Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Long-time MMA coach Ray Longo gives his take on Donald Cerrone’s chances against Conor McGregor at UFC 246.
At 36 years of age, Donald Cerrone continues to constantly compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts. On January 18, “Cowboy” will headline his first pay-per-view event against Conor McGregor at UFC 246.
While McGregor is the betting favorite in the fight, many are also expecting Cerrone to come out victorious. One of them is long-time MMA coach Ray Longo.
“I really like Cerrone’s chances in this fight,” Longo said on a recent episode of the Anik & Florian podcast (transcript by BJPenn.com). “And like again, the only thing that could beat Donald Cerrone is just Father Time. He’s getting up there a little bit, but I’m saying the Donald Cerrone of a couple of years ago is winning that fight and I really believe he’s winning this fight.
“I think he’s got more ways to win and he’s definitely competitive. He’s been active. I think he’s taken enough of a break where he should come in fresh and we’ll see what happens.”
Longo adds that the pressure is more on “The Notorious,” who is coming off a 15-month absence.
“You know McGregor’s had a long layoff. He hasn’t had a win in a couple of years,” Longo explained. “I think the pressure’s on McGregor more than it’s on Cerrone by all means.”
UFC 246 is scheduled for January 18 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.