Same, but I fear that whatever drink I choose I'll end up sumping it speedily and needing chemical assistance regardless.
The MMA thread
- Thread starter Fortitude
- Start date
I wish I could stay up for this but I have an early start on Sunday. Going to have to avoid all media for a change on the off chance beeb sport runs the result of this one as a headline.
I got Mendes and Rory Mac winning.
Connor still has a lot to prove and beating Mendes is the first step to proving he is a legit top 3 guy in the division. I think his big advantage is his length. He has to utilize it, both in striking and in nullifying Mendes' much stronger wrestling. The fear every McGregor fan should have is that Dennis Siver was able to dump Connor on his ass seemingly at will. He couldn't keep him there, but Mendes is not Siver. He's monster from the top with control.
The issue with Connor right now is that it's a bit of the cart before the horse. He hasn't beaten the clear elite guys of the division and he hasn't faced strong wrestlers (two of those top three happen to be wrestlers) so there is this huge unknown about him. If he makes it through this crucible he might very well be as good as some people think he is.
With Robbie and Rory, I see this as Rory's fight to lose. I think he clearly showed in the first fight that he CAN dominate Robbie. I think what Robbie brings to the table is that "I don't give a feck" reckless abandon mentality. It's what we saw turn the fight in the third round of the first fight. Rory looked to have stolen Robbie's momentum in the second round and was well on his way to winning 2 rounds to 1. Then Robbie did what Robbie does. Block punches with his face and go ham. Rory got overwhelmed and Robbie took the fight back.
I don't think that will happen this time. I think Rory will be better prepared for Robbie's aggression if the fight looks like it's getting away from him. Rory is becoming a master of controlling distance, fighting long, and frustrating guys. Can Robbie deal with that? Does he have the tools to adapt if or adjust of Rory does better this time? Ultimately I think Rory will be too slick, too technical, and too measured for Robbie. Robbie certainly has a chance, you can't ever discount a guy who hits that hard and is that durable. I could see this fight looking a lot like round 2 of the first fight for the first 2 maybe 3 rounds and then 4 and 5 having Rory feeling the pressure and taking this fight to the ground (if he can).
Connor still has a lot to prove and beating Mendes is the first step to proving he is a legit top 3 guy in the division. I think his big advantage is his length. He has to utilize it, both in striking and in nullifying Mendes' much stronger wrestling. The fear every McGregor fan should have is that Dennis Siver was able to dump Connor on his ass seemingly at will. He couldn't keep him there, but Mendes is not Siver. He's monster from the top with control.
The issue with Connor right now is that it's a bit of the cart before the horse. He hasn't beaten the clear elite guys of the division and he hasn't faced strong wrestlers (two of those top three happen to be wrestlers) so there is this huge unknown about him. If he makes it through this crucible he might very well be as good as some people think he is.
With Robbie and Rory, I see this as Rory's fight to lose. I think he clearly showed in the first fight that he CAN dominate Robbie. I think what Robbie brings to the table is that "I don't give a feck" reckless abandon mentality. It's what we saw turn the fight in the third round of the first fight. Rory looked to have stolen Robbie's momentum in the second round and was well on his way to winning 2 rounds to 1. Then Robbie did what Robbie does. Block punches with his face and go ham. Rory got overwhelmed and Robbie took the fight back.
I don't think that will happen this time. I think Rory will be better prepared for Robbie's aggression if the fight looks like it's getting away from him. Rory is becoming a master of controlling distance, fighting long, and frustrating guys. Can Robbie deal with that? Does he have the tools to adapt if or adjust of Rory does better this time? Ultimately I think Rory will be too slick, too technical, and too measured for Robbie. Robbie certainly has a chance, you can't ever discount a guy who hits that hard and is that durable. I could see this fight looking a lot like round 2 of the first fight for the first 2 maybe 3 rounds and then 4 and 5 having Rory feeling the pressure and taking this fight to the ground (if he can).
I think I agree with nearly all of that analysis.
I really hope Mcgregor catches Mendes with something though. Wrestling as effective as it is, is what holds the sport back in many ways. It's incredibly dull to watch.
I really hope Mcgregor catches Mendes with something though. Wrestling as effective as it is, is what holds the sport back in many ways. It's incredibly dull to watch.
At will is a bit exaggerated, he took him down when he dazed and had to do it out of desperation while Conor was focused on finishing the fight, when he actually tried to secure a takedown of his own work he got stuffed.
In regards to Mendes's wrestling when was the last time you actually saw him utilise it effectively? Against Lentz he was just laying on him and couldn't really pass Lentz's guard. Conor trains with two extremely high level grappler's in John Kavanagh and Gunnar Nelson so I think he will be okay if he get's taken down as Mendes hasn't really been able to damage from top position when he has got their in his previous fights. He really tries to go in there and knock guys out.
It is an intriguing fight but just feels like the wrestler tag has been overused on Mendes because of his background rather than how he as actually been fighting recently.
Another thing that I come back to is when DC fought Jon Jones, DC olympic calibre wrestler, probably the highest level wrestler in the UFC's history and he couldn't utilise that at all against Jon Jones, Jones's range and creative striking really nullified DC. It's just not very clear cut to me.
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Mendes surely has to be the favourite.
If McGregor beats him though then we know he is the real deal, or at least close enough as to make no difference.
If McGregor beats him though then we know he is the real deal, or at least close enough as to make no difference.
I think McG will knock him out. He reminds me of a young Chuck Liddell, KOing his way to the top.
You make some good points too and that's why people will watch tomorrow. They will want to see if this guy is the real deal.
I am an Aldo fan but I'm pretty sure Conor is the real deal already. We'll see how his TDD holds up tomorrow night but I actually see his future in LW, regardless of whether he beats Aldo. Lots of exciting matchups for him there.
Weigh ins coming up in 15 mins.
Weigh ins coming up in 15 mins.
I think Mendes will win tomorrow. He has a better all round game than McGregor. Then again, I've underestimated McGregor before every fight bar Siver. If McGregor does win, there is no doubt that he is absolutely legit.
The way I see it is that Aldo is in the top bracket on his own. Then Mendes and Edgar in the second. Then McGregor in the third. Then the rest. I could be wrong though, McGregor could be higher.
The way I see it is that Aldo is in the top bracket on his own. Then Mendes and Edgar in the second. Then McGregor in the third. Then the rest. I could be wrong though, McGregor could be higher.
This is McGregor's first real test imo, and if he passes it, will signal that he's legitimately qualified for a shot against Aldo. Mendes seems to think Conor is a one dimensional striker, so it will be interesting to see how he fares against a multifaceted opponent as Chad is.
Rory wearing eye liner, and looking more crazy then ever
That boy ain't right
Still, I hope he wins the title
That boy ain't right
Still, I hope he wins the title
Mendes comes across as an idiot, in my opinion. Conor does what he does to sell the fights. When he is talking generally, he comes across extremely well.
Mendes comes across as normal to me. Minimal WWE grandstanding and just normal chat. He seems to have figured out that McGregor's Nick Diaz like approach of getting into opponents heads before the fight even starts.
I always feel you can tell a lot about their demeanour and all along I was saying Aldo looked worried
think McGregor looked less confident in that stand off against Mendes
I have a bad feeling about this
think McGregor looked less confident in that stand off against Mendes
I have a bad feeling about this
The stuff like "This is the day we drove the Irish out" was idiotic.
He definitely fancies it a lot less. The Aldo fight suits him a lot more.
Really? What makes you think that? I think Mendes is getting his ass handed to him tomorrow personally.
I don't think there's ever much to read into at a weigh in, and I don't think McGregor ever lacks confidence, seems like one of his biggest weapons.
For this weight cut, compared to the last one against Siver, he actually didn't look so bad.
For this weight cut, compared to the last one against Siver, he actually didn't look so bad.
One sleep away now... CAN'T BLOODY WAIT!!!
Based on what though? Conor hasn't yet proved it against someone of this caliber, nor against someone who can grapple half as well as Mendes.
Aldo came up in some of the roughest surroundings imaginable in the favelas of Manaus. His own sister once tried to burn him alive and as a schoolkid he moved hundreds of miles away from home to Rio with nothing but a bag of clothes. He's done MMA for over a decade now and had over 20 pro fights, becoming a champion and one of the best p4p fighters as well as forging a good life for himself in the process. It's bonkers crazy to think that someone with that experience behind them is going to be worried over any regulated, sanctioned fight. Even if he is beginning to grow weary of the fight game I doubt there was anything he wanted to do more than make it into the octagon with Conor and get those millions of dollars that will now be going Chad's way.
I doubt the pre-fight antics have anything to do with how they perform. Maybe Conor got into Joe-Say's head a bit with all the grandstanding, but I doubt it would affect how Aldo would've performed if he was fit to fight. Same with Mendes. The fight will rightfully be decided in the Octagon.
I know all about Aldo and respect him greatly
I don't think he was scared, more just didn't look up to the task. He hated everything that went with coming up against McGregor
I'd be impressed if that happens since he has never lost to anyone other than Aldo.
I think in some cases pre fight antics have a huge effect.
Chael v Silva part one for example
I don't think he enjoyed the world tour all that much but who would have? Conor would have pissed off any opponent on that thing. After getting down to business with the fight camp etc he would have looked fine come fight time I'm sure.
Weigh-ins were very lively which was cool. Conor reportedly had to cut 27 pounds in 4 days so as you'd expect looked totally drained at weigh ins, we'll have to see if it has an effect on the fight tomorrow night. Every chance that if Chad can get his wrestling going early and tire Conor out he could put a hell of a prolonged beatdown on him. I see either an early KO from Conor or a late tko and an absolute battering from Mendes.
I actually think Mendes will try to stand and throw with McGregor. Bad move for Mendes. He gets caught. Or at least that's what I'm hoping.
Faber - McGregor pre weigh in joke/scuffle/confusion/okay......?
Must be a fun trip for the Irish fans. One advantage European fighters have at the moment in terms of marketability is loyal fanbases to draw from. USA and Brazil have so many great fighters that it isn't a 'national pride' thing in the way it can be for fighters like McGregor or as it was for Ricky Hatton. The same goes for GSP now that I think about it.
Also this is happening
Also this is happening
That wasn't a joke. He was patting Faber's head like a little boy.
Look how easily Faber pinned him against the wall. Bad news for McGregor
Just a joke before anyone gets pissy.Why would he do such a thing when his strengths are elsewhere ? Probably a bit of wishful thinking on the part of those who want him to play into Conor's strengths.
Tbh, personalities like McGregor won't have a problem drawing fans in America. I'd imagine he's probably one of the most popular UFC fighters among US fans as it stands already. Not to say it won't be a great atmosphere having all the Irish fans there. Weigh-ins seemed lively.
="justboy68, post: 17759565, member: 80992"]Look how easily Faber pinned him against the wall. Bad news for McGregor Just a joke before anyone gets pissy.[/QUOTE]
People are actually saying that on other forums as if it really means something.Its crazy the kind of weird love/hate McGregor manages to generate!
Just a joke before anyone gets pissy.[/QUOTE]People are actually saying that on other forums as if it really means something.Its crazy the kind of weird love/hate McGregor manages to generate!
Look how easily Faber pinned him against the wall. Bad news for McGregor
Possibly. I'm not claiming to be any expert on Mendes. But from looking at his record on Sherdog, only one victory out of his last 8 fights came via decision. He doesn't seem to be a typical lay and pray type wrestler. Maybe McGregor and the fans get inside his head, and he wants to put on a show. Even if he takes him down, McGregor has a good history of getting back on his feet. I think over the course of 5 rounds, he'll catch him.
And while I honestly don't believe the UFC is rigged in any way, they'll be extra careful to make sure their cash cow gets every benefit of the doubt tomorrow night.
Mendes has awesome power in his hands and as such is capable of finishing people on the feet, McGregor included. I'm sure he'll be smart about his gameplan and utilise wrestling/ground and pound though.
Mendes has great striking, it wouldn't surprise men if wanted to get on the inside and land some bombs. If he's getting lit up on the feet then you'd imagine he'll be trying to get the takedown.
What I'm pretty curious about is if McGregors size at this weight actually helps him defend takedowns and get back up or will the shorter, stockier Mendes be able to land them easier. Think it's a hell of a fight and if McGregor wins then he proves he is an elite featherweight.
What I'm pretty curious about is if McGregors size at this weight actually helps him defend takedowns and get back up or will the shorter, stockier Mendes be able to land them easier. Think it's a hell of a fight and if McGregor wins then he proves he is an elite featherweight.