No Luck Required
Fighting in front of a sold-out MGM Grand featuring a huge contingent of travelling Irish supporters, UFC 189’s electric atmosphere allowed for an incredible main event to cap off an already brilliant show. Vowing to test McGregor’s relatively unknown ground game, Mendes instead allowed the heat of the moment to influence his gameplan. Racing to meet ‘Money’ with his patented kicks, McGregor quickly closed the Octagon down to a small corner for his opponent, and caused significant damage with a slew of leg strikes to the body of his American foe.
Mendes would eventually find success however, testing the Irishman’s chin with several well-placed punches. ‘Money’ also fulfilled his promise and succeeded with multiple takedown attempts and guard passes. McGregor wasn’t to be denied however, and persisted with his offense deep into the second round. Mendes, a muscular 145-pounder, quickly began to tire and eventually wilted after a succession of left-hand shots. Some may feel that referee Herb Dean was a little quick to halt the contest, but it was clear that McGregor had done enough damage to warrant the stoppage.
It was a huge gamble to put McGregor in a fight with such a skilled wrestler, but ‘The Notorious One’ had all the answers to the questions everyone was asking. Conor Mcgregor didn’t just become the interim featherweight champion of the world, he also cemented himself as a legitimate premier MMA fighter. At the stage only a stadium venue is fitting of an inevitable clash between the Irishman, and his original opponent...wherever he may hiding.
A Welterweight War for the Ages
Overlooked and under-marketed, Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald ensured that they will never suffer the same indignity again, as they battled in an instant classic title war. A rematch of their close battle two years ago, MacDonald entered the Octagon hoping to fulfil his destiny by becoming champion...and he came so very close to achieving his dream. Close and cerebral initially, the fight broke out in the second round as the champion connected with several strikes, busting his young Canadian adversary wide open. MacDonald rebounded however and had Lawler reeling moments later following a sweetly connecting head kick.
On the verge of defeat, Lawler dug deep and managed to survive to take the fight to the fifth and final round. Bloodied and battered, the two warriors knew that a dominant final five minutes would be vital to securing the win, and came out to finish their epic contest. Now miraculously recovered, Lawler would seal his first title defense and an amazing comeback as a violent storm of strikes crunched MacDonald’s nose further, sending the challenger crumbling to the canvas.
One of, if not the greatest UFC fight of all time. It was that good.
Flying Stephens Overcomes Bermudez
Surviving against the ground superiority of his highly favoured opponent, Jeremy Stephens claimed victory with the evening’s second successfully connected flying knee. Busted up, driven down to the mat on multiple occasions and almost finished with an arm triangle choke, Stephens fought his way back into the contest as he took advantage of his striking superiority. Slowing Bermudez down considerably with several well-placed leg kicks, Stephens took full advantage of his chances, and eventually forced the stoppage after a spectacular flying knee landed flush on the exposed chin of his opponent.
Icelandic Calm Upsets The Odds
Originally scheduled to face John Hathaway, Icelanding grappling stud Gunnar Nelson instead had the huge and hard-hitting Brandon Thatch to contend with. Hopelessly undersized and considered outmatched on the feet, Nelson shocked his doubters with a vicious combination that sent his opponent crashing to the mat. From there the Icelandic fighter quickly implemented his world-class ground game and quickly took Thatch’s back. In his element, Nelson didn’t take long to neutralise Thatch was soon forced the tap with a rear naked choke. Back to winning ways in the best possible fashion, Nelson has successfully reclaimed his status as one of the welterweight division’s top prospects.
One Knee Stops ‘One Punch’
Weathering a brutal onslaught that left him with a cracked nose, undefeated Brazilian ace Thomas Almeida remained perfect as a professional fighter after a jaw-dropping flying knee knocked out British veteran Brad Pickett. Potentially underestimating his opponent at first, Almeida was quickly forced to re-think his approach after being dropped twice by the Brit. Lucky to escape the first round, Almeida’s response was perfect; a step-in flying knee that instantly separated Pickett from his senses. Akin to a home run, the strike was perfect, the sound was sweet or sickening depending on your preference, and it was more than enough to ensure the second round stoppage. A sure-fire knockout of the year contender.
UFC 189 Main Card Results:
Interim UFC Featherweight Championship
Conor McGregor def Chad Mendes via TKO (punches) in round 2
Welterweight Championship
Robbie Lawler © def Rory MacDonald via TKO (punches) in round 5
Featherweight
Jeremy Stephens def Dennis Bermudez via TKO (flying knee and punches) in round 3
Welterweight
Gunnar Nelson def Brandon Thatch via submission (rear naked choke) in round 1
Bantamweight
Thomas Almeida def Brad Pickett via KO (flying knee) in round 2
Event Awards:
Best Fight: Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald
Best Finish: Thomas Almeida
MVP: Conor McGregor
What did you think of UFC 189? Leave your comments and analysis in the comments section below!
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