If you didn’t stay up to watch Conor McGregor’s long awaited return to the octagon against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, here’s a little advice, don’t blink when you watch the replay. Before the fight even began, we saw a completely different Conor than in the past. He was giving out hugs. He circled the octagon, giving props and bumping fists with his opponent which I have never seen from “Notorious”. It was a nice change of pace this week from the usual over the top trash talking and antics we usually see leading up to a McGregor fight. This week I saw a man who had been humbled, a man who really had to dig deep and get back to what made him the biggest star in the sport through hard work and sacrifice. Once the bell rang, it was all business. McGregor came out guns blazing, throwing a straight left hand that looked like it was aimed straight to the back of Cerrone’s throat but Cowboy slipped and nearly made Conor go right over the top of him, which probably would have been a better outcome for Cerrone. However, the 2 clinched up and at this point and everything changed quickly. In the clinch, Conor used his shoulder and thrusted it multiple times directly onto the nose and cheek of Cerrone, even changing levels and connecting flush as Cowboy tried to get away. They separated and valiantly, Cerrone threw one of those vicious head kicks he has in his arsenal, but to no avail as Conor blocked it and countered with one of his own landing the top of his foot directly across the jaw of Cerrone, dropping him to the mat for good. Conor seized the opportunity and came with a relentless flurry of lefts and rights as Cowboy did anything he could to protect himself from the floor. Referee Herb Dean jumped in and the fight was over in an astonishing 40 seconds. More of the new Conor appeared after the fight, as he could be seen kneeling in front of Cerrone embracing him and giving him his due props and even a little kiss on the forehead for good measure. I mean Conor even had an embrace and kind words for Cerrone’s grandmother who had come into the ring to see her grandson. Who the fook is this guy? After the embrace, Conor took to the Mic and following the promotion of his Proper 12 whiskey, took aim at the 170 pound division. He didn’t call anyone out specifically but the camera panned to current 170 pound champ Kamaru Usman and top contender Jorge Masvidal who have both stated they want a piece of the irishman. Conor simply said he’s not done at 170 and would welcome all challengers, throwing in a few elementary insults making fun of Usman’s hat and Masvidal’s robe. Cerrone got on the Mic next and I have to be honest I thought he was going to step away from the sport right then and there. However, that’s not his style. He was the same old Cerrone we’ve all come to love and appreciate. He said he’s going to enjoy some time with his family and keep fighting because he loves the sport and it runs in his blood. Good for you Cowboy, I don’t care who you fight next I will tune in. He’s one of a kind and has done so much for the UFC as a whole, there’s nothing bad anyone can say about his heart and love for the fight game. What’s next for Conor? This win has opened many avenues for him. If he stays at 170, I’d love to see him in an all out war with Jorge Masvidal. To me, that’s a huge fight and Masvidal has said repeatedly he would “hurt that little dude”. I tend to agree. Also, there’s potential for a fight with champ Kamaru Usman but honestly there’s other contenders McGregor has to go through first so I hope that doesn’t happen. Conor can also go back down to 155 and get his rematch with Khabib, or if somehow Tony Ferguson beats Khabib in April, he could fight him as well. I don’t know what’s in store but whatever it is, it’s going to be fun because love him or hate him that’s what a Conor victory means to the sport.
The next UFC card is February 8th featuring 2 title bouts. Jon Jones puts his light heavyweight title on the line against undefeated challenger Dominick Reyes and Valentina Shevchenko takes on Katlyn Chookaigan in a woman’s Flyweight title match. I will have more previews and build up for this than UFC 246 as well as my predictions for the entire card.
To The Rack With Mac 