The talk coming out of Conor McGregor's camp in recent weeks was that this was the best the MMA megastar has ever looked.
Better than when he dethroned Jose Aldo. Superior to when he clobbered Eddie Alvarez. Finer than when he knocked off Nate Diaz.
It took McGregor all of 40 seconds to prove it in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
The former two-division UFC champion used a shoulder shot to damage Donald Cerrone's nose from the get-go, then blasted him with a head kick to set up the quick stoppage in the main event of UFC 246.
Indeed, it was a spectacular performance by McGregor, who hadn't fought since October 2018 and hadn't won since 2016. Not long after McGregor's hand was raised by referee Herb Dean, fighters and worldwide stars, including basketball icon LeBron James, took to Twitter to praise "The Notorious." Oh, and an old foe chimed in, too.
Welcome back Champ!! @TheNotoriousMMA. 🙏🏾💪🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 19, 2020
WOW THAT WAS QUICK
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 19, 2020
This gonna be easy
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 19, 2020
Conor vs Masvidal next , biggest option for UFC
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) January 19, 2020
I haven't been amazed in a Long time and Connor just made me say wow AGAIN
— Rumble Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) January 19, 2020
Wow @ufc pic.twitter.com/6qJDR09ATu
— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) January 19, 2020
Ok ok you talked me into it...I'll accept your challenge you nice respectful guy you! @TheNotoriousMMA #UFC246
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 19, 2020
AMAZING!!!!!! @TheNotoriousMMA #ufc246
— Katlyn Chookagian (@blondefighter) January 19, 2020
One thing for sure , Conor comes out ready to put people away! Supreme killer instinct #UFC246
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 19, 2020
What the fook are you talking about!!! LETS GOOOOO @TheNotoriousMMA
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) January 19, 2020
You think McGregors shoulder strikes would be more or less devastating at 145? 🤔🤔🤔 Seriosuly tho I'm in awe, has anyone done that before in MMA? #UFC246
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) January 19, 2020
Also, people will be shoulder bumping people Monday at the gym #UFC246
— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) January 19, 2020
Yes he's his own man, walks to the beat of his own drummer, but when you see the crowds and suspense that comes with him you have to see the similarities with Floyd Mayweather and Muhammad Ali, great great promoters. @TheNotoriousMMA #UFC246
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) January 19, 2020
Wish we got to see more of this fight but wow! Beautiful!
— Randa Markos (@randamma) January 19, 2020
THE KING!!! @TheNotoriousMMA
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) January 19, 2020