WATCH: How Conor McGregor Became Double Champ In Cage Warriors

In UFC’s history, there have been only four fighters who have held two titles simultaneously, with Conor McGregor being the first of them. However, for McGregor, the first instance of having two belts on his shoulders wasn’t when he defeated Eddie Alvarez. The Irishman had tasted the same success before in Cage Warriors as well.

Prior to landing in the UFC, McGregor competed in several MMA promotions spread over Europe. However, he cemented his stock as one of the best up-and-coming fighters when he won four back-to-back fights in Cage Warriors. He won all four contests via stoppages within the first two rounds.

He defeated Aaron Jahnsen in the first fight of the four via vicious ground-and-pound. Defeating Steve O’Keefe in the second proved a lot easier as ‘The Spartan’ seemed on the back foot right from the beginning. It was after this fight that he demanded a featherweight title shot in his hometown of Dublin.

McGregor’s demands were met within four months. He had the chance to win the gold by defeating Dave Hill. It was in this fight that McGregor displayed his knack for bringing out the best when the lights shine the brightest. Right from the onset of the fight, McGregor pushed forward, taunting his opponent.

While this was the version of McGregor that we know of, he pulled off the victory in a manner that has never been repeated. ‘The Notorious One’ submitted Dave Hill in the first round, which remains the only submission win on his resume.

Conor McGregor unleashed a one-punch KO to become a double champ

Following his win over Hill, McGregor leaped into the crowd, which backed him throughout the fight. In his very next contest, akin to what would happen in the UFC as well, McGregor captured double gold. He knocked out Ivan Buchinger via a vicious left hook to win the lightweight belt. After this four-fight stretch, there was no doubt left that he had the potential to be the next big thing.

The Irishman has come a long way ever since his Cage Warriors days. He has seen the pinnacle of success inside the UFC and outside of it as well. At 32 years of age, McGregor is now looking to get his hands back on the UFC lightweight belt.

McGregor will face Dustin Poirier in a rematch that takes place on 23rd January at UFC 257 on Fight Island, Abu Dhabi.

Read More: Dustin Poirier Wants Conor McGregor to Be ‘Dripping Blood’ at UFC 257