When Conor McGregor faced real adversity in the octagon for the first time, he showed the heart of a champion. McGregor (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) was scheduled to challenge then-UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo for the title at UFC 189, but after Aldo was forced out due to injury, he faced Chad Mendes for the interim featherweight title instead. Right out of the gate, McGregor stalked and taunted Mendes, attacking the body with a variety of different kicks.
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UFC 189 free fight: Relive Conor McGregor’s thrilling comeback over Chad Mendes – MMA Junkie