Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC was a short-lived affair as he defeated Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone within 40 seconds.
McGregor secured a TKO victory over the U.S. fighter, in what was the Dubliner’s first UFC bout since losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.
From the off, McGregor appeared to have the better of Cerrone, bloodying his nose just a few seconds in. McGregor went on to connect with a head kick, leading to referee Herb Dean finishing the fight.
McGregor had plenty of support inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and his fans didn’t need to wait long to celebrate his victory.
Respect at the start of #UFC246 fight week and respect at the end! ?
Cowboy Cerrone and Conor McGregor are true martial artists! pic.twitter.com/5re0LCWP3V
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 19, 2020
Afterwards, McGregor spoke about his next move, telling Joe Rogan that he intended to toast the win with his family before getting back in the gym…
Who next for Conor McGregor❓
He spoke in the Octagon after #UFC246… pic.twitter.com/KNyW6pqAlw
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 19, 2020
Last night’s 40-second victory was the second-quickest of McGregor’s UFC career, bettered by his 13-second win over Jose Aldo in 2015. It was also The Notorious’ first win in the UFC since defeating Eddie Alvarez in November 2016.
He certainly appeared to be motivated and it will be interesting to who he comes up against next.