A slew of Russian fighters from various promotions offered their thoughts on the highly anticipated UFC 196 main event.
Despite the fact that UFC 196 will take place an ocean and various time zones away, it is still a highly anticipated event that fighters cannot help but discuss.
Various Russian fighters decided to give their predictions (h/t Tofight.ru) for Saturday night’s main event between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. As expected, the majority of the prediction lean heavily in the Irishman’s favor.
Alexander Shlemenko: This is a very interesting fight for the UFC and I am sure that McGregor will win. The promotion is interested in his victory, which is why they put him with Nate Diaz. But then again, it is a fight and anything can happen.
Alexander Volkov (M-1 Heavyweight champion): I can say that this fight will definitely be very interesting to see. It is an unpredictable fight and harder for McGregor because he has to take the fight one weight class higher than before. The short period of preparation for Diaz is McGregor’s advantage but Diaz will also have the advantage of fighting at his weight.
Ramazan Emeev (M-1 middleweight champion): I am sure that Conor will win. Both fighters are showmen but Conor is very talented. Diaz came off the bench and has had little time for training. It will still be a spectacular fight. However, McGregor and dos Anjos would be a much better fight. I think Conor wins that one as well.
Denis Smoldarev: It i s hard to predict this fight. Nate is very good with boxing but Conor’s legs are better. I don’t think it will be a premature victory fr any side but I think McGregor will win on points.
Albert Duraev (ACB tournament winner): I believe that Conor McGregor can knock Diaz out if he wants to.
Georgi Karakhanyan (Former WSOF champ): I think McGregor wins in the second round.
McGregor: 5
Diaz: 0
Undecided: 1