There's excitement in the air as we enter 2024, with fight fans worldwide eagerly anticipating the start of a new professional Mixed Martial Arts season. MMA's popularity has spiked in recent years, with the sport's top promotions attracting millions of dollars in advertising revenue. Those newfound riches helped improve the sport with greater financial rewards, attracting a higher caliber of fighters and a more professional mindset. MMA fans believe their favorite will soon pass boxing as the number one combat sport on the planet.
What's your experience with Mixed Martial Arts? Have you followed the sport's rise from a niche market to a global success? Major television and live-streaming broadcasters now feature MMA shows, bringing fans the biggest and best fights from across the US, Europe, and further afield. The pro-MMA circuit has never been in better shape. Much of that success is due to one promotion: the Ultimate Fighting Championship, known as the UFC.
The UFC is now MMA's flagship promotion, attracting the attention of major businesses, including the leading sportsbooks in Las Vegas. Fans can download the best UFC betting apps and make predictions on the main event of an upcoming show or the best from the undercard. Preview a fight and pick the winner or play the specials, including the method of victory, winning rounds, total rounds, and more. MMA and, in particular, the UFC lend themselves perfectly to online betting due to their speed and unpredictability.
Notorious changed the game
If the UFC is the promotion that helped drag MMA into the focus of mainstream sports fans, Conor McGregor is the fighter who made the UFC. The Dublin-born warrior became a two-weight UFC champion after dominating the Cage Warriors promotion in the United Kingdom. Known as Notorious, McGregor burst onto the scene, using his fast-talking, humorous one-liners and unmatched abilities inside the octagon to make a memorable entrance.
In many cases, when the next big thing in MMA or boxing arrives, it takes fans a while to realize they're watching something special. But that wasn't the case with McGregor. He made such an impression on the sport that he became something of an overnight sensation. Like any overnight sensation, it was the product of a lifetime of commitment to the sport. Now retired, we're unlikely to see Conor back inside the fighting arena, but his popularity remains.
Let's remind ourselves of just how good Conor McGregor was in his prime by looking back at how he burst onto the scene and his career highlights.
UFC debut
Conor McGregor officially made his UFC debut on April 6, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi. Facing Marcus Brimage, McGregor displayed his striking prowess and agility, securing a first-round knockout. The win not only announced his arrival in the UFC but also marked the beginning of the "Notorious" era.
McGregor's meteoric rise continued in the featherweight division, where he quickly gained a reputation for his bold, trash-talking, charismatic personality and, most importantly, his knockout power. Notable victories against fighters like Diego Brandao and Dustin Poirier propelled him into the spotlight, setting the stage for a defining moment in his career. baddiehub
Featherweight title
In July 2015, McGregor faced Chad Mendes for the interim featherweight title at UFC 189. Originally scheduled to challenge José Aldo for the undisputed title, Aldo's withdrawal due to injury led to Mendes stepping in as a replacement. Despite facing adversity against Mendes' wrestling prowess, McGregor showcased his resilience by securing a second-round knockout, claiming the interim belt.
The highly anticipated unification bout against José Aldo took place on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194. In a mere 13 seconds, McGregor shocked the world with a left hook that knocked Aldo out cold, making him the undisputed featherweight champion. The victory not only solidified his status as a global superstar but also made McGregor the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
Move to lightweight
With the featherweight division conquered, McGregor set his sights on new challenges. In November 2016, he faced Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205, aiming to become the first fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. McGregor dominated the fight, securing a second-round knockout and adding the lightweight title to his collection.
Champ era
Conor McGregor's achievement of holding two titles simultaneously marked the pinnacle of his UFC career. The "Champ-Champ" era became a defining chapter, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. However, McGregor's next challenge was outside the octagon, in pursuit of other ventures.
Boxing debut
In August 2017, McGregor ventured into the world of professional boxing to face undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. The "Money Fight" generated unprecedented attention and revenue, showcasing McGregor's ability to transcend MMA and compete on a global stage. Although he suffered a tenth-round TKO loss, McGregor's foray into boxing cemented his status as a crossover star.
Following the boxing spectacle, McGregor announced a hiatus from MMA. Personal and legal issues, coupled with the success of his whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve kept him away from the octagon for over a year. The absence, however, only intensified the anticipation for his return.
Comeback
Conor McGregor made a highly anticipated return to the UFC on October 6, 2018, facing bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. The lead-up to the fight was marred by controversies, including a bus attack orchestrated by McGregor and his team. The animosity between the two fighters reached a boiling point, creating an unparalleled level of hype.
In a dramatic and emotionally charged bout, Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in the fourth round, maintaining his undefeated record. The post-fight chaos, involving a brawl between the two camps, further fueled the narrative surrounding the fight.
Retirement
Following the loss to Khabib, McGregor announced his retirement from MMA in March 2019, citing frustrations with the sport. However, this retirement proved to be short-lived, as he returned to face Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in January 2020 at UFC 246.
The fight lasted only 40 seconds, with McGregor securing a knockout victory. The win marked his return to the welterweight division and reignited discussions about potential matchups, including a trilogy fight with Nate Diaz and a possible title shot.