Conor McGregor stormed into the UFC in 2013 with four straight wins, including three TKOs over impressive competition. McGregor was then given a world title fight against Jose Aldo at UFC 189, but when champion Jose Aldo was injured, top contender Chad Mendes stepped in to fight for the interim title.

Many of McGregor’s pundits had pointed to the fact that he hadn’t faced a solid wrestler in any of UFC fights and many thought Mendes’ wrestling would be too much. McGregor though was able to deal with the wrestling of Mendes, hang with him on the ground, and then TKO Mendes in the second round. McGregor proved he could fight standing up and on the ground.

Play-By-Play

Round 1 – Building is absolutely electric after an incredible walkout. McGregor rushes forward and kicks the body. He kicks again, and Mendes dumps him to the floor, but McGregor gets to his feet. McGregor looks very calm, but he slips on a left hand. Mendes kick the lead leg. McGregor spinning kick to the body. McGregor’s hands are down, and he lands a big left. Mendes rushes in and scores a right hand. Another spinning kick from McGregor. High kick from McGregor, and he’s talking to Mendes. Mendes scores a right hand. McGregor continues to throw the spinning kick with no concern. McGregor holding the center. He drops his hands. Mendes shoots in, lifts and slams McGregor to the floor. He looks to punch. McGregor gets to his feet, but Mendes tags him. McGregor bleeding. McGregor scores flush, as does Mendes. Great fight. Blood running down McGregor’s right cheek. McGregor walks forward and lands a left hand. He’s talking. Left hand for McGregor. Mendes slips in for another takedown and moves to side control. McGregor tries to turn to his knees but can’t get there. McGregor keeping things tight underneath. Mendes nearly gets to mount, but McGregor regains guard. Round ends there, and Mendes takes the first, 10-9.

Round 2 – McGregor walks quickly forward and looks to trade. He misses a spinning kicks and sprawls on a takedown attempt. McGregor with left hand.Mendes fires back with a right. Mendes drives through and scores the power takedown. McGregor settles into guard. Elbows from the top. McGregor with a closed guard. Big right hand from Mendes. McGregor trying to land a few elbows from his back. Mendes heavy n top and sneaking in punches when he can. Blood running down McGregor’s face from the cut near his right eye. McGregor lands a series of elbows to the top of the head. Mendes comes back with another right hand. McGregor largely keeping the guard closed. Mendes landing punches when he can. McGregor wants the fight on the feet, but Mendes staying busy enough to keep it on the floor. Right hands thud McGregor’s head against the canvas. McGregor still working in short elbows. Mendes trues to pass to mount. He doesn’t but he almost gets a guillotine. McGregor rolls and gets to his feet. Left hand for McGregor, but Mendes comes back with a right. McGregor pouring it on. He drops Mendes, who falls to the floor after eating a big left. Time winding down, but McGregor going to go for it. He punches away as Mendes simply covers, and he gets the stoppage before the bell. Incredible. McGregor celebrates with his team before collapsing to his knees in tears. Both men embrace after this epic encounter.

Official Result: Conor McGregor defeated Chad Mendes by TKO (Strikes, Round 2, 4:57)

source: mmajunkie.com