UFC Interim Featherweight Title Bout: Chad Mendes vs. Conor McGregor
Odds: ( +140 Mendes / -170 McGregor )
Betting Pick: Mendes
Learn how to Draft your Fantasy Betting MMA team here!
Well, unfortunately what we are all afraid of happened, another injury before a UFC title fight. Jose Aldo has pulled out of UFC 189 and is replaced by Chad Mendes. The UFC has decided to make the winner the interim Champion. Still, though, I do believe we are going to see a great fight. Conor McGregor is posed to become the poster child of the UFC with his obnoxious comments and actions. With that being said, this Irish-man has walked the walked, and not many can say that. Chad Mendes on the other hand doesn’t like to lose to anyone not named Aldo, and doesn’t see that changing any time soon. Myself, and I’m sure all UFC fans alike, we are finally going to see McGregor’s skills put to the test against a formidable opponent. Here’s how I think it’ll go down.
Chad Mendes
Mendes is going to throw everything and the kitchen sink at McGregor. The first step for Mendes is going to be to take McGregor to the mat. Mendes will expose any weakness McGregor might have in his defense. There will be worries about conditioning and fighting three times within the last ten months but let me put those assumptions to rest. Mendes, is healthy all year round and only needs to refine his skills, rather than rebuild them. Also, training for McGregor is nearly pointless. McGregor is extremely unorthodox and I believe the counter-game is what Mendes is refining in the gym. Last, Mendes is going to show McGregor power he has never felt before. McGregor is going to show no respect, like normal, move forward with his hands down and mouth running. My advice for Mendes is to place McGregor on the mat and make him work for everything. Make McGregor exert every ounce of energy he has and then just keep close and strike.
Conor McGregor –
This obnoxious Irish-man can fight as well as he can run his mouth. The UFC, in my opinion, was looking to make him the poster-child of the UFC with a win over Aldo but that obviously has changed. McGregor though doesn’t plan on the outcome changing. He doesn’t think this fight is going to last longer than four minutes whether it be Aldo or Mendes. McGregor possess skills everyone dreams of because they are nightmares to fight against. The unorthodox southpaw dances around the octagon kicking his way to victory. McGregor’s game plan won’t change, he is going to keep his distance the entire fight, throwing kicks and irritating his opponent until they make a mistake in which McGregor will counter. Now, we cant take much from the fight against Siver, because well, it’s Siver but what we can take is the plan never changes. Mendes is going to want to get close, McGregor is going to need to use his powerful jab and kick until Mendes diverts from his game plan and falls into the trap McGregor has set.
Prediction –
I’ll just tell you right off the back, I’m taking Mendes. Now I don’t believe in any sense that McGregor has a glass chin but a counter by Mendes is going to place McGregor on his back. McGregor is going to spend the entire rest of the fight trying to regain position, exerting all of the energy in his tank. Mendes is going to use his wrestling skills to keep McGregor on his back frustrating him until the final bell. I’m not sure about you all but I’m already prepping for Aldo vs. Mendes III
Winner – By Decision – Chad Mendes