The last time the UFC was in Ireland was for UFC 93 back in January 2009, when Dan Henderson narrowly defeated Rich Franklin in the main event, and Mauricio Rua slogged his way to a late TKO stoppage against Mark Coleman in the co-main. Fast forward to present day and the UFC has found its potential breakthrough Irish star in Conor McGregor. The bold, brash, exciting, and talkative featherweight prospect was given main event status originally against Cole Miller, but when Miller pulled out he was then replaced by TUF 14 winner Diego Brandao.
Co-headlining this July 19th show is Icelandic welterweight grappler Gunnar Nelson against Zak Cummings, who fills in for the injured Ryan LaFlare. The incomparable Ilir Latifi takes on Tom Lawlor in a light heavyweight bout, while Brad Pickett's 2nd flyweight fight comes against Ian McCall.
I don't think the card is quite complete, maybe 1 to 2 more fights left to be scheduled, but it's just about a done deal. The whole show streams live on Fight Pass, and it's definitely worth checking out wherever you are located. Here's a look at the current lineup:
Conor McGregor vs. Diego Brandao
Gunnar Nelson vs. Zak Cummings
Brad Pickett vs. Ian McCall
Tom Lawlor vs. Ilir Latifi
Cody Donovan vs. Nikita Krylov
Neil Seery vs. Phil Harris
Tor Troeng vs. Trevor Smith
Norman Parke vs. Naoyuki Kotani