McGregor KOs Alvarez to take second UFC belt
NEW YORK (AP) — Conor McGregor knocked out Eddie Alvarez in the second round to win the UFC lightweight title and become the first two-class champion in the promotion’s history.
McGregor dominated from the opening bell of the main event of UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden and the sold-out crowd roaring with each blow. McGregor is now the reigning featherweight and lightweight champ.
UFC has not decided if McGregor will be allowed to defend both championships. UFC President Dana White said McGregor could be about the only fighter in the promotion to handle that kind of fight load.
McGregor crouched inside the cage waiting for the bell to ring and attack Alvarez. McGregor was the clear aggressor from the start and dropped Alvarez three times in the first round. Alvarez, out of Philadelphia, bounced up the first two times and took a severe beating on the third. McGregor forced Alvarez to fight with his back to the cage and dominated the rest of the round.
McGregor placed his hands behind his back in the second, taunting and toying Alvarez to hit him. McGregor, UFC’s biggest box office star, unloaded a left and ended the fight.
Tate calls it a career
Miesha Tate announced her retirement inside the octagon following a loss to Raquel Pennington at UFC 205.
The 30-year-old Tate says the loss played a role in her decision. She says: “I had a lot more to give but I couldn’t pull it out of myself.”
Tate defeated Holly Holm in March to win the bantamweight title and then lost the belt in her first title defense to Amanda Nunes in July.
Tate (18-7) had coached Pennington on “The Ultimate Fighter,” a reality show used by the UFC to recruit new talent.
Pennington won a methodical bout and unanimous decision on Saturday night, with only one judge awarding Tate a round. It was the first of two women’s bouts on the main UFC 205 card.
The Madison Square Garden crowd gave Tate a loud ovation following her surprise announcement.
