i don't think you guys get it.
40 seconds.
immediately a big left hand coming straight at his head, he ducks it perfectly, they clinch, he gets hit with some awkward ass shoulders that fuck up his nose AND eye, then kicked in the face and punched repeatedly. it's a fist fight and shit happens fast. shit that changes the course of a fight, shit that can change your ability to fight/see/breathe/etc.
add in the fact that Cowboy is well known for being a slow starter, who stands upright and not very elusive, going up against a guy who is well known for being a fast starter who sets up his attacks very well and is accurate when he throws. then add in the fact that Conor started faster than ever, this was a hard fight for Cowboy to look good in.
give Cowboy a break.