(Getty Images) Conor McGregor @ UFC 229: Khabib vs McGregor Weigh-Ins
Tonight (October 6th) we find out if Conor ‘The Notorious’ McGregor will be able to return the octagon and raise the UFC Lightweight Championship belt over his head. Or if Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov is the next bonafide superstar of mixed martial arts. UFC 229: Khabib vs McGregor has officially kicked off and we have all the live updates and highlights of tonight’s full fight card available right here!
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Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor
Khabib Nurmagomedov Wins! (Submission in the fourth round)
Round One: McGregor looked to be the aggressor early in the first round but Nurmagomedov was able to drag the elite hitter to the ground using the cage to his advantage. McGregor attempted to use his elbows to strike from his back but had little success. Nurmagomedov remained dominant the entire round.
Round Two: Nurmagomedov dominated the round by grappling McGregor to the floor after a huge right-hand blow that stunned McGregor leaving him trapped in between Nurmagomedov and the cage for most of the round. Nurmagomedov attempted to throw blows at McGregor while he was on his back but a majority of his strikes remained ineffective as McGregor scrambled to play defense.
Round Three: Both fighters mixed it up on their feet as the round was focused on the element of boxing. Nurmagomedov attempts to beat McGregor at his own game but is reminded why McGregor is known as one of the best strikers in the world as he delivers a combination of blows to back Nurmagomedov off. Later in the round, Nurmagomedov was able to take down McGregor again remaining dominant on the ground.
Round Four: Nurmagomedov was able to dominate throughout the round once again before submitting McGregor with a rear naked chokehold.
Chaos ensues after the fight as Nurmagomedov jumps out of the ring to fight one of McGregor’s entourage. Afterward, a patron jumps into the ring and lands several blows to the face and head of McGregor before order is restored.
Lightweight Division: Tony Ferguson ( 24-3-0) vs. Anthony Pettis (21-8-0)
Tony Ferguson Wins! (Injury stoppage after the second round)
Round One: Tony Ferguson asserted himself early as the aggressor as the two felt each other. Ferguson utilized an effective inside leg kick that allowed him to pursue more striking combinations. Pettis kept his distance and attempted to find his groove in the match.
Round Two: Early in the second round, the fight turned into a bloodbath as Ferguson landed multiple blows that opened a cut over his left eye and right side of the head of Pettis. A stoppage took place in order to get Pettis medical treatment. The two then reentered the bout with smiles on their faces and Pettis attempted a spinning back kick right out the gate, missing his target. Ferguson continued to mix things up as the two exchanged major blows resulting in an eruption from the crowd.
Before round three could begin, Pettis’ corner threw in the towel after finding out Pettis had broken his right hand during the second round.
Light-Heavyweight Division: Ovince Saint Preux (23-11-0) vs. Dominick Reyes (9-0-0)
Dominick Reyes Wins! (TKO at the end of third round)
Round One: Reyes was able to establish his jab early in the fight. Saint Preux failed to take down Reyes twice before getting the smaller Reyes to the ground who quickly got back up to his feet. Reyes was then able to land some crucial blows to Saint Preux as he had his back on the fence. Saint Preux appeared wobbly before the end of the round saved him.
Round Two: Reyes was able to dominate early in the round, pinning Saint Preux against the fence. Reyes then launched an assault of leg kicks that kept Saint Preux at a safe distance before Saint Preux was able to land a left leg kick to the side of the head of Reyes. A wound had opened up over the left eye of Saint Preux during the round but the kick then Reyes as the two exchanged kicks before the round ended.
Round Three: Early in the round, Reyes continued to work his effective jab against Saint Preux, who was attempting to throw more striking combinations but was constantly met with countering punches by Reyes. Reyes continued to dominate working the inner thigh and legs with an onslaught of kicks. At the very end of the round, Reyes was able to lay Saint Preux down with a vicious right hand that resulted in a knockout.
Heavyweight Division: Derrick Lewis (20-5-0 1NC) vs. Alexander Volkov (30-6-0)
Derrick Lewis Wins! (TKO in the third round)
Round One: Volkov was able to land two crucial right hands before an early stoppage called by Lewis took some time off the clock after complaining about being poked in the eye. Volkov had Lewis in defense mode before the two took it to the ground where Volkov dominated before Lewis reversed the position and landed some heavy-handed punches while Volkov was on his back.
Round Two: Lewis continued to play defense as he backed up throughout the entire round attempting to lure Volkov within striking distance. Volkov was able to land both kicks and punches nearly at will draining Lewis of his energy.
Round Three: Volkov continued to punish Lewis before Lewis found his second wind and landed a huge right hand on Volkov forcing him to retreat. With only seconds left in the fight, Lewis landed a crushing right hand that sent Volkov to the ground allowing Lewis to reign down an insane ground-and-pound aerial assault forcing the official to step in and put an end to the fight.
Women’s Strawweight: Michelle Waterson (15-6-0) vs. Felice Herrig (14-7-0)
Michelle Waterson Wins! (Unanimous Decision)
Round One: Both Waterson and Herrig utilized their kicking ability before Herrig was able to land two punches to Waterson’s face. The fight then turned to a grappling match against the fence, with Herring in the dominant position. Herring was able to land some knees to the midsection of Waterson before the round ended. A kick to the chin by Waterson forced Herrig to shorten the distance between the two fighters.
Round Two: The second round began with the two in a standing grappling stance before Waterman was able to unleash a two-punch combo on Herrig. Waterson then completed a takedown allowing her to gain the dominant position. Waterson dominated the round from the ground.
Round Three: Herrig was able to take Waterson down early in the third round but almost slipped into an armbar by Waterson. The two exchanged blows before being stood up by the in-ring official. Both Waterson and Herrig attempted to end the fight with their striking game before the final bell rung.
Flyweight Division: Jussier Formiga (21-5-0) vs. Sergio Pettis (17-3-0)
Jussier Formiga Wins! (Unanimous Decision)
Round One/Two: Formiga was able to move fluidly while throwing multiple combos. Pettis utilized an unorthodox style of throwing southpaw jabs to keep Formiga at bay. Unfortunately, that couldn’t keep Formiga from taking down Pettis at will, while dominating the ground game.
Round Three: Formiga was able to gain control of this fight by securing a full-body rear naked chokehold while Pettis remained standing using the fence of the octagon as leverage. Formiga used his position to dominate and burn out the clock resulting in a unanimous decision by the judges.