5 times Conor McGregor proved he's among the most courageous UFC fighters ever
Conor McGregor is the most polarizing figure in all of MMA. The Irishman's most ardent supporters will excuse every shortcoming 'The Notorious' has suffered in the octagon and, in his past bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr., the boxing ring.
Conversely, McGregor's harshest detractors go to great lengths to chip away at the success he's enjoyed in his ongoing UFC career, such as Jorge Masvidal's claim that the Irishman fears a fight with him.
It renders many incapable of objectively assessing the Irishman's accomplishments. While he is not the world's greatest fighter, nor was he ever, he's among the most entertaining figures the sport of MMA has ever seen.
His pressure-based counter-striking style also accelerated the transition of MMA counter-striking to favoring pressure over passive feinting.
What many might not realize, however, is that Conor McGregor is also one of the sport's most courageous fighters. This list compiles five reasons that justify McGregor's classification as a fearless mixed martial artist.
#5. Conor McGregor fought Chad Mendes with a damaged ACL
During the leadup to McGregor's UFC 189 matchup with Chad Mendes, much was said about the Irishman's supposed vulnerability to wrestling. Many were confident that even without a full camp to prepare him, Mendes' high-level wrestling skills and explosive double-leg takedowns would prove too overpowering for McGregor.
If there had ever been a time for those predictions to have materialized, it was during Conor McGregor's bout with Chad Mendes. 14 weeks prior, the Irishman claimed to have torn 80% of his ACL.
McGregor says he tore 80% of his ACL 14 wks before the Mendes fight. 2 ACL injuries in 2 years —surely a worry. #UFC https://t.co/XbluWuAzMj
Not only are ACL tears extremely painful, they rob the knee of its stability and mobility. ACL injuries render those who suffer from them unable to plant their injured leg, which is important for defending takedowns, while also causing hyperextension of the knee joint.
That Conor McGregor chose to proceed with the fight against Chad Mendes, knowing he'd have to sprawl and push off a leg with a recently injured ACL to defend his foe's takedowns, was a testament to the Irishman's self-belief and courage.
Other fighters would have withdrawn from the bout. Yet 'The Notorious' chose to compete with a heavily compromised leg, which was evident from his more flat-footed movement during the contest.