There are numerous memorable nights in UFC’s storied historical past. Hundreds of pushes, pull, sways, kicks, punches, and grapples which have lit up the octagon. But, there was one thing uniquely pulse-pounding about UFC 189 – an evening the place blood and thunder echoed by means of each punch and kick.
Prologue to an Epic
UFC and its ensemble of fighters have all the time been greater than pugilists. They’re performers who carry a complete theatre into an area. That night time of UFC 189, on July 11, 2015, in Las Vegas, it was no totally different. The fighter lineup was mouthwatering. The viewers, a who’s who checklist of Hollywood, sport and music. The fights have been as glittery as they have been gritty.
The Principal Card – McGregor vs Mendes
With regards to UFC, what issues essentially the most is the combat and UFC 189 predominant occasion was nearly as good because it will get. The charismatic Irishman Conor McGregor would tackle highly effective wrestler Chad Mendes for the interim Featherweight title. With McGregor’s preliminary opponent, featherweight champion Jose Aldo pulling out attributable to damage, Mendes was a last-minute alternative. McGregor, audacious and spellbinding in equal measure, was right here to place a bow on his meteoric rise.
“UFC 189 was an evening the place blood and thunder echoed by means of each punch and kick.”
Chad Mendes, the underdog, was an immovable object seeking to upset McGregor’s quest. The combat started with Mendes, stunning the viewers and McGregor, placing him on his again a number of instances. Livid floor and pound from Mendes held McGregor at bay and presumably gained him the primary spherical.
The second spherical, nonetheless, promised us why all of us love this sport. McGregor got here again with a ferocious array of photographs, his footwork and attain proving essential. When McGregor landed a large left hook, Mendes went down and the referee was pressured to step in. The cheers that adopted may have been heard in Dublin.
The Night’s Different Highlights
But, it wasn’t simply the principle card that made UFC 189 particular. The co-main occasion was equally jaw-dropping. Welterweights Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald placed on a combat that was not only a combat of the night time, however a contender for ‘combat of the yr.’ Their slugfest raged on for 5 rounds, leaving each fighters bloody and battered, however it was Lawler who retained his title.
A tad forgotten because of the thrills of the principle occasion have been the fights that includes Thomas Almeida, Brandon Thatch, and Gunnar Nelson, however every carried out brilliantly and delivered some unforgettable moments.
A Decisive Second in UFC Historical past
UFC 189 was a landmark second within the sport. It wasn’t nearly McGregor’s victory. It was about the entire package deal: the drama, the spectacle, the heart-stopping motion, the simple ardour from the fighters, and the rapturous response from the followers.
“McGregor’s victory at UFC 189 was a fruits of sheer grit, uncooked expertise, and timeless willpower.”
Certainly, that night time in Las Vegas encapsulates all the pieces that makes UFC such a captivating spectacle. You would argue that it was nearly as good an commercial for the game as something seen earlier than or since. The bouts have been electrical, the anticipation palpable, and the finale unforgettable. In each sense of the phrase, UFC 189 was a knockout occasion.
