No pressure.
With a title shot on the line, UFC featherweight contender Conor McGregor has enough to worry about when he faces veteran Dennis Siver Jan. 18 in Boston, Mass.
He hasn’t exactly been shy about his predictions, claiming he’ll stop Siver halfway through the first round.
“So January 18th, I feel I will stop Dennis Siver inside two minutes,” McGregor said earlier this month. “I’ve ran through some scenarios, I cannot see him escaping the first two minutes. He is a seasoned veteran, he is a kickboxing expert, a taekwondo expert, he is my most experienced competitor that I will ever have faced. But I feel that under two minutes it will take me to dispatch him, and again it will make way for the football stadium in Ireland.”
Well, make sure you’re not late to the party, because McGregor’s head coach and trainer John Kavanagh sees the fight going quite a bit quicker.
“I don’t know, I think [McGregor’s] wrong to be honest,” Kavanagh told Independent.ie. “I can’t see it go past a minute.”
UFC president Dana White has confirmed that McGregor will be awarded a title shot with a win over Siver in Boston, but where it could take place is just as intriguing.
Kavanagh says the prospect of McGregor possibly challenging featherweight champion Jose Aldo on home soil in Ireland is neither a distraction or motivation.
“It’s just fact,” said Kavanagh. “This has been seen coming for a long time. In interviews you’re asked, ‘What do you think of your next opponent? What do you think of the next fight?’ So you have to answer. Now, when fans hear the answer they go, ‘Oh, he’s looking past the next opponent. We’re not.”
Kavanagh assures his prized pupil isn’t looking past Siver, despite a noticeable lack of the German being promoted ahead of the main event bout in Boston.
“You’ve asked the question so we give the answer, but in the gym, every day, the preparation is the same,” said Kavanagh. “No matter who he ends up facing. If it’s Siver, great. If he drops out and Cub Swanson steps in, great. It doesn’t make a difference. The preparation is done as best as we can and then in interviews if you’re asked to project where we are a year or two from now, you try to give answers.
“By no means are we in the gym kicking back with cigars and whiskey saying, ‘Well, we can chill past this guy and let’s focus on the Aldo fight.
***Editorial note: I’m off next week while I drive across country in a Prius with two dogs and a python. I’m told someone will be taking over so be sure to check back.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
MMA Beat. The panel discusses Jon Jones testing positive for cocaine metabolites prior to UFC 182, the aftermath of the Jones vs. Daniel Cormier fight, Donald Cerrone’s quick turnaround, and much more.
Jones’ CIR test. The head of the Nevada Athletic Commission says it did in fact perform the carbon isotope ratio test on Jones’ samples to determine whether there was any synthetic testosterone, an anabolic steroid, in his system.
‘You have to know how to say no.’ UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis reflects on Jon Jones’ failed test and talks about the temptations he faces as a young star.
‘There’s a lot of pressure.’ Holly Holm ‘still has a lot to prove’ before thinking about a fight with Ronda Rousey.
The underdog. Nick the Tooth makes the case for Dennis Siver, the man standing between Conor McGregor and a stadium show in Ireland against Jose Aldo.
MEDIA STEW
Couple good free fights. Anthony Johnson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jimi Manuwa and Ben Henderson vs. Donald Cerrone.
Fightography: Georges St-Pierre.
Joe Rogan on Jiu Jitsu.
Anthony Pettis at CES, talks Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz.
Mark Munoz vlogs ahead of UFC 184.
Wanderlei Silva with a nice message to the victims in Paris.
Long watches.
Joe Rogan Experience #596 – Brian Stann
…
Josh Gross podcast – GPB – Ariel Helwani, Greg Howard, “Rumble” Johnson and Greg Jackson.
…
You’re Welcome with Chael Sonnen – Dominick Cruz & Josh Samman
…
Team Alpha Male radio – GARBRANDT, FABER, BUCHHOLZ, and STUDBOY. “NO LOVE’s UFC Virginity”
…
TWEETS
OK good.
Why is everybody asking me if I’m hurt and if the fight is off?
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) January 8, 2015
Excited.
Happy to announce my next fight against Lyoto Machida as the main event on FOX April 18th in Newark… http://t.co/zaT6QyA3t8
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) January 8, 2015
Inter-divisional help.
@Cowboycerrone I got you. DM me.
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) January 9, 2015
Soon.
50 dias para a pesagem oficial. / 50 days to the official weight-in. Already in camp with total focus. #ufc184 pic.twitter.com/yrjn3DFgC3
— Vitor Belfort (@vitorbelfort) January 8, 2015
Keep an eye out.
About ready to sign a fight first mountain run #thriving pic.twitter.com/ZdXSmihcHe
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) January 8, 2015
I’m hoping I get on a card in April
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) January 9, 2015
next fight is closer then I thought
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) January 8, 2015
Get well soon.
Recovery time before doing a big workout. This might be my new favorite picture!! Blessed! #thumbsup http://t.co/VQ5CPgWFap
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) January 8, 2015
Was able to practice yoga for the first time since my surgery #progress #yoga #healing
— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) January 9, 2015
finally feeling healthy again. Back to work tomorrow but first I need Just a little #relaxation time… http://t.co/9YViaygSZa
— Mike King (@MikeTheManKing) January 8, 2015
My hand is healthy I can not wait to go in the octagon @ufc pic.twitter.com/IlAqxnY7lH
— Krzysztof Jotko (@JotkoMMA) January 9, 2015
Very cool.
Meus sentimentos à família do amigo policial Renato Stadler que morreu em uma troca de tiros … pic.twitter.com/W6LY2MqsRf
— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) January 9, 2015
Tonight at teamgfc …. “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Albert… http://t.co/Mqc3QLJ6MH
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) January 9, 2015
We live a blessed life so it’s great when we can give back @thelamission #LAMission http://t.co/4EEKvlyRfx
— Chuck Liddell (@ChuckLiddell) January 5, 2015
Inpatient Drug Treatment. Real&Raw Shared my life of recovery tonight. Your big opportunity may be where you are now! pic.twitter.com/Wvkh8x6rjp
— Court McGee (@Court_McGee) January 9, 2015
This Week in Struggle.
I still have nightmares being attacked by a drunken @patmiletich slurring vulgarities at me as chew spit scattered about, all for @MikeCies
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) January 5, 2015
Do you ever feel… Like a plastic bag… Floating through the wind… Wanting to start again?
— David Michaud (@bulldawgUFC) January 8, 2015
I take my daughter to pet smart and tell her it’s the zoo. Great parent or best ever
— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) January 8, 2015
Hard hard sparring and a bloody nose to boot lol, had 5 hard 5 minute rounds of iron man sparring… http://t.co/yI55atl7Zk
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) January 9, 2015
Man I hate banks such criminals even when u don’t owe the scumbags a cent they still try charge u kiss my ass u filth
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) January 7, 2015
I suck at bowling so I have to make it silly w/ @mohawkk1 @hypeordie http://t.co/JM2MA8l3ii
— Rose Namajunas (@rosenamajunas) January 8, 2015
I NEED A RIDE
— MAYHEM (@mayhemmiller) January 9, 2015
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) January 6, 2015
It’s freezing !! 0 degrees #cold #OldManWinter pic.twitter.com/ht76W61yEw
— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) January 8, 2015
Seriously ?? pic.twitter.com/MDBmkbtdMe
— Jay Hieron (@Jayhieron) January 8, 2015
How the fuck did @VinnyMMA got an exclusive Shoe deals before ME? pic.twitter.com/yeR3GkJHOM
— Renato Laranja (@Renato_Laranja) January 6, 2015
How to look cool while farting. Takes a little practice. @jasonsoul1 @gmvaughan @ajc_ldn http://t.co/WJzTDdKbDt pic.twitter.com/wHMfuBCRey
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 6, 2015
This is where I’m at. fuuuuccccckkkkk!!!!! pic.twitter.com/0UBLMyqrnD
— Yves Edwards (@thugjitsumaster) January 6, 2015
I SUCK AT PICKING GOOD MEN !!!!
— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) January 5, 2015
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) January 5, 2015
Haven’t put on deodorant in probably 2 full weeks. These poor dudes are gonna get alllluhdissss funk…. http://t.co/OIS15GpzF1
— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) January 4, 2015
I’m such a fat ass.
— Jon Fitch (@jonfitchdotnet) January 4, 2015
I just wanna be in my room and watch ” friends “all day.
— Kelvin Gastelum (@KelvinGastelum) January 4, 2015
Within 20 lbs of fight weight and nothing schedule yet…let’s go
— Scoggins (@ScogginsFlow) January 4, 2015
No one said the life of a mma fighter was all fun and games.. And they def never said it be easy or… http://t.co/qrtbsvqprd
— Corey Anderson UFC (@CoreyA_MMA) January 9, 2015
You really must live a pathetic life to make a fake Youtube profile of me. I mean really, get a more productive hobby.
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) January 4, 2015
I’m 2 fights deep in the @ufc won @UltimateFighter and only got 3k follows… How do we make this number grow?! Lol come on people. #helpme
— Corey Anderson UFC (@CoreyA_MMA) January 6, 2015
Nightmare for ya… I woke up at 3am with this thing in my hair & face making a web, this fucker was… http://t.co/ycLqxKWbHg
— Ross Pearson (@RossTheRealDeal) January 5, 2015
I just want to man to sing to me is that too much to ask for??? hahah
— Paige Vanzant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) January 9, 2015
I taped a sponge to my huge bruise of death on my arm. That plus elbow pad It made it tolerable to train.Idea from AJ pic.twitter.com/zPd1Jocesg
— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) January 5, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Jan. 8 2015)
Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold at UFC on FOX 15
Manny Gamburyan vs. Aljamain Sterling at UFC on FOX 15
Marlon Moraes vs. Josh Hill at WSOF 18
Antonio Carvalho vs. Chris Gruetzemacher at WSOF 18
Shane Campbell vs. Brandt Dewsbery at WSOF 18
Hakeem Dawodu vs. Tristan Johnson at WSOF 18
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Trey Bertelson.
Why Anderson Silva getting the next title shot is a bad move by the UFC
Anderson Silva is unquestionably the greatest MMA fighter of all time. While Jon Jones is nipping at his heels for the G.O.A.T. status, his own issues in and outside of the cage are holding him back from assuming the mantle. Silva’s exploits inside the octagon give him carte blanche to fight against basically whomever he desires. Superfights, title shots, even a misguided bout with Roy Jones Jr. (which thankfully never came to fruition.) There are, however, situations in MMA where one guy just has another guy’s number. Urijah Faber couldn’t get past Mike Brown in WEC, BJ Penn could never figure out Frankie Edgar, etc.
Chris Weidman is that guy for Anderson Silva.
…
Check out the rest of the post here.
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.