Conor McGregor vs Cowboy: Donald Cerrone taken to hospital after UFC 246 stoppage defeat

The American veteran lost in the first round at UFC 246

Donald Cerrone was taken to hospital after his defeat (Getty)

Donald Cerrone has been transported to hospital after his defeat by Conor McGregor at UFC 246.

The 36-year-old lost his welterweight fight with McGregor in just forty seconds in Las Vegas.

McGregor, fighting for the first time in 15 months at UFC 246 at the T-Mobile Arena, bloodied Cerrone's nose in the opening few seconds of their welterweight bout with a couple of unorthodox shoulder strikes.

McGregor then stepped back and a head kick high over the guard landed square on the jaw of Cerrone, who fell to the floor and was left covering up as the Irishman rained down punches, prompting an early stoppage.

The American veteran was interviewed in the Octagon immediately after his defeat but was then transported to hospital.​