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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gavin Quinn

Conor McGregor UFC news: Chad Mendes looks back on 'crazy' fight with Notorious 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 - 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 Dubliner in a thrilling fight.

Sinead O'Connor performs during the UFC 189 event (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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.

Conor McGregor punches Chad Mendes in their UFC interim featherweight title fight (Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

"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!".

It comes as McGregor is widely tipped to make a return to the Octagon - he hasn't fought since his UFC 229 defeat to bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov last October.

But UFC commentator Joe Rogan has warned McGregor about the problems he could face if he fights welterweight high-flyer Jorge Masvidal.

'Gamebred' recently called out the Dubliner after his five-second KO win against Ben Askren.

He said on the Dan Le Batard Show: “I want [Conor] McGregor. I want to break his face.I think that’s an easy paycheque.

“He’s got these cash symbols written all over his face for me. I just don’t see it going his way if I’m honest with you.”

Jorge Masvidal (Getty Images)

But UFC commentator Rogan belives it could be a very tough fight for The Notorious.

He said on his Joe Rogan Experience podcast: “That’s a rough fight for Conor. Masvidal is a big fella too.

“He really belongs at 170 [pounds], that’s where he’s fighting. He fought at 155, but really tortured himself to make that weight. He’s a big guy.

Conor McGregor of Ireland is interviewed by Joe Rogan (2016 Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)

“You’re talking about a guy that knocked out ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, knocked out Darren Till, knocked out Ben Askren. I mean, he’s knocking out big welterweights — big.

"Darren Till is a big welterweight. He’s big. He’s not a guy coming up from 155 pounds. He’s never making 155 pounds.

“In the last few fights, [Masvidal] is coming into his own, really becoming something special.”

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