Does Conor McGregor hold the record for the fastest knockdown rate in UFC history?
No, Conor McGregor does not hold the official record for the fastest knockdown rate in UFC history. According to the company's record book, that distinction belongs to former middleweight competitor Drew McFedries.
However, the UFC's official record book accounts for all athletes who have competed in the organization, regardless of tenure. If fighters who have had a minimum of ten fights in the UFC are analyzed, then Conor McGregor outshines all his peers. Twitter account MMA By The Numbers brought this statistic to light.
Often touted as one of the greatest and most accurate strikers, McGregor has consistently proved there is a sound reason behind fans referring to him as a striking maestro.
His left hand carries devastating KO power, something that all his opponents are wary of. Having recorded 19 KO/TKO's in his 22 wins, Conor McGregor's record puts to bed any debate about him being a genuine KO threat.
In addition to a knockdown ratio of 1.81, Conor McGregor averages 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute. What's more, in all his wins, Conor McGregor has only gone beyond the second round in a fight twice; while going up against Max Holloway and Nate Diaz. The Dubliner was pushed to the final bell by both men but was able to secure victories on the judges' scorecards.
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How Conor McGregor became the striking kingpin
Conor McGregor took to combat sports like fish to water. Walking into Crumlin Boxing Club at the age of 12, the Irishman was one of the most talented young individuals his former coach Phil Sutcliffe had ever seen.
"He was just like any other kid who walked into the gym wanting to join a boxing club. He trained very, very hard. He was one of the kids you never had to shout at, he was very focussed," said Sutcliffe.
Years of training, along with tons of blood, sweat, and tears, made the Irishman a true powerhouse and a UFC lightweight kingpin in every sense of the word.
McGregor's journey in the UFC is far from over. He is set to take on his biggest test yet, the final edition of his trilogy saga against Dustin Poirier, this weekend at UFC 264.
With a lot more than just bragging rights hanging in the balance, Conor McGregor's performance could determine whether we see him enter the octagon again.
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