Nelson def. Zak Cummings via submission (RNC, Round 2, 4:48)

Ian McCall def. Brad Pickett via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Norman Parke def. Naoyuki Kotani via TKO (Strikes, Round 2, 3:41)

Ilir Latifi def. Chris Dempsey via TKO (Strikes, Round 1, 2:07)

Neil Seery def. Phil Harris via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Cathal Pendred def. Mike King via submission (RNC, Round 2, 3:33)

Trevor Smith def. Tor Troeng via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Nikita Krylov def. Cody Donovan via TKO (Strikes, Round 1, 4:57)

Patrick Holohan def. Josh Sampo via submission (RNC, Round 1, 3:06)