Conor McGregor is set to end his fifteen-month hiatus this weekend when he takes on Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone at UFC 246.
Here’s a complete breakdown of both the fighters who are scheduled to lock horns at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Conor McGregor (#14 P4P, #3 LW) (21-4-0)
- Two-Division Champion
Conor McGregor’s name appears on many of the most prestigious lists in UFC history. He’s one of just seven fighters in UFC history to capture a UFC title in two different weight classes, doing so at featherweight and lightweight. He became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two division titles simultaneously, doing so by capturing the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 205 (there have now been four two-division simultaneous champions: McGregor, Cejudo, Nunes, Cormier). He previously won the UFC Featherweight Championship in record fashion. His knockout of Jose Aldo at UFC 194 came in just 13 seconds and remains the fastest finish in UFC championship history.
- Seventh Highest Knockdown Rate in UFC History
Whether McGregor is fighting at 145 lbs., 155 lbs., or 170 lbs., his punching power
comes with him. McGregor has knocked down his featherweight opponents six times,
his lightweight opponents three times, and his welterweight opponents three times.
McGregor is one of just five fighters in UFC history to knock down an opponent three
or more times in two different fights, doing so against Nate Diaz and Eddie Alvarez.
McGregor and Anderson Silva are the only fighters to pull the feat off in two different
weight classes (McGregor: LW and WW; Silva: MW and LHW). His 12 knockdowns are
tied for 11th most in UFC history. He lands 1.81 knockdowns per 15 minutes of
fighting, the 7th highest rate all-time (min. 5 fights).
Donald Cerrone (#5 LW) 36 – 13 – 0 (1 NC)
- Most Wins and Most Finishes in UFC History
Donald Cerrone will appear in his ninth UFC main event when he makes the walk against Conor McGregor on January 18th. It
will also be Cerrone’s 34th UFC fight, passing Jim Miller and setting a new UFC record. It’s the latest in a slew of records for
Cerrone. He owns the UFC record for most wins (23), most finishes (16), and most post-fight bonuses (18). - Seventh Highest Knockdown Rate in UFC History
Whether McGregor is fighting at 145 lbs., 155 lbs., or 170 lbs., his punching power
comes with him. McGregor has knocked down his featherweight opponents six times,
his lightweight opponents three times, and his welterweight opponents three times.
McGregor is one of just five fighters in UFC history to knock down an opponent three
or more times in two different fights, doing so against Nate Diaz and Eddie Alvarez.
McGregor and Anderson Silva are the only fighters to pull the feat off in two different
weight classes (McGregor: LW and WW; Silva: MW and LHW). His 12 knockdowns are
tied for 11th most in UFC history. He lands 1.81 knockdowns per 15 minutes of
fighting, the 7th highest rate all-time (min. 5 fights). - Most Knockdowns in UFC History
Cerrone’s been able to consistently connect with fight-changing strikes throughout his
UFC career. He’s landed 1,535 significant strikes, 4th most in UFC history. He’s also knocked down his UFC opponents a total of 20 times, a UFC record. Cerrone is a versatile striker. He’s earned seven knockouts in the UFC stemming from kicks, yet another UFC record Cerrone owns. - Second Highest Takedown Defense in UFC Lightweight History
While at 155 lbs., Cerrone has demonstrated excellent takedown defense. He’s
successfully defended 90% of his 155 lb. opponents’ takedown attempts against him,
the second-highest defense in lightweight history (min. 5 fights and 20 opp. att.; Tibau,
92%).
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