Between 2013 and 2015, Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise took the UFC by storm. The Irishman is every promoter’s dream; A charismatic fighter with top class skills and an enormous fanbase, and can easily sell any major bout with his unparalleled skills with microphone.
But how did all begin for the Dublin fighter? When did he start training in mixed martial arts? And what’s his story with boxing?
It’s time to take a deeper look at the extraordinary path of the ‘Notorious’ one.
Conor McGregor Fighting Background
Before making the transition to MMA and become a multiple-division champion, Conor McGregor got his first taste of combat sport when he started boxing at the age of 12.
Despite being a favorite at the boxing gym, the young pupil wasn’t satisfied by one form of martial arts. Instead, he was curious to learn other styles of combat, much to the dismay of his coaches.
Conor practiced several disciplines, most notably Kickboxing, Capoeira, Taekwondo, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Wrestling. Therefore, it’s safe to say that mixed martial arts is his natural habitat.
When Did Conor McGregor Start Training MMA?
Conor McGregor started training in MMA around the age of 15. This is when the teenager began dismissing his routine boxing training in favor of learning new techniques and rounding up his game.
During this time, the ‘Notorious’ became interested in various disciplines, including kickboxing, Karate and even taking grappling courses, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – even if striking remains his bread and butter.
When Did Conor McGregor Make His MMA Debut?
On the 17th of February 2007, Conor McGregor made his MMA debut in an amateur bout at the age of 17 under the banner of a Dublin organization called ‘Cage of Truth’. He defeated Kieran Campbell via first-round TKO
At the age of 19, McGregor turned pro. He knocked out his opponent Gary Morris eight seconds into the second round via punches on March 8th, 2008 in what was his first professional bout.
When Did Conor McGregor Make His UFC Debut?
Conor McGregor made his UFC debut on April 6th, 2013, beating Marcus Brimage via TKO in just over a minute in Stockholm, Sweden. The organizational debutant earned himself the “knockout of the Night” bonus in the process.
Did Conor McGregor Box Before UFC?
Conor McGregor had never contended in a professional boxing bout prior to his original UFC run. However, the Dublin native had practiced boxing since the age of 12.
When Did Conor McGregor Start Boxing Training?
Conor McGregor started training boxing in 2001, at the tender age of 12. The young man was one of the most promising prospects at Crumlin Boxing Club, under the tutelage of two-time Olympian Phil Sutcliffe Sr.
Eventually, Conor was captivated by other forms of martial arts, including kickboxing and grappling, which paved the way for his ultimate transition to MMA.
Nevertheless, boxing remained one of McGregor’s strongest weapons, as demonstrated by some of his vicious knockouts, including his swift victory over featherweight legend José Aldo in 2015, which earned him his first UFC belt.
Is Conor McGregor a Professional Boxer?
Reminiscently to Jake Paul, Conor McGregor is deemed to be a professional boxer, although his pro record remains 0-1. The Irishman’s solitary bout is the famous super-fight against Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. The undefeated American emerged victorious via TKO in round 10.
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