The first round will be interesting. If Khabib can grab a hold of him without getting clipped coming in, I don't think Conor gets back up for the whole rest of the round. I think one or two rounds of that will be all it takes to really gas him out and take the heat off that left hand (especially if he launches a few before getting taken down). It sounds crazy, but in this particular case, a single takedown can be the beginning of the end.
Yeah I really look at it as a two round fight (if that makes sense) It’s not a huge secret that Conor gets tired and Khabib has the skill set to exploit that. I’d agree with it being 50/50 (maybe 60/40 for Khabib if you put a lot of stock on that first takedown). Khabib can absolutely be hit though and it might take just one to put him down. For the sake of the division I hope Khabib wins. I just don’t see Conor defending belts though I wish he was as dead set on defending them like he is winning them.
I also don't think Conor is gonna fight much longer. It might be Khabib/Diaz and that might be it. There was talks of him against GSP or Woodley at one point but I REALLY do not see that happening.
I will always root for Conor. He has his faults but I love watching him fight more than any other person in the sport.
I'll maintain that GSP and Woodley would be an absolute disaster for Conor. Both are exquisite on the ground and Woodley has the power to send him into space.
Conor can outstrike Khabib easily on their feet. Khabib can outwrestle Conor easily. Conor has been out for a while so that’s against him as well. However, we’ve seen how Conor gets into the minds of his opponents too many times to count him out. I think it’s a great fight.
Good to see Renzo get a win at 51 years old. I mean, he submitted Yuki Kondo who is no spring chicken either at 43, but still. That guy fought EVERYONE back in the day.