McGregor knocks out Alvarez, becomes first to hold two UFC titles at same time

Ryan Songalia

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McGregor knocks out Alvarez, becomes first to hold two UFC titles at same time

AFP

Conor McGregor is now the UFC's featherweight and lightweight champion after knocking out Eddie Alvarez in two rounds

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight champ Conor McGregor knocked out lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez in the main event of UFC 205, becoming the first fighter to hold UFC titles in multiple divisions at the same time on Saturday, November 12 (Sunday Manila time).

McGregor knocked Alvarez to the floor 3 times in the opening round, with the first coming little more than a minute into the first round as the result of a double left cross that caught Alvarez lunging in. The difference in hand speed, and Alvarez’s inability to set up his takedown attempts kept Alvarez on the outside where he was easy pickings for the man from Dublin, Ireland.

McGregor finally closed the show with a 3-punch combination in round two, prompting the referee to stop the fight.

Afterwards, “The Notorious” McGregor trolled the MMA world and pronounced himself in a league of his own.

“I’ve ridiculed everyone on the roster. I just want to say from the bottom of me heart, I’d like to take this chance to apologize to absolutely nobody. The double champ does what the fuck he wants!,” said McGregor to uproarious applause.

Previously, only Randy Couture and BJ Penn had won UFC titles in more than one weight class.

McGregor had been scheduled to face Rafael dos Anjos for the lightweight title at UFC 196 in March before dos Anjos withdrew due to injury. McGregor fought Nate Diaz instead that night, losing by second-round submission while dos Anjos dropped the title to Alvarez at UFC Fight Night 90 in July. McGregor avenged the loss to Diaz with a decision win at UFC 202 in August.

The show was the UFC’s first at Madison Square Garden, long renowned at the Mecca of Boxing, after New York lifted its 19-year ban on mixed martial arts in March. The card drew intense interest from the moment it was announced, with a record 15,000 showing up just for the weigh-ins on Friday and U.S. president-elect Donald Trump reportedly interested in attending.

The UFC is set to return to New York City for UFC 209 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on February 11, though no fights have been announced.

In earlier featherweight action, Frankie Edgar had the ‘answer’ for Jeremy Stephens, outwrestling his foe and withstanding some heavy head kicks and punches to win a unanimous decision by scores of 29-28 on all 3 cards. – Rappler.com

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