Issue 122

Ireland’s Conor McGregor absorbs the cheers of his homeland fans inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It’s common for fighters to talk the talk before a much-anticipated bout. Not all can back up their words with a breathtaking display of violence, but that’s what the surging featherweight did at UFC 178. From the moment his fight with Dustin Poirier was announced, McGregor taunted his opponent, telling everyone and anyone he would defeat ‘The Diamond’ within the first round. And that’s exactly what he did, smashing Poirier with vicious strikes until he was face-down on the mat. With the world at his feet and a hype train that continues to build speed with strike and soundbite, does ‘Notorious’ now deserve a shot at the UFC’s featherweight strap?

Date: September 2014

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada