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Gavin Quinn

Chad Mendes looks back on 'crazy' fight with Conor McGregor four years on

Four years on from perhaps the defining night in Conor McGregor 's career, the man who he shared the octagon with looks back with fond memories.

Fresh off announcing himself as a genuine rival to the undisputed UFC Featherweight champ Jose Aldo with a comprehensive victory over Dennis Siver - it would be McGregor's date with destiny at UFC 189 on July 12 2015.

But after months of tormenting the Brazilian fighter at press conferences and media appearances, he pulled out of the fight with a rib injury just weeks removed from the card, and American Chad Mendes stepped in.

And with UFC gold on the line in the form of an interim championship, the pair met in the octagon and it produced one of the defining moments of McGregor's career.

With blockbuster entrances, including a live rendition of 'The Foggy Dew' by Sinead O'Connor, Irish fans took over the MGM Grand and roared home the Crumlin man in a thrilling fight.

McGregor eventually scored the win after spending several nail-biting minutes on the mat fending off the best Mendes could throw at him. McGregor got onto his feet at the end of the second round, and the rest is history.

In an Instagram post, Mendes said: "So crazy to think it’s been 4 years today since I shared the octagon with Conor McGregor. What a crazy experience.

"Conor and Aldo were scheduled to fight, but due to a rib injury Aldo was forced out of the fight. I got the call from Dana on 10 days notice and went straight from fishing mode into training mode.

"It was the first time the UFC had live performers for our walk out songs. Sinead O’Connor sent Mcgregor out and my boy Aaron Lewis sent me out with “country boy”.

"Not sure where the last 4 years went but that’s definitely a fight I’ll never forget!".

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