Sherdog’s Top 10: Conor McGregor’s Signature Moments

2. Alpha Male

Jose Aldo withdrew from his original encounter with Conor McGregor because of a rib injury, leaving Ultimate Fighting Championship brass to scramble to save UFC 189. Fortunately for everyone involved, the company found a willing dance partner in Chad Mendes, who accepted the fight as a short-notice replacement. It did not turn out the way the Team Alpha Male mainstay had envisioned.

Mendes enjoyed early success, as he took down the SBG Ireland rep several times in the first round and opened a facial cut with ground-and-pound. His situation took a turn for the worse late in round two, where McGregor returned to his feet after an ill-advised guillotine from Mendes. He then picked off the gassed Californian with kicks to the body and punches upstairs.

A stinging straight left to the jaw dropped Mendes, who could do nothing but turtle and cover up. Referee Herb Dean stopped it with just three seconds left in the round, giving McGregor the interim UFC featherweight championship in Aldo’s stead.

Number 1 » Crowning Achievement