McGregor Strikes Back: “Irishman” Beats UFC 254 With Stunner
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images Jono Carroll returned to Dublin in style, winning the IBO super-featherweight world title at an arena steeped in Irish fighting history. Last year, ‘King Kong’ had a very public falling out with two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor after a spat on social media. But he chose to walk out to Sinead O’Connor’s version of ‘The Foggy Dew’ – a song McGregor once made famous.
Carroll has not fought at home in over a decade. His return ended with a split-decision win over Colm Murphy, though it did not come without its share of controversy. Jono Carroll edges Colm Murphy by split decision at Dublin’s 3Arena Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images The opening title fight of the night at the 3Arena featured the IBO super-featherweight belt on the line, with Carroll navigating travel chaos in Dubai to make it home for his shot.
He was met by a tough challenge from unbeaten 26-year-old ‘Posh Boy’ Murphy, who brought plenty of his own supporters to the arena. One judge – and many fans – thought Murphy’s sharper, more aggressive work deserved the win. But it was Carroll who got the nod, claiming his first world title at 33 years old in what was his 30th professional bout.
The win puts him firmly in the mix for a shot at one of the division’s major belts. Jono Carroll and Conor McGregor fell out after a personal exchange While some fans watching on DAZN might have noticed Carroll’s entrance music matched McGregor’s famous walkout, it was not meant as a tribute. The two men are from the same city, but had a falling out last year that made headlines.
The dispute started when Carroll converted to Islam and began sharing more about his faith online. ‘The Notorious’ responded with a derogatory term, which did not sit well with Carroll, who then hit back by bringing up McGregor’s 2018 loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov – a sensitive topic in combat sports circles. Read more: Gypsy Crusader beats Supah Hot Fire by split call, sparking Adin Ross fury Blueface’s comeback crumbles against Chibu on Adin Ross’ event Le’Veon Bell crashes Adin Ross event to call out Logan Paul’s ‘ducking’