On Saturday night, Conor McGregor dug deep to pull off a come-from-behind knockout against Chad Mendes. Coming into this fight McGregor was a huge betting favorite but for the better part of two rounds Chad Mendes controlled the Irish man. It wasn’t until late in round 2 that McGregor really got into his rhythm. It was at that point that McGregor was able to deliver a hellacious punch to Mendes that ushered in the beginning of the end.
Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes
Official result: Conor McGregor defeats Chad Mendes by TKO (strikes), 4:57 of round 2
What was the high point of the fight?
This fight proved once and for all that Conor McGregor can knock out any featherweight on this planet. Let’s be under no illusions, Conor McGregor was losing the fight right up until he managed to finish Mendes. The fact that McGregor kept his confidence and composure is admirable, his recovery and subsequent TKO were the high points here.
Where do these two go from here?
Conor McGregor needs to fight Jose Aldo. McGregor’s fight with Mendes was made out of necessity, the necessity was caused by Jose Aldo’s inability to stay fit. With McGregor’s victory over Mendes he has proved the naysayers wrong once and for all. Expect McGregor to spend several months on the sidelines healing up before an eventual winter tryst with Jose Aldo. Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor has the potential to be one of the biggest fights of all time.
Chad Mendes took a big risk by stepping in on 2 weeks notice against Conor McGregor and the risk didn’t pay off. For 2 round Mendes took McGregor down at will but his conditioning wasn’t quite there and he paid the price. Mendes is a top talent at 145lbs but right now there isn’t an elite opponent there for him. Expect Mendes to face the winner of Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway in Fall.
Watch now, later, or never?
Watch this one right now. This fight will live on as an iconic moment in MMA history.