Issue 148
December 2016
It’s going to be the biggest event in UFC history. In the aftermath of pay-per-view chart-toppers UFC 200 and 202, the Octagon’s first-ever trip to the Big Apple is promising to be the most-watched event ever, with the organization pulling out it’s biggest stars for Madison Square Garden.
Obviously, they come no bigger than featherweight champion Conor McGregor, who’s again dictated his next opponent with a shot at lightweight kingpin Eddie Alvarez.
Aiming to become the first ever simultaneous two-weight UFC champion, McGregor is out to cement his legacy as not only the highest earner but also one of the most accomplished champions ever.
Across the cage, Alvarez knows defeating the Irishman will unlock the upper tier of paychecks reserved for the UFC’s biggest stars. A win over McGregor results in a far more financially beneficial return fight.
But who wins? Here's the three of the best analysts in the game to ask their views on the champion vs. champion double-header.
Donald Cerrone: 155/170-pound contender who also features on the UFC 205 card
Everyone is getting excited, but believe me, it’s not a good fight. Why? Because Conor sucks.
Eddie’s smart. He won’t get caught up in the dramatics of it all. Conor likes to run his mouth, sell the fight, but he can’t fight for s**t. That’s the truth.
Eddie will just go out there, take him down, f**ing wrestle him and f**ing submit the dude.
It’s an easy night’s work for Alvarez.
Conor’s real good at getting you emotionally involved. I think you just go out there, take him down, f**ing end him.
Quick. Done. Check please. That’s what I’d do anyway – and I think Eddie will do the same. No playing games, just get him down and end it quick.
I’m a little jealous of Eddie. I’d love that fight. I wanted to hurt him (Conor) bad. Just all the s**t talking. I respect the s**t out of the Diaz brothers. And Nate won that second fight just like he won the first. McGregor’s a joke.
If Eddie doesn’t end this fight in double quick time then I’ll happily return to 155lb and get it done. But, like I say, I think Eddie ends this one quick. Shuts him up by shutting him down.
Then Conor can f**k off and do whatever he wants to do. Make whatever money he likes, but the world will know he aint s**t!
PICK: EDDIE ALVAREZ
Paul Rimmer: Head coach at Next Generation MMA UK
This is a really tough fight to pick as both of these champions are elite strikers in their respective weight divisions. I believe McGregor has the power advantage, however. He definitely hits harder and is much more accurate than Alvarez. Plus, he has a granite chin.
Alvarez is the more well-rounded fighter between the two. His skill set is a little more comprehensive. But I think he plays into Conor’s hands in this one.
He has a tendency to get hurt early on as he pushes forwards, often recklessly.
And, as we’ve seen already, Conor loves people coming forward for him to counter and potshot away at.
If you rush at Conor, then he puts you away. Eddie’s best chance is to mix in/out striking and takedowns together to tire Conor out and try and take the fight into the later rounds. Let his cardio take over.
But I cant see past a quick victory for McGregor, likely a first or second-round knockout to unify the titles and make UFC history.
PICK: CONOR MCGREGOR
Brendan Schaub: Former UFC heavyweight turned podcast host
I like this fight for Conor. This is a great fight, and it’s a great card too, probably the best card in UFC history. And this main event is the cherry on the cake.
It’s too great champions going it at, but I have to say I do fancy Conor in this one.
I just think he’s got the momentum, the size, the speed and the power to make this a painful night for Eddie. He’s already under Alvarez’s skin too.
The press conference was brutal, as usual, and Conor he just thrives in that environment.
Eddie is a beast, for sure. And he’ll come into this with real intentions to take Conor into deep waters and drown him. But I can’t see it going that far. It’s going to be the biggest night in UFC history and the pressure on the guys in the main event is going to be unlike anything we’ve seen.
But that’s Conor’s world.
The timing too couldn’t be any better for Conor. Khabib (Nurmagomedov, number one contender at 155lb) is a different animal to Eddie and the rest of those guys. So the sooner Conor fights for the lightweight championship belt then the better that’s going to work out for him.
Khabib is no joke. That guy is legit for sure.
PICK: CONOR MCGREGOR
Russian hammer: Khabib in the wings
Should either McGregor or Alvarez get injured in the run-up to UFC 205, number one contender for the featherweight title, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is going to be a more than worthy substitute, after he was added to the card vs. Michael Johnson.
Potentially a much tougher fight for either champion, Khabib has been labeled the toughest 155lb’er on the planet.
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