Sometimes, a different vantage point can completely change perspectives.
There was a full-on world tour in 2015 for Conor McGregor’s title shot against then-featherweight champ Jose Aldo.
When Aldo pulled out of the fight less than two weeks out with a rib injury, it was somehwat suspected. It had been rumored, and because UFC CEO Dana White said Aldo had pulled out of five previous title fights, a contingency plan was in place to keep McGregor in the main event in Las Vegas, where thousands of Irish fans made the trip hoping to see him leave with a belt.
So the UFC called on Chad Mendes, as planned. Although Mendes bloodied McGregor, it didn’t matter in the second round when McGregor started piecing him up and finished him to win the interim 145-pound title.
The UFC released a third compilation video featuring just the sounds of the fighters, the arena and the corners – no commentary – of some of the most famous moments in company history, including McGregor’s win over Mendes; Alex Pereira sleeping Sean Strickland; Max Holloway’s dramatic “BMF” win; and many more.
Check out McGregor’s first title win, as well as some other incredible UFC moments, in the video above. And below, don’t miss more coverage of those legendary fights.
Also see:
- Raw video: Max Holloway’s BMF-ness, Conor’s first belt and more UFC legendary moments – without commentary
- Raw video: Usman sleeps Masvidal, a Shevchenko head kick and more UFC legendary moments without commentary
Alex Pereira def. Sean Strickland, UFC 276
Ilia Topuria def. Alexander Volkanovski, UFC 298
Max Holloway def. Justin Gaethje, UFC 300
Islam Makachev def. Alexander Volkanovski, UFC 294
Thiago Santos def. Kevin Holland, UFC 227
Conor McGregor def. Chad Mendes, UFC 189
Dustin Poirier def. Dan Hooker, UFC on ESPN 12
