Conor McGregor is arguably the biggest star mixed martial arts has ever seen. His flashy personality, highlight-reel knockouts, and ability to generate massive pay-per-view numbers have transcended the sport. Yet, beneath the bravado and the headlines lies the tangible measure of his career: his professional fighting record. While his persona and highlight knockouts are legendary, the true measure of a fighter ultimately lies within their conor mcgregor win loss record. It’s the ledger of successes and setbacks that defines their journey inside the cage. Understanding the nuances of the conor mcgregor win loss record provides a clearer picture of his trajectory, his evolution as a fighter, and his standing among the sport’s elite. This article will delve into the complete conor mcgregor win loss record, examining the numbers, the methods of victory and defeat, the key opponents faced, and the significant moments that have shaped this historic career ledger. We will break down the wins that built his legend and the losses that taught him lessons, all while focusing on the data contained within the comprehensive conor mcgregor win loss record.
Conor McGregor’s Overall Professional MMA Record at a Glance
Before diving into the specifics of each fight, let’s establish the baseline. As of his last professional bout, Conor McGregor’s professional MMA conor mcgregor win loss record stands at 22 Wins and 6 Losses. This figure encompasses his entire career, starting from his debut fight in 2008 through his climb in regional promotions like Cage Warriors and ultimately his storied tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This record includes fights across multiple weight classes, primarily Featherweight, Lightweight, and Welterweight. While 22 wins are impressive, particularly given the level of competition he’s faced, the 6 losses are equally significant in telling the full story of his conor mcgregor win loss record. Unlike some fighters who compile records against lesser opposition, McGregor’s record has been built against some of the toughest names in the sport, making every entry on his conor mcgregor win loss record meaningful.
The Wins That Built a Legacy
The win column of Conor McGregor’s conor mcgregor win loss record is heavily populated by spectacular finishes, particularly knockouts. Of his 22 professional victories, an astounding 19 have come by way of knockout or technical knockout (TKO). This high finish rate underscores his reputation as a devastating striker with unparalleled power, timing, and precision. His left hand has become the stuff of legend, ending fights in stunning fashion against elite opponents.
Some of the most iconic wins contributing to his conor mcgregor win loss record include:
Jose Aldo (UFC 194): A 13-second knockout to claim the undisputed UFC Featherweight Championship, ending Aldo’s long reign and cementing McGregor’s status as a global superstar. This is arguably the most significant win on his conor mcgregor win loss record.
Eddie Alvarez (UFC 205): A masterful striking display resulting in a second-round TKO, making McGregor the first fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold titles in two different weight classes (Featherweight and Lightweight). This victory stands as a monumental achievement within his conor mcgregor win loss record.
Dustin Poirier (UFC 178): An early statement in his UFC Featherweight run, finishing Poirier in the first round via TKO, proving he could compete with the division’s best. This was a crucial step in building his early conor mcgregor win loss record in the UFC.
Chad Mendes (UFC 189): Overcoming adversity on short notice to finish Mendes via TKO in the second round and claim the interim Featherweight title. This win showcased his resilience and added a significant name to his conor mcgregor win loss record.
Beyond knockouts, McGregor also holds victories by submission and decision, though these are far less common. He has one professional win by submission (against Dave Hill in Cage Warriors) and two by decision (against Max Holloway and Ivan Buchinger). While the finishes are his trademark, these instances show his capability to win in other ways, adding layers to the story told by his conor mcgregor win loss record. His ability to dictate the pace and outpoint a young Max Holloway, despite tearing his ACL during the fight, highlights his tactical intelligence and toughness, even if it’s a less explosive entry on his conor mcgregor win loss record.
The Losses: Learning from Setbacks
Every fighter faces defeat, and the losses on Conor McGregor’s professional conor mcgregor win loss record are just as informative as his wins. His 6 losses have come against a mix of early-career opponents and some of the absolute best fighters in the world during his prime.
His losses are:
Artemij Sitenkov (Cage Warriors 39, 2008): A submission loss (kneebar) early in his career, just his third professional fight.
Joe Duffy (Cage Warriors 42, 2010): Another early-career submission loss (arm-triangle choke). These early defeats are a part of his complete conor mcgregor win loss record.
Nate Diaz (UFC 196, 2016): His first loss in the UFC, a submission defeat (rear-naked choke) in a short-notice fight at Welterweight. This loss shocked the world and created one of the most significant rivalries impacting his conor mcgregor win loss record.
Khabib Nurmagomedov (UFC 229, 2018): A highly anticipated Lightweight title fight loss via submission (neck crank). This was arguably the biggest fight in MMA history and added a high-profile loss to his conor mcgregor win loss record.
Dustin Poirier (UFC 257, 2021): A TKO loss in their Lightweight rematch, marking the first time McGregor was stopped by strikes in his career. This dramatically impacted the narrative surrounding his conor mcgregor win loss record.
Dustin Poirier (UFC 264, 2021): A second consecutive TKO loss to Poirier, this time due to a doctor stoppage after McGregor suffered a broken tibia at the end of the first round. This unfortunate event is the most recent entry on his professional conor mcgregor win loss record.
These losses, particularly the ones in the UFC, have shaped significant rivalries and led to lucrative rematches. They highlight areas where McGregor has been vulnerable, primarily against high-level grapplers or durable strikers who can withstand his initial onslaught and apply consistent pressure. The losses are integral components of the detailed conor mcgregor win loss record.
Key Fights and Milestones Shaping His Record
Certain fights stand out as pivotal moments in shaping Conor McGregor’s conor mcgregor win loss record. His journey from regional star to global icon is marked by these key events:
Early Cage Warriors Titles: Winning both the Featherweight and Lightweight titles in Cage Warriors demonstrated his potential and propelled him into the UFC spotlight. These wins were foundational to building his professional conor mcgregor win loss record.
UFC Debut (vs. Marcus Brimage): A dominant first-round TKO announced his arrival and began his ascent in the world’s premier MMA organization.
The Aldo Fight: As mentioned, the 13-second KO was a record-breaking moment and defined a significant era of his career.
The Alvarez Fight: Achieving double-champ status was an unprecedented feat that etched his name into the history books, making the win over Alvarez a highlight of his conor mcgregor win loss record.
The Diaz Saga: The first loss to Diaz, followed by the hard-fought decision victory in their rematch at UFC 202, proved his ability to bounce back and adapt, showcasing his resilience and adding complexity to his conor mcgregor win loss record.
The Khabib Clash: While a loss, this fight was the biggest event in MMA history at the time and is a crucial chapter in understanding the challenges faced during his career documented by his conor mcgregor win loss record.
The Poirier Trilogy: The three fights against Dustin Poirier highlight his evolution and recent struggles, representing the latest, challenging entries on his conor mcgregor win loss record.
These milestone fights are more than just entries on a list; they represent shifts in momentum, challenges overcome, and lessons learned throughout his career, all contributing to the comprehensive story of his conor mcgregor win loss record.
A Closer Look: The Professional Fight-by-Fight Record
To truly appreciate the journey reflected in Conor McGregor’s conor mcgregor win loss record, a detailed look at his professional bouts is necessary. From the small halls of Irish promotions to the bright lights of Las Vegas arenas, each fight added another line to his ledger.
Here is a breakdown of his professional MMA record:
Gary Morris (Mar 2008) – Win (TKO)
Stephen Bailey (Jun 2008) – Win (KO)
Artemij Sitenkov (Sep 2008) – Loss (Submission)
Mo Taylor (Jan 2010) – Win (TKO)
Joe Duffy (Nov 2010) – Loss (Submission)
Hugh Brady (Mar 2011) – Win (Decision)
Mike Wood (May 2011) – Win (KO)
Paddy Doherty (Jun 2011) – Win (KO)
Mick Gould (Sep 2011) – Win (TKO)
Steve O’Keefe (Dec 2011) – Win (KO)
Jordan Kehan (Feb 2012) – Win (KO)
Dave Hill (Jun 2012) – Win (Submission) – Wins Cage Warriors Featherweight Title
Ivan Buchinger (Dec 2012) – Win (KO) – Wins Cage Warriors Lightweight Title
Marcus Brimage (Apr 2013) – Win (TKO) – UFC Debut
Max Holloway (Aug 2013) – Win (Decision)
Diego Brandão (Jul 2014) – Win (TKO)
Dustin Poirier (Sep 2014) – Win (TKO)
Dennis Siver (Jan 2015) – Win (TKO)
Chad Mendes (Jul 2015) – Win (TKO) – Wins Interim UFC Featherweight Title
Jose Aldo (Dec 2015) – Win (KO) – Wins Undisputed UFC Featherweight Title
Nate Diaz (Mar 2016) – Loss (Submission) – Welterweight Bout
Nate Diaz (Aug 2016) – Win (Decision) – Welterweight Bout
Eddie Alvarez (Nov 2016) – Win (TKO) – Wins UFC Lightweight Title
Floyd Mayweather Jr. (Aug 2017) – Professional Boxing Match – Loss (TKO) (Note: This is not part of his MMA conor mcgregor win loss record)
Khabib Nurmagomedov (Oct 2018) – Loss (Submission) – For UFC Lightweight Title
Donald Cerrone (Jan 2020) – Win (TKO) – Welterweight Bout
Dustin Poirier (Jan 2021) – Loss (TKO) – Lightweight Bout
Dustin Poirier (Jul 2021) – Loss (TKO – Doctor Stoppage) – Lightweight Bout
This chronological list provides the granular detail behind the overall conor mcgregor win loss record. Each entry is a distinct event that contributes to the final tally and tells a specific part of his career story. Looking at the pattern reveals periods of dominant finishes, strategic decisions, and tough losses.
Analyzing the Numbers Beyond Win/Loss
While the core conor mcgregor win loss record gives the outcome, additional statistics provide valuable context.
Knockout Percentage: At 19 KOs out of 22 wins (approx. 86%), his finishing rate by strike is exceptionally high, especially at the elite level. This underscores his primary weapon and explains much of his success.
Submission Rate: Only one professional submission win highlights that grappling offense is not his preferred path to victory. His submission losses, however, point to a historical vulnerability against high-level ground specialists, a factor reflected in his conor mcgregor win loss record.
Decision Rate: Just two decision wins out of 28 professional fights (approx. 7%) show his clear preference and ability to finish opponents before the final bell.
Fight Duration: Many of his wins, particularly his most famous ones, came quickly in the first or second round, demonstrating his explosive power and ability to overwhelm opponents early.
These supporting numbers paint a clearer picture of the fighter behind the conor mcgregor win loss record – a dynamic, dangerous striker known for ending fights definitively and early.
The Future of His Record
Conor McGregor’s career is not yet finished, although his activity has been limited in recent years, partly due to injury. He is expected to return to the octagon, likely against Michael Chandler, following a coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter.
Any future fights will undoubtedly add new chapters to Conor McGregor’s conor mcgregor win loss record. Victories would enhance his legacy and potentially lead to more title opportunities, while further losses would raise questions about his ability to compete at the absolute highest level after significant time off and injury. The outcome of future bouts will further define the final shape of his historic conor mcgregor win loss record. Regardless of future results, his current conor mcgregor win loss record has already secured his place as one of the most impactful figures in MMA history.
Conclusion
The conor mcgregor win loss record of 22 wins and 6 losses is far more than just a simple tally; it’s a chronological document of one of the most electrifying and polarizing careers in mixed martial arts. It details the early hurdles, the meteoric rise fueled by spectacular knockouts, the historic achievement of becoming a double-champion, and the tough losses against formidable opponents that tested his resolve. Each entry on the conor mcgregor win loss record contributes to the complex narrative of ‘The Notorious’.
While the numbers themselves are impressive and tell a story of high-level competition and significant achievements, they only represent the outcomes of the moments. The impact of Conor McGregor on the sport, the magnitude of the events he’s headlined, and the sheer excitement he brings are harder to quantify. However, the foundation of his legacy remains firmly rooted in his performances, meticulously chronicled within his professional conor mcgregor win loss record. It stands as a testament to a career filled with unforgettable highs, challenging lows, and a lasting influence that extends far beyond the statistics contained within the comprehensive conor mcgregor win loss record.
