There was a lot more buzz leading up to this card to tune into Connor Mc. The same fans that tuned in got to see one of the best fight cards the UFC has put together. Seems like Facebook/Twitter has been going off about #ufc189
Unreal card 
<<<<<This guy
It would def create hype and having Connor win is massive for them, if Mendes had beat him easily, everyone would have been saying he was a flash in the pan protected etc and as good as Mendes is you've got a contender who has already lost twice to the champ and after they've fought without Connor you've got a lighter weight division which people care a lot less about again.
Great card though, off the top of my head I can't think of a card that start to finish produced better fights than that 