Here we are, everyone! The time is here! The wait is over! Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC lightweight championship.
From the moment Conor tossed a dolly through a window full of UFC fighters and personnel to try to get at Khabib, we knew this moment was coming. It’s most likely the biggest fight in UFC history. Two of the greatest fighters in the world right now, with a real-life hatred between them.
Everyone knows Conor’s story. He hasn’t fought inside the Octagon since November 2016. His only fight last year was in the boxing ring against the greatest boxer of this time, Floyd Mayweather. Some people are going to say that long of a lay off can be a problem. In no way do I think that about Conor McGregor. This man has been there done that in any aspect of this game you can think of. He’ll be ready for whatever happens, and he’ll never shrink under the bright lights.
Khabib finds himself in new territory. He’s now the champion defending his belt. He’s the main event of the biggest fight in UFC history facing the most famous opponent in UFC history. These will be the brightest lights any fighter has ever seen, can Khabib handle it? That I think is what the “unknown” in this fight is. We know what Conor brings to the table, and we know Khabib brings to the table. The one thing in this fight that has never been seen or tested is if Khabib can show up when the lights are brightest.
If you ask me, I’d say Khabib will handle the bright lights just fine, and he’ll treat this fight like every other fight he’s been in. He’s humble enough where his focus will never waiver off the path.
Not only has Khabib never lost a fight, he’s never even lost a round! The man is the definition of pure domination. He slams around every opponent in front of him and pounds the shit out of them. No one has been able to figure him out or have any success against his attack. However, he hasn’t fought Conor McGregor.
Conor is coming into this fight hungry to get his belt back that he never lost. Khabib was saying “you’re here for money, I’m here for legacy.” That’s bullshit. You know how much money Conor made in his boxing match? You know he just dropped a whiskey right? This man doesn’t need this money! He’s here to show everyone that he’s the greatest fighter of all-time and take back the belt that they took from him.
And, then go win other belts after that.
Now, for my prediction. For most of the time since the fight was announced, I’ve thought the fight was going to go a certain way. I thought Khabib would get his takedowns and beat up Conor for a few rounds, but eventually, Conor would catch him and knock him out. I’ve almost completely flipped on how I think this fight is going.
Conor sleeps him in one! Knocks him straight out! Conor’s movement, ability to avoid the takedown, and deliver a left straight punch that’s devastating will be the difference. I think the gap in the stand-up game between these two fighters will be too great. Eventually, when Khabib shoots for a takedown, he’ll get caught.
Conor will regain his belt and possibly become the greatest fighter of all-time in the process. I’m so amped for this fight. I’ll be like a kid on Christmas Eve tonight when I try to sleep. Whatever happens, I know this fight will be interesting and exciting, no matter how it goes. I’m just glad we get to watch it. Enjoy a great fight, everyone!