By Marc Auker
LAS VEGAS – Legendary boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather defeated UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor on Saturday by technical knockout (TKO) in one of the biggest matches in the history of combat sports.
By beating McGregor, Mayweather, 40, earned win number 50 of his storied career and officially retired from the sport. With a 50-0 record, he has passed Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record for best-record honors in the world of boxing.
McGregor, 29, was a +265 underdog going into Saturday’s matchup in the T-Mobile Arena. He went after Mayweather in the early rounds with the speed and energy that he’s so well known for in the octagon of the UFC. In response, Mayweather decided to take the fight to McGregor by throwing a barrage of strong, precise punches throughout the middle rounds.
The UFC champion looked considerably gassed in the last two rounds. Capitalizing on McGregor’s fatigue, Mayweather landed a straight right hand that rocked McGregor into the ropes.
The referee called the match. Mayweather stood victorious.
Mayweather’s nickname “Money” certainly reigned true for this super fight. According to The Telegraph, Mayweather made at least $100 million for his participation in the match and McGregor made at least $30 million. Prior to Saturday’s match, the most money McGregor earned in combat sports was $3 million, according to SBNation.com.
