Conor McGregor lived up to the pre-fight hype tonight at UFC Fight Night 46 in front of his hometown fans in Dublin, stopping former TUF champ Diego Brandao in the first round with strikes.
Round One:
We’re underway in the main event! McGregor comes out with a spinning kick to the body. Bit of a cheap shot really as Brandao was looking to touch gloves. However, Brandao takes it and throws a head kick of his own that’s blocked.
Another kick from McGregor. Fast pace to start this one! Brandao goes into the clinch, he’s looking for an early takedown. He has McGregor pressed against the cage, but the position is then reversed and McGregor has him up agains the fence.
They grapple for position and Brandao looks for a throw, but McGregor reverses it in transit and ends up on top. McGregor backs up and then comes in again. He drops in, but Brandao goes for a leg lock and he has to escape it. He goes back in again and again Brandao threatens with that leg lock. It looks a little tighter this time, but McGregor escapes again.
Undeterred McGregor is back on top of Brandao again. He’s got him right up against the cage in half-guard. Brandao able to get up, but gets cuaght with a punch.
McGregor looking to hunt Brandao down. A hard jick lands for McGregor and Brandao seems to wilt just a little. He’s ok though and there’s some dangerous exchanges in close with heavy leather flying from both men.
Suddenly Brandao looks hurt. He’s backing up against the cage and McGregor lands a punishing blow to the body. Then comes a big left hand and it sends Brandao to the mat! McGregor gets on top and lands punches and elbows. Brandao’s just covering up and seems to have had enough, and the referee agrees – McGregor gets the TKO victory with 4.05mins of the first round gone.
Impressive stuff from McGregor walking the walk as well as talking the talk and big things undoubtedly await him now in the UFC’s featherweight division.
