re: UFC 229: Khabib Nurmagomedov (c) vs Conor McGregor

Too quick of a recovery can make him prone to that injury again

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Yeah Alvarez didn’t even try in that fight

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He was already washed up even though he was the champ

he had been in too many wars

Sherdog has their prediction up.

At a certain level, this is a simple fight to break down, as it’s a stark example of a “two true outcome” fight. McGregor’s entire game is built around the knockout power in his left hand, which would be a bit one-note if the Irishman wasn’t a master of setting that shot up. On the other side, while Nurmagomedov’s style requires more levels and time, it’s also a basic game plan: get in on his opponent, and from there, rely on being one of the strongest wrestlers in the history of the sport. So as for those two true outcomes, it looks like either McGregor knocks out Nurmagomedov in short order, or the Russian gets the fight to the ground and dominates for as long as he wants to. If this fight was taking place shortly after UFC 205, I would favor McGregor. Nurmagomedov would still be able to end things as soon as he got the first takedown, but that version of “The Eagle” was slower and hittable, setting up things perfectly for McGregor. Given McGregor’s long layoff and Nurmagomedov’s recent form, I have to favor the Russian here. He’s still hittable enough for McGregor to score the victory, but again, the fight’s likely over as soon as Nurmagomedov gets that first takedown. While McGregor has shown a genius-level ability to fight against type, even with the right game plan, I’m not sure he can train his defensive wrestling hard enough to make up the difference against Nurmagomedov. It’s a credit to McGregor’s status as an all-time great that even against a dominant champion I’d give him a 40 percent or so shot of scoring a first-round knockout here. The pick is still for Nurmagomedov to get his wrestling game going and begin dominating this fight, earning a stoppage in the second round.

LINK

Gotta love Conors confidence, lol. From earlier today:

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It’s good to be back,” McGregor said UFC reporter Megan Olivi following his workout. “I’m going to have a proper fight. I’m going to come out there fast. I don’t give a f--k about anything – any wrestling, any technique – anything. I’m coming for that man’s head from the f---ing bell. Trust me on that.”

Seven of McGregor’s nine UFC victories have come inside two rounds. He went five rounds in a majority decision victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 202 and outpointed Max Holloway over three frames in an August 2013 contest. Everything else has been a quick KO/TKO victory.

The popular thinking is McGregor will need to do the same if he is to defeat Nurmagomedov. A longer bout would favor the Dagestani wrestler. The SBG Ireland product doesn’t expect to have any such problem come Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“Devastating KO,” McGregor said. “Too easy to hit. Too flat-footed. Too predictable. I’m gonna knock him clean out.”

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Lol

It's not very good. I don't think it claims to be a 12 year old whiskey though.

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“I’m going to have a proper fight.

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Khabib isn't a lay and pray fighter, and Conor doesn't have the gas tank to go five rounds with Khabib. So there should be a finish, one way or the other. It will be an exciting fight.

Khabib isn't an idiot like Aldo. He's not going to just charge straight into a left hand.

Conner better have worked on his takedown defense because his only bet is to stay toe-to-toe. Conner can win with a lucky or very well-placed knockout left but once they are in the clinch and commence to grappling it's gonna be 100% Khabib. I'd say the odds are definitely in Khabib's favor and if it goes the distance Khabib will come out on top.

On second thought I bet Khabib pulls out or misses weight.