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UFC 246: Do you need the organization of a victory for Conor McGregor? 0:48
(CNN) - Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor emerged victorious in his first UFC fight in more than 15 months, with a technical knockout victory over American opponent Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in Las Vegas, Nevada. McGregor pulled Cerrone out of the opening bell and won the fight within a minute of the first round.
McGregor improves his career record to 22-4 with 19 knockouts. Cerrone, the most winning fighter of all time of the UFC, falls to 36-14 in his professional career.
This was McGregor's first time in the octagon since the loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov on October 6, 2018, and one night some thought it would never happen. In March 2019, McGregor tweeted that he planned to retire, then hinted at a future UFC fight next week.
McGregor reaches 22-4 with 19 knockouts in his career. Credit: Steve Marcus / Getty Images
- LOOK: McGregor vs. Cerrone: does the UFC need an Irish fighter victory?
There was a brawl after the fight between McGregor and the Nurmagomedov team, which resulted in a six-month suspension for the Irish and a nine-month suspension for the Russian by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
McGregor's most recent mixed martial arts victory came in November 2016 when he won by knockout over Eddie Alvarez.
- MORE: History of controversies and legal battles of Conor McGregor
Despite the prolonged absence, McGregor is the fourth lightweight ranked in the UFC. It is 13th in the pound per pound ratings.
Cerrone ranks fifth among light weights.
The two fighters, however, competed in a heavier division, such as welterweight.
Conor McGregor
