Conor McGregor made a huge impact as he won UFC gold
Finally he will fight Aldo next...
By James Dielhenn
Last Updated: 07/12/15 3:10pm
Conor McGregor needed just six UFC fights to become the interim featherweight champion.
Most recently he knocked out Chad Mendes at UFC 189 in July to claim gold, and will now unify belts in a major grudge match against Jose Aldo on December 12.
We've remembered McGregor's six UFC fights so far...
Marcus Brimage
McGregor debuted two years ago in Stockholm when talk of his potential was only quietly whispered. An attention-grabbing weigh-in offered a glimpse into the future before a fleet footed, heavy-handed destruction inside the cage sent the wheels of the McGregor hype train spinning out of control.
His American foe Brimage was dispatched within 67 seconds of the opening bell after McGregor displayed the slick and exciting punching offence that has become his trademark. Three consecutive left-handed uppercuts connected to Brimage's chin before he crumpled.
Max Holloway
McGregor's star power was recognised for the first time in Boston, an American city with a heavy Irish presence, when he fought Holloway. He became the impromptu main-event despite fighting midway down the card when the arena was darkened and his Sinead O'Connor entrance music crept out to delight a flag-waving crowd.
For the only time in his 19-fight career McGregor went the distance, winning a unanimous decision. It was later revealed that the Irishman tore a cruciate ligament during the contest making the victory even more impressive.
Diego Brandao
After nearly a year healing his injured knee, McGregor returned in July 2014 in his hometown of Dublin in the headline fight. It was the first time the UFC had returned to Ireland in five years, largely thanks to their new superstar's popularity and he didn't disappoint.
Sporting a fearsome gorilla tattoo on his chest, McGregor had to be held apart from Brandao at the weigh-ins but there was no saving the Brazilian 24 hours later. McGregor's wild kicks kept him at bay before that thumping left fist found its mark to record a first-round stoppage.
Dustin Poirier
McGregor's Las Vegas debut centred around speculation that he had never fought elite opposition so when sixth-ranked Poirier was obliterated within two minutes it was clear there was a new championship contender.
The Irishman's gift of the gab had entertained fans as he scorned Poirier during the build-up before backing up his words in brutal fashion. Moments after trash talking as fists flew, McGregor landed a straight left hand to close the show.
Dennis Siver
Returning to Boston in January, McGregor entered a fight as the clear favourite for the first time and officially became the next challenger to the featherweight championship with a fifth dominant victory. Elastic kicks and punches were too much for Siver to handle and, after one-and-a-half rounds, he dropped having been bloodied by McGregor's left glove.
The new challenger then shockingly vaulted over the Octagon wall to confront Jose Aldo, the champion, who was watching in the front row.
Chad Mendes
McGregor was due to challenge Jose Aldo for the featherweight title in July at UFC 189 after a lengthy world tour where the two fighters traded insults as they globe-trotted together. But less than a fortnight before fight night, Aldo withdrew citing an injured rib.
Mendes, whose wrestling style was in stark contrast to Aldo's, slotted in opposite McGregor for the interim belt. Mendes enjoyed some success in the opening round, stifling the Irishman for long periods with takedowns, but McGregor was sporadically landing kicks to the body that eventually paid dividends.
An exhausted Mendes had increasing difficulty in wrestling McGregor to the ground and slowly wilted in the second period. McGregor, who had been cut above the eye, started finding his target with his trademark flurry of punches and Mendes folded moments before the 10-minute mark.
Conor McGregor fights Jose Aldo to unify the featherweight title at UFC 194.
