Joe Rogan: UFC Should Let Conor McGregor Fight Tyron Woodley

After the madness of UFC 205, the dust is now starting to settle. Arguably the biggest UFC event of all-time, the New York debut could not have gone better. Following the highly disappointing UFC 200 card back in July, this weekend’s action was refreshing in its entirety. Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor headlined the stacked

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After the madness of UFC 205, the dust is now starting to settle. Arguably the biggest UFC event of all-time, the New York debut could not have gone better. Following the highly disappointing UFC 200 card back in July, this weekend’s action was refreshing in its entirety. Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor headlined the stacked card at the MSG (Madison Square Garden), on an evening filled with all the highs and lows of an instant classic event. Fighting for his own piece of history in the main event, McGregor made an incredible statement.

‘The Notorious’ was simply on another level at UFC 205, and Alvarez looked lost in the octagon. Like he’d never been before, ‘The Silent Assassin’ was controlled and put down with hitman-like accuracy. Eventually crumpling Alvarez at the eight-minute mark, McGregor stamped his name in the history books with conviction. Now the first champion to ever hold simultaneous titles in the UFC, the doors for many potential fights are wide open.

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Who’s Next?

Speaking during his most recent podcast series The Joe Rogan Experience, the popular color commentator discusses being live in NYC for McGregor vs. Alvarez:

“It was the biggest card we’ve ever put together. It’ll never be like that again, that was the last block of corruption standing in the way of the UFC in New York. The main event was almost bizarre, it’s almost bizarre the way he picked apart Eddie Alvarez. Like magical is almost the word I want to use. He touches motherf*ckers with that left hand.”

“The moment Eddie got hit, he was like ‘What the fuck?’ I just think Conor knew that he had him. He’s such a unique personality, but it’s also his style. He does a lot like what Wonderboy does, but with less kicks, but I think he does it better. It may be something he does with the focus of his shots, the precision. He’s hitting them in a surprise way, and he’s not telegraphing it at all. There’s no fat in his movements.”

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All The Belts!

After their confrontations leading up to UFC 205, there’s been a lot of debate about Tyron Woodley vs. Conor McGregor. ‘The Chosen One’ retained his title with a thrilling majority draw in the UFC 205 co-main event, earning ‘fight of the night’ against Stephen Thompson. Rogan believes the UFC should allow McGregor the title shot in a third division:

“Let him try, I say they should let him try. I know what Woodley would say, he’d say ‘Let him try.” Do you know how big Tyron Woodley looks compared to Conor McGregor? He is jacked, he’s the most jacked dude, I think, other than Yoel Romero.”

Whether you love or hate him, it’s hard to argue against Conor McGregor’s vast influence on the UFC and MMA as a sport. Holding two belts, it’s conceivable he’ll try for another, but where will it all end? Will the UFC force McGregor to vacate or defend before a potential fight against Tyron Woodley?

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Conor McGregor: When I Hit Eddie Alvarez, His Head Will Explode

Seeking to become the first ever two-weight world champion at UFC 205, Conor McGregor is once again the talk of the town. What’s different about this time around is firstly the opponent, and the historic venue in which the event will take place. Fighting for the first time in the lightweight division, ‘The Notorious’ takes

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Seeking to become the first ever two-weight world champion at UFC 205, Conor McGregor is once again the talk of the town. What’s different about this time around is firstly the opponent, and the historic venue in which the event will take place. Fighting for the first time in the lightweight division, ‘The Notorious’ takes on the rampant champion Eddie Alvarez on November 12. Aside from Nate Diaz, McGregor’s UFC career thus far has been against the featherweight crop. Stating he’ll ‘be better’ at 155 pounds, the Irish striker has made many predictions on how the New York battle will go down.

Teasing a huge announcement after UFC 205, and headlining the first event in NYC, at the Madison Square Garden, it seems McGregor’s quest for two-weight glory comes at the height of 2016’s MMA timeline. Standing opposite ‘The Notorious’ is the former Bellator champion who recently obliterated Rafael dos Anjos for the title. ‘The Silent Assassin’ claims he has the perfect plan to debunk McGregor’s hype, and that he’ll submit the featherweight boss similarly to how Diaz did at UFC 196.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

One Last Prediction

Discussing the historic lightweight title clash at UFC 205 this coming Saturday, Conor McGregor tells Rolling Stone how he believes the scrap will transpire.

“My fist is bigger than his head, and when I hit it it’s going to explode,” McGregor says. “I wish him all the best. I have no ill will towards him. They talk. Him and his team and his coach they talk all these crazy things pre-fight, now the fight’s signed and they’re all apologies. It’s almost like an acceptance of, ‘Hey, we wanted the fight, now we got the fight and we’ll take our ass whooping and thanks for the cheese, catch yas later. That’s my sense with him. He’s going to come in and fight with his heart and he’s going to be knocked out cold. He’ll get back up, he’ll give me my title and respect will be given. I’ll have two world titles, he’ll make a little money and we’ll move on.”

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“I Run This Game”

“I’m extremely confident,” McGregor says. “He’s too slow, he’s too predictable. I have the reach, I have the height, I have the youth and I have this freight train rolling in every time. These people don’t represent challenges. This is just another body type. A new body. That’s the way I see it. I run this game.”

How will the UFC 205 main event play out? What’s certain is that Alvarez vs. McGregor is far more than a title fight, it’s truly pivotal for the future of the UFC. Money, rankings, records, legacies and a new home for the promotion all hang in the balance.

Bring it on!

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Chael Sonnen Sends Message To ‘Dumb Sons Of B*tches’ In UFC

Three-time UFC title challenger and king of banter Chael Sonnen found himself a new home in Bellator MMA this year. Fitting his style of trash talk and fight promotion perfectly, it seems ‘The American Gangster’ has got a perfect outlet for his return. Facing fellow UFC veteran and former light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz at Bellator

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Three-time UFC title challenger and king of banter Chael Sonnen found himself a new home in Bellator MMA this year. Fitting his style of trash talk and fight promotion perfectly, it seems ‘The American Gangster’ has got a perfect outlet for his return. Facing fellow UFC veteran and former light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz at Bellator 170, Sonnen has already turned on the theatrics for his long-awaited comeback. During a recent televised ‘debate’ for their upcoming bout, Sonnen and ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’ turned up the heat with a comical back-and-forth.

Before there was Conor McGregor, Chael P. was the biggest talker in the UFC. Now that torch has been passed, ‘The Notorious’ is experiencing a level of fame only previously reached by Ronda Rousey. Should the brash Irishman defeat Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205, he will surely surpass ‘Rowdy.’ Standing on the brink of history, McGregor has also been the subject of tense debates in the recent months. Joining the barrage of criticism from many fans, fellow fighters have demanded McGregor be stripped of the 145-pound title.

Credit: Fighters Only Mag

Who’s Got Two Thumbs & Likes Conor McGregor?

Chael Sonnen is not on board with all the hate directed towards Conor McGregor. In fact, ‘The American Gangster’ is shocked with the amount of fighters who can’t see what he considers as a great aid to the sport of MMA. Talking during a recent episode of his ‘Bad Guy Inc: Beyond The Fight’ podcast, Sonnen says other UFC fighters are just ‘too dumb’ to realise what’s going on. As transcribed by Forbes:

We’ve got fighters in weight classes that have no standing in this matter … and they’re saying, “You should strip him. Got to strip him, got to move that division on. I can’t believe that people don’t understand this that are in the industry. There is a historic opportunity if Conor should beat Eddie Alvarez. The opportunity there is that he will be the first guy in history to hold two world championships simultaneously in the UFC. It has never happened before.

So if you’re the UFC and you, through the power of the pen, take one of those belts away, you also lose the opportunity that so much media is running with to have the historic evening. If you wait to strip him or make a decision in that weight class after the fight, you preserve that opportunity. The UFC can’t come out and say that. They can’t come out and say, “Well, there’s actually a marketing opportunity for us.” Then they lose it.”

Credit: Mark J Rebilas USA Today Sports

Continued

“You think fighters would be able to understand this concept, shut their mouths, and if anything, beat the drum … help perpetuate the story. Instead, these dumb son of a b—-es are throwing water on the fire. They’re trying to get him stripped.

Why do I have to explain this so that other fighters can hear it and go, “Oh my God, he’s right.” How do you not understand what’s going on in your own industry? I never could understand … this is why you guys don’t get to be part of it, because you’re too dumb. I’m not trying to put you down. Dumb has a definition, go look it up and then relate it to yourself, because you fall under it.

We need media partners. We need headlines. Everybody in the show. Everybody in the industry. It really doesn’t even matter what organization you’re with. There is an industry called “‘mixed martial arts.’” … Why would you strip the guy and take that opportunity away? You fools.”

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Conor McGregor: F*** TJ Dillashaw, Who The F*** Is That Guy?

Leading in to the penultimate week before UFC 205, excitement for the historic pay-per-view mounts. Taking the lead for the promotion’s first event held in New York city are Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor. Moving up once again from the featherweight division, the Irishman will challenge for Alvarez’s lightweight belt on November 12. Putting the

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Leading in to the penultimate week before UFC 205, excitement for the historic pay-per-view mounts. Taking the lead for the promotion’s first event held in New York city are Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor. Moving up once again from the featherweight division, the Irishman will challenge for Alvarez’s lightweight belt on November 12. Putting the 145-pound class on hold for the third straight fight has led to some criticism of both McGregor and the UFC.

Teasing a ‘huge announcement’ after UFC 205, the consensus opinion is that McGregor will give up at least one belt if he wins, and may even retire or take an extended hiatus. The promotion choosing to allow ‘The Notorious’ to call so many shots has led to some rather disgruntled fighters. Jose Aldo has threatened retirement, and a stream of frustrated lightweight contenders have voiced their displeasure. Still, few can deny the salivating prospect of Alvarez vs. McGregor in New York.

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The Talk

Conor McGregor’s limerick style of trash talking has become one of his trademark traits. Getting in the head of one’s opponent is nothing new in the world of fighting, but McGregor is arguably the best at the mental warfare involved in MMA. Speaking with MMA Champions while sparring for UFC 205, ‘The Notorious’ wasn’t only intent on talking about Eddie Alvarez:

“From the first Diaz fight to the second Diaz fight, it took me three months to improve (my cardio). It took me three months to go from not lasting two rounds, to outlasting a triathlete who had 30 pounds on me. The cardio vascular training we are doing, nothing is guess-work. Watch them follow suit, we are releasing a three-month training programme. It’s currently in progression, it’s very scientific. It changed my life.”

In response to TJ Dillashaw saying McGregor is more of a theatrics artist than MMA fighter:

“F*ck him, who the f*ck is TJ Dillashaw? Who the f*ck is he? Where are his fights? He isn’t going out there, fight after fight, and taking these guys out. I hear a lot of talking, but not a lot of working. I had to work my bollocks off to get here, and now I’m still in here working. Who else is coming off a five round war with a triathlon and jumping straight back in here? Nobody! These fighters are saying they deserve what I have, no. I didn’t always have this, I had to work for it, they are the ones who are all talk. I hear a lot of moaning.”

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Joe Rogan: Alvarez Is Savage, But McGregor Might Be Better At 155 Pounds

Leading up to one of the most exciting string of pay-per-view events in UFC history, all eyes are on the New York show. UFC 205 will mark the first event held in NYC, and the promotion isn’t holding back in their efforts on this new territory. Shooting for the most successful pay-per-view ever, the UFC

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Leading up to one of the most exciting string of pay-per-view events in UFC history, all eyes are on the New York show. UFC 205 will mark the first event held in NYC, and the promotion isn’t holding back in their efforts on this new territory. Shooting for the most successful pay-per-view ever, the UFC has put together an epic line-up for the Madison Square Garden extravaganza. Preparing to collide in the main event are lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and featherweight boss Conor McGregor.

Only one belt will be on the line, Alvarez’s 155-pound strap, but the ramifications of this fight are truly huge. Coming during a time when money and rankings sit on opposing sides of the fence, Alvarez vs. McGregor is about much more than the title. Potentially seeing the first current two-weight champ and carving a path for the future under WMG, UFC 205 will be historic in many ways.

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Joe Rogan’s Two Cents

Ahead of the pivotal UFC 205 main event, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan gives his two cents. Noting the potential improvement in McGregor’s form at lightweight from featherweight or 170 pounds, Rogan also acknowledges the power and endurance of Alvarez. From the latest Joe Rogan Fight Companion (Friday October 21, 2016):

“Eddie Alvarez is a f*cking savage. What he did against Rafael dos Anjos, that combination, the sheer amount of punches. That’s some serious endurance, he’s got that power and he’s a very strong guy for 155. I’m curious to see what Conor looks like at 155, because we haven’t seen him there, in the UFC. We’ve seen 145, and seen him cut no weight and weigh 169 against Nate. That might be the perfect weight for him, it’s entirely possible we might see a better McGregor at 155.”

Khabib, Eddie, Conor

What About Nurmagomedov?

The conversation took an interesting turn, as Rogan and UFC veteran Yves Edwards discussed top lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov. Pointing out similarities between ‘The Eagle’ and Jon Jones’ dominant styles, Rogan says Khabib is a special fighter:

“What about Khabib Nurmagomedov? That guy rag dolled everyone he’s fought. Nurmagomedov is special. What he did to dos Anjos was pretty stunning. Nurmagomedov just grabbed a hold of him and did what he wanted. It’s his technique and his aggression, he’s a scary dude. Demian Maia grapples like that, he grabs guys with this squeezing style, but Khabib is just pure power and aggression. He just smashes you, his ground and pound is horrific. He ragdolls guys in a very unusual way, it’s as totally different style of domination. Good luck out-grappling that dude. His takedown percentage is probably a million percent.”

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Conor McGregor: I’m The Best Fighter In Any Weight Class

History will be made at UFC 205, the question is just how much? The first ever event to be held in New York will prove to be a huge milestone for the promotion and sport as a whole, but the main event has us captivated just as much. Looking to spoil the Irish party will

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History will be made at UFC 205, the question is just how much? The first ever event to be held in New York will prove to be a huge milestone for the promotion and sport as a whole, but the main event has us captivated just as much. Looking to spoil the Irish party will be lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, as he takes on Conor McGregor in a clash of champions. Only the 155-pound belt will be on the line, but this means the 28-year old featherweight champ stands to break a sacred record.

No champion in the history of the UFC has ever held belts in two weight classes at the same time. Many will argue ‘The Notorious’ has held the 145-pound strap hostage in his last two fights at 170 pounds, but the fact remains, he could be making history in the Big Apple. Taking to the stage at the UFC 205 pre-sale presser two weeks ago, McGregor and Alvarez got the banter going strong. Was ‘The Silent Assassin’ bothered by the trash talk? That’s yet to be seen.

Psychological Warfare

Speaking during a recent interview with Ask Men, Conor McGregor spoke about the impact of ‘trash talk’ on his opponents, and also his fights at welterweight:

“The term “trash talk” is such an American thing. I still laugh at it. Like I’m trying to hurt someone’s feelings? I’m an Irishman and a fighter — I don’t give a f*ck about feelings. As far as I’m concerned, I just speak the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts. It hurts because they have a weakness — and I exploit weakness. A fight is mental, not just physical and psychological warfare is absolutely part of that. It’s interesting they allow it. I guess I’m the stronger man.”

Weight

“I did what I set out to do — I beat him at 170. I think I am the greatest fighter in any class. I know I can hold two, maybe even three belts. So I have business to take care of back in and around my weight class. There’s a lot to talk about. I won’t ever shy away from a fight and if it makes sense down the road, I’ll do it. But it will be on my terms.”

Having competed in two weight classes so far, and a third coming up, is there a possibility of a fourth down the line? Surely middleweight is far too much of a task, although if anyone is willing to give it a try. UFC 205 takes place in the iconic Madison Square Garden on November 12.

Here’s the full fight card as it stands so far.

UFC 205 Fight Card

Eddie Alvarez vs. Conor McGregor (for Alvarez’s lightweight belt)
Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson (for Woodley’s welterweight belt)
Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (for Jedrzejczyk’s strawweight belt)
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Michael Johnson
Yoel Romero vs. Chris Weidman
Donald Cerrone vs. Kelvin Gastelum
Raquel Pennington vs. Miesha Tate
Frankie Edgar vs. Jeremy Stephens
Rashad Evans vs. Tim Kennedy
Tim Boetsch vs. Rafael Natal
Thiago Alves vs. Jim Miller
Lyman Good vs. Belal Muhammad
Liz Carmouche vs. Katlyn Chookagian

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