Conor McGregor began his MMA career in 2008, and since that time, has amassed a very impressive seventeen wins with only two losses. He is the former Cage Warriors lightweight and featherweight champion, and on July 11th, at UFC 189, he will challenge current featherweight king Jose Aldo for the UFC’s featherweight title. McGregor got to this point by amassing a 5-0 tear through one of the UFC’s deepest divisions. Amongst those 5 victories were four knockouts, two of which were over UFC veterans Dustin Poirier and Dennis Siver. He is loved by all of Ireland and he feeds off of the fans, and also the pressure.
McGregor was only the second fighter from the Republic of Ireland to sign with the UFC, and he has now become one of the UFC’s most prominent fighters. His rise has not been a quiet one, as he is probably the most boastful fighter on the UFC roster. Not to say he should not be, as he has delivered in every single one of his UFC fights to date. Not bad for a guy who was on social welfare in Ireland less than five years ago, and now has moved himself, coaches, and teammates into a 7 bedroom, 12,000sq ft. Las Vegas mansion in preparation for his UFC 189 title fight vs Aldo. McGregor has made it very clear that he will take the title away from Aldo at UFC 189 in devastating fashion. The media leading up to UFC 189 have had a few spectacles, one of which McGregor physically took the belt away from Aldo during a press conference. This is by far the most anticipated fight of the summer for all major MMA organizations. Put your money on McGregor and Aldo to have to be separated at the weigh-ins, because that stare-down is going to be intense.
I do not believe that Aldo has faced such a high caliber counter striker such as McGregor. Not only is McGregor extremely accurate with his counters, he is great at mixing in pinpoint accurate kicks as well. It is a technique that Aldo utilizes as well but has never been matched in. I think the unorthodox style that McGregor brings is going to be a real problem for Aldo. It is not like we have never seen Aldo almost relinquish his title, as Mark Hominick was very close to having one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history against the reigning king at UFC 129.
Look for both men to feel each other out, land short, accurate counters, and use their game plans to a tee. Both of these fighters are too disciplined to be reckless, especially with all that is on the line. I believe a loss would be more negative for McGregor’s career, even though he is the challenger, solely because of the publicity that comes along with the Irishman.
