Conor McGregor once said that timing beats speed, and on Saturday night at UFC 246, his famed timing transcended into something resembling time travel.

As the former two-weight UFC champion steamrolled Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in just forty seconds in the main event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, it was hard not to be transported back to McGregor’s seminal surge between 2013 and 2016, the run that took him to the promotion’s featherweight and lightweight titles.

The performance, which was classic McGregor, followed a lead-up that had been somewhat damp compared to what followers of the sport have come to expect from one involving ‘Notorious’, with the Irishman, 31, and Cerrone, 36, remaining cordial all the way up to the first buzzer on Saturday night.

If you were wondering where all the venom was, it turns out McGregor (22-4) was storing it in his left shoulder – we’ll get to that. See, ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone may be the UFC’s resident gunslinger, but McGregor was quicker to draw in Las Vegas.

In just forty seconds, he exhibited an exhilarating variety of skills. He opened by swinging that trusty left hand of his, with Cerrone (36-14) ducking under and immediately seeking a takedown – turns out ‘Cowboy’ had been bluffing in his claims that he would aim to stand and trade with McGregor, whose underrated grappling skills were employed at once to stuff the takedown with ease.

The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Show all 85 1 /85 The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Conor McGregor made an emphatic statement on his UFC return as he needed just 40 seconds to overpower veteran American Donald Cerrone at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.



Here, we look back at his incredible performance in pictures. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Both men took part in an unusually restrained and respectful pre-fight press conference prior to the bout. The Irishman is known for his combustible and controversial press conference appearances, but the 31-year-old was on his best behaviour ahead of his return to the UFC. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor, a former two-weight world champion, warmly shook hands with Cerrone upon being introduced to the stage by UFC president Dana White. But the evident respect between the two men did not stop McGregor from predicting that the fight would end via knockout. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cerrone, a 36-13 veteran who has lost his last two fights, meanwhile admitted this was the toughest test of his career. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone “He’s a two time champ, it’s the toughest battle to date. This is the biggest one so let’s see what happens.” AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The pair posing for photographs. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Tensions did not rise during the face-off. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cerrone faces the media ahead of the weigh-in on Friday. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The 36-year-old entered the fight with a 36-13-1 record. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone He was placed #5 in the UFC lightweight rankings. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone But is a regular campaigner at welterweight. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Conor McGregor meanwhile revealed the series of events in the lead up to his defeat against Khabib Nurmagomedov that saw the Irishman drinking all week, competing in unprotected sparring and partying for days on end in celebration of knocking opponents out. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone “I was drinking all bleeding fight week,” McGregor told Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show. “I had venom in me or something. “I had people holed up in a hotel and I would ring and arrange a fight, they would come to the gym and have a full-blown fight with no headguards. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone “I'd have a war, win and knock the guy out and go off and celebrate and come back in three days. “I wasn't doing what I should have been doing; I've made mistakes and I've been man enough to admit them.” AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone “If I'm in the wrong, I'm in the wrong,” he continued. “I let people down and that's it. I'm in a position where I must take control of things and not shy away. “I've never done that in my career and I never will; the people who believe in me and support me deserve better." AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cerrone arrives for the weigh-in. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cerrone was the first to make weight at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas on Friday morning. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor arrived 40 minutes into the two-hour weigh-in window. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone He weighed-in at an identical weight: 170lbs. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The Irishman prepares to take to the stage. USA Today Sports The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The pair shake hands during the weigh-in Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor made a typically dramatic entrance. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone And gamely snarled for the cameras. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The Irishman kept things respectful for the fight, but ratcheted up the drama at the weigh-in. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor is interviewed by Joe Rogan. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The pair pose... Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Conor McGregor, left, and Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone pose during a ceremonial weigh-in for a UFC 246 welterweight mixed martial arts bout, Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, in Las Vegas. The two are scheduled to fight Saturday. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Conor McGregor reacts during a ceremonial weigh-in for the UFC 246 mixed martial arts bout, Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, in Las Vegas. McGregor is scheduled to fight Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in a welterweight bout Saturday in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Jan 17, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC president Dana White (left) reacts as Conor McGregor (center) faces off against Donald Cerrone during weigh ins for UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas USA TODAY Sports The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone MMA Mixed Martial Arts - UFC 246 - Welterweight - Conor McGregor v Donald Cerrone Weigh-In - Pearl Theater, Palms Resort Casino, Las Vegas, United States - January 17, 2020 Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone go head to head during the weigh-in REUTERS/Mike Blake MIKE BLAKE Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone ... and face-off for more photographs. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone MMA Mixed Martial Arts - UFC 246 - Welterweight - Conor McGregor v Donald Cerrone Weigh-In - Pearl Theater, Palms Resort Casino, Las Vegas, United States - January 17, 2020 Conor McGregor during the weigh-in REUTERS/Mike Blake MIKE BLAKE Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cerrone boats a notable height advantage. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cowboy is the first to arrive at the T-Mobile Arena. The American has his hands taped. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The 36-year-out cuts a calm and composed figure. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor is the last to arrive at the T-Mobile. Sporting a burgundy suit, he arrived at the T-Mobile with his partner, Dee Devlin. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The fight attracted plenty of famous fans... Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Lineal heavyweight champion of the world Tyson Fury enjoys himself behind Dee Devlin, McGregor's partner. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor has his hands taped. He also received a massage as his hands were taped. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor's team watch on as their man prepares for his comeback bout. The dressing room was noticeably calmer than for previous fights. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The Octagon in the moments ahead of McGregor vs Cerrone. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cerrone makes his ring walk and was first to enter the Octagon. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor begins his ring walk. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone He soaks up the applause USA Today Sports The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Fans before the fight Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone He cut a much more restrained figure entering the Octagon. And - unusually - decided against entering the Octagon with a Billion Dollar Strut. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The two square-up. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The fight begins at a tremendous pace with Cowboy clinching. But McGregor hits the American with four unorthodox shoulder strikes. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 18: Conor McGregor (R) fights Donald Cerrone in a welterweight bout during UFC246 at T-Mobile Arena on January 18, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. McGregor won by first-round TKO. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) Steve Marcus Getty Images The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor hits Cerron. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The pair separate and Cowboy throws a defensive kick.. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone ... but McGregor throws a kick of his own which lands on Cowboy's chin. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The kick lands flush. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cowboy staggers backwards. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone And McGregor attacks with a flying knee. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The blow lands. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone And McGregor goes in for the kill. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor's ground and pound is initially wild. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone But, after a few seconds and upon instruction by his coach, McGregor calms himself down. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor begins picking his shots... AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone ... and the fight is finished. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The walk away. Zuffa LLC via Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor is the victor. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Herb Dean called a halt to a brief one-sided contest within the first minute of the opening round. "I made history here, I set another record: I'm the first fighter in UFC history to secure knockout victories at featherweight, at lightweight and now at welterweight, so I'm very, very proud of that," McGregor said in the octagon. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone "Donald holds the record for most head-kick knockouts, I'm so happy to get him down with a head kick myself. I'm very, very happy, very proud. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone "Who's going up and down divisions and stopping people like that? USA Today Sports The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone "The UFC can strip fighters and gift other fighters make-believe belts in order to replicate my champ-champ status, but they can't give knockout victories across multiple weight divisions. Etch my name in history one more time." Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The former two-weight UFC champion had been out of action since losing to bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov at the same venue in October 2018, while this was his first win inside the octagon in more than three years. USA Today Sports The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone On that occasion, he stopped Eddie Alvarez to add the lightweight title to his featherweight crown, becoming the first fighter in the company to hold two belts simultaneously. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone He went on to fame and fortune with a crossover boxing bout against American superstar Floyd Mayweather, but a couple of legal issues after his defeat to Nurmagomedov placed a doubt on whether he would return to the octagon. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor, though, remains mixed martial arts' biggest draw, saying earlier this week he expects to pocket around 80million US dollars from his bout against Cerrone. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The victor reflects on his victory Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone As for what is next, McGregor, who has been linked with showdowns against welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and 'BMF' titlist Jorge Masvidal, added: "Any one of these little mouthy fools can get it. "It does not matter. I'm back and I'm ready. I like this weight division, I feel really good, it's good going up and down. God willing I came out of here unscathed." Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor embraces his girlfriend. USA Today Sports The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The pair celebrate McGregor's victory. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor also embraced Cowboy's grandmother. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor and Cowboy shake hands. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor celebrates his victory USA Today Sports The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor embraces Cerrone after their fight AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Shortly after the fight, Cowboy was transported to hospital. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone Cowboy leaves the Octagon with his young son. Getty The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor celebrates his win with family in the Octagon Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor exits the Octagon and is given an escort back to the dressing room. AP The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor now boasts a 22-4 professional record and has a pick of potential opponents. Reuters The story of McGregor vs Cerrone The story of McGregor vs Cerrone McGregor and his family pose for a celebratory photograph. Zuffa LLC via Getty

The pair then stood in the clinch, with McGregor repeatedly ramming his shoulder upwards into the face of Cerrone, an unusual attack that detonated his opponent’s nose on impact.

‘Cowboy’ shuddered backwards before attempting a head kick – among Cerrone’s multiple UFC records is the one for most head kick knockouts in company history. McGregor swatted the effort away with apathy, then propelled his own foot into Cerrone’s already blood-smeared jaw.

‘Cowboy’s composure was rapidly deserting him, as was his balance, and a flying knee against the cage by McGregor almost put the American down. The shot that actually floored Cerrone was – of course – a piston left hand, and the perfect comeback was nearing completion. Referee Herb Dean gave ‘Cowboy’ every chance to recover, but the reality was there was no chance.

The hype around the Irishman often skews perception, but the truth is that McGregor is not just an enigma as a character but as a mixed martial artist, too. One who knows no pressure, even when the stakes are highest, as they were on Saturday with his career conceivably on the line. McGregor was in dire need of a win, his inactivity in the cage and activity outside of it over the last two years seeing a large chunk of his fanbase fall away like the featherweights he used to drop at will.

With one of the best performances of his career, he will have regained some of those supporters, while others will prove harder to win round after numerous brushes with the law.

And although extraneous factors could not penetrate McGregor’s mindset up until and during the fight, he displayed evident relief upon sealing victory.

After taking a moment with his team, ‘Notorious’ crouched down to console Cerrone and explain exactly how he had eviscerated him. ‘Cowboy’ – who did not land a single blow to McGregor, something even Jose Aldo managed in his 13-second starching by the Irishman – was soon transported to hospital, his role in proceedings complete.

McGregor, meanwhile, retreated to his locker room to relax with friends and family. But for a man whose success was in part built upon a clear, self-devised path forward, it must have been difficult not to let his mind drift to potential foes for the rest of what he has labelled his “2020 season”.

The biggest money fight would undoubtedly be a clash with the UFC's 'BMF', Masvidal, who watched on in delight, but – if it were ever in any doubt – McGregor once again holds all the cards.