UFC 189 fight card: List of tonight’s fighters for McGregor vs Mendes

The countdown to UFC 189: “Mendes vs. McGregor” is almost complete.

In just a few short hours, the mixed martial arts (MMA) action will begin inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, for what has turned out to be one of the biggest events the promotion has staged in recent memory.

The tip of the promotional spear is Irish superstar Conor McGregor, who has more or less single-handedly put the entire show on his back ahead of his showdown with Chad Mendes in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event. McGregor was supposed to challenge division champion Jose Aldo -- who has twice before bested Mendes -- but the Brazilian was forced to bow out with an injured rib.

Mendes and McGregor, therefore, will vie for the 145-pound interim title in a five-round match, with the winner likely battling Aldo later this year to unify the belts.

The co-main event is a Welterweight rematch between reigning 170-pound champion, Robbie Lawler, who will look to make his first-ever title defense against top-ranked contender -- and Georges St-Pierre protege -- Rory MacDonald. Lawler defeated MacDonald once before via split decision at UFC 167 back in Nov. 2013.

That’s not all.

In addition to the five-fight PPV main card there is also a six-fight “Prelims” undercard that will be split between UFC’s online digital network, “Fight Pass,” and its television broadcasting partner, FOX Sports 1.

Check out the complete UFC 189 line up below:

170 lbs.: Matt Brown vs. Tim Means
170 lbs.: John Howard vs. Cathal Pendred
170 lbs.: Alex Garcia vs. Mike Swick
135 lbs.: Henry Briones vs. Cody Garbrandt

125 lbs.: Neil Seery vs. Louis Smolka
155 lbs.: Yosdenis Cedeno vs. Cody Pfister

For the latest, LIVE updates and UFC 189: “Mendes vs. McGregor” results TONIGHT click here and here.

*** All photos courtesy of Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

★★★

Bloody Elbow Video: Chuck Norris believes he and Bruce Lee would have done well in MMA