When did Conor McGregor join the UFC?
Conor McGregor, the unparalleled superstar of MMA, began his historic run towards stardom when he joined the UFC. In this article, we explore a pivotal moment in McGregor’s career as he stepped into the octagon for his debut fight, examining the event, his opponent, and the lasting impact he made on the sport.
McGregor’s entry into the UFC marked a turning point in the promotion’s history, propelling it to unprecedented heights. Renowned for his devastating power and pinpoint accuracy with his left hand, the Irishman solidified his status in the lightweight and featherweight divisions.
When did Conor McGregor join the UFC?
Conor McGregor’s UFC Arrival
In February 2013, the UFC announced the signing of Conor McGregor to a multi-fight contract. Less than two months later, on April 6, 2013, McGregor made a blistering UFC debut at UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi, facing Marcus Brimage. The event took place at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Debut Fight
Entering the octagon with a professional mixed martial arts record of 12-2, Conor McGregor showcased his trademark confidence and unleashed a barrage of uppercuts that quickly halted the fight. In a little over a minute, McGregor secured a first-round TKO victory over Brimage, commencing his historic journey in the UFC.
Aftermath and Legacy
Over the following years, Conor McGregor commanded the spotlight as he triumphed and unified the featherweight title in a historic clash against Jose Aldo at UFC 194 in November 2015. McGregor dispatched the legendary Brazilian in just 13 seconds, setting the record for the fastest finish in UFC title fight history. His remarkable power, accuracy, and flawless footwork mesmerized fans worldwide.
A year later, McGregor secured the lightweight championship by defeating Eddie Alvarez via second-round TKO, becoming the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion.
Throughout his illustrious UFC career, McGregor faced off against some of the biggest superstars in the sport, including Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz, Eddie Alvarez, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Conclusion
The impact of Conor McGregor’s UFC career cannot be overstated. With his headlining presence in five of the six highest-earning pay-per-view events in UFC history, McGregor stands as an unparalleled figure in popularizing the sport of MMA. His contributions have forever left an indelible mark on the landscape of mixed martial arts.
Watch Conor McGregor’s full debut below:
