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Start by reviewing the complete catalog of his wins to see how each triumph reshaped his reputation in the sport.
Early in his career, he dispatched regional rivals with a blend of precision striking and daring tactics, quickly gaining attention from promoters and fans alike.
The transition to major events introduced him to seasoned combatants; each clash showcased his adaptability, with memorable knockouts that still echo in commentary circles.
Recent encounters demonstrate a strategic evolution, as he leverages experience to outmaneuver younger challengers, proving that his skill set remains a formidable force.
For readers seeking a concise reference, the table below organizes every victory chronologically, highlighting date, venue, and method of triumph for quick perusal.
Conor McGregor UFC Defeats: Complete Opponent List
Check the chart below for a rapid overview of his victories and the fighters he has overcome.
The Irish fighter began his professional journey in 2008, beating seasoned veterans like Gary Morris and James Walsh, then adding names such as Paddy Holohan and Mike Wood in the Irish circuit before stepping onto the global stage.
His featherweight surge in 2013 featured a knockout of Max Holloway, a swift finish over Dennis Siver, and a memorable TKO against Chad Mendes, each win sharpening his striking reputation.
Crossing into lightweight, he captured the title by outclassing Eddie Alvarez with a second‑round stoppage and later defended it against Nate Diaz, delivering a striking barrage that earned a unanimous decision.
Venturing up to welterweight, he faced a seasoned grappler, delivering a historic 13‑second head‑kick knockout that remains a highlight of his career.
The summary table provides date, event, method, and opponent name for every triumph, allowing fans to trace the progression from local bouts to championship glory.
Chronological timeline of McGregor’s UFC wins
Start by watching the December 2015 victory at the organization’s 194th numbered event, where the Dublin native knocked out the feather‑weight champion in under a minute.
Just a month later, in January 2016, he secured a unanimous decision against a seasoned striker at Fight Night 80, showcasing crisp footwork and precise striking.
April 2016 brought a dominant performance at the 204th numbered event; the Irish combatant earned a second‑round TKO over a former title challenger, solidifying his place in the feather‑weight division.
July 2016 marked a historic bout at the 202nd numbered event. A daring 5‑round battle ended with a second‑round submission, earning the first major win by a European fighter in that weight class.
In August 2016, the same athlete stepped up to lightweight for the organization’s 205th numbered event. A quick first‑round knockout crowned him a double‑division champion, a feat never achieved before.
October 2017 saw a return to feather‑weight at the 212th numbered event. A swift knockout in the first round reaffirmed his striking supremacy and added another title defense to his record.
January 2020, the fighter faced a seasoned veteran at the 246th numbered event. A first‑round TKO extended his streak of victories, marking his most recent triumph on the global stage.
Weight‑class breakdown of defeated opponents
Focus on the featherweight and lightweight divisions when reviewing the weight‑class distribution of his victories.
The record spans three categories. In the 145‑lb division he secured two wins, while the 155‑lb tier accounts for the bulk with five successes. A single triumph came at 170 lb, demonstrating occasional forays into higher territory.
Featherweight achievements include notable stoppages that highlighted striking precision and timing.
Lightweight conquests reinforced his reputation for adaptability, with each bout showcasing a different tactical approach–ranging from grappling exchanges to stand‑up exchanges–thereby influencing ranking calculations across multiple divisions.
| Weight class | Number of wins | Notable rivals |
|---|---|---|
| Featherweight (145 lb) | 2 | Jose Aldo, Dennis Siver |
| Lightweight (155 lb) | 5 | Nate Diaz, Eddie Alvarez, Donald Cerrone, Dustin Poirier, Rafael dos Anjos (catch‑weight) |
| Welterweight (170 lb) | 1 | Rafael dos Anjos |
Victory methods: KO, TKO, and decision details
Bet on a fight where a single, decisive strike ends the bout – the odds favor the knockout specialist.
Knockout (KO) occurs when a combatant is rendered unconscious by a precise blow. Common techniques include:
- Powerful straight punch that lands flush on the jaw
- Spinning back kick that catches the head
- Flying elbow delivering a sudden impact
- Head‑butt that snaps the neck
Technical knockout (TKO) is declared when the referee, doctor, or corner decides the fighter cannot safely continue, even if consciousness remains. Situations leading to a TKO involve:
- Repeated unanswered strikes
- Visible injury requiring medical attention
- Corner throwing in the towel
When a match goes the distance, judges score each round. A unanimous decision means all three judges agree on the winner; a split decision reflects a 2‑1 split, while a majority decision has two judges favoring one fighter and the third scoring a draw.
Key statistics for each defeated fighter
Check the win‑by‑method column to gauge striking dominance; the table shows knockout, technical knockout, and submission outcomes for each rival, together with the round and exact minute when the finish occurred.
Additional metrics such as total significant strikes, takedown accuracy, and fight duration reveal patterns: early‑round finishes often correlate with a high strike‑to‑strike ratio, while later stoppages feature increased grappling activity and longer control time.
FAQ:
What is the complete list of UFC fighters who have defeated Conor McGregor?
Conor McGregor’s UFC record includes losses to four opponents. He was stopped by Nate Diaz in a split‑decision bout at UFC 196 (2016). Diaz won again in a rematch at UFC 202 (2016) by unanimous decision. McGregor then fell to Khabib Nurzadaev at UFC 229 (2018) via submission in the fourth round. His most recent defeat came at the hands of Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 (2025), where he lost by TKO in the second round.
How many times has Conor McGregor lost by knockout in his UFC career?
Out of his four defeats, only one ended in a knockout‑type finish. At UFC 257, Dustin Poirier stopped McGregor with a series of punches, resulting in a technical knockout in the second round.
Did Conor McGregor ever lose a fight by submission?
Yes. His loss to Khabib Nurzadaev at UFC 229 was by a rear‑naked choke. The submission came early in the fourth round and marked McGregor’s first defeat by tap.
Which opponent gave Conor McGregor his first UFC loss?
The first defeat in the UFC came against Nate Diaz at UFC 196. After a strong start from McGregor, Diaz secured a rear‑naked choke in the second round, handing McGregor his inaugural UFC loss.
Are there any patterns in the ways McGregor has been defeated?
Looking at the four losses, two came by decision (both to Nate Diaz), one by submission (Khabib Nurzadaev) and one by TKO (Dustin Poirier). The outcomes show that McGregor has been stopped both on the feet and on the ground, as well as outpointed over three rounds.