Known as “Notorious”, unfortunately Connor McGregor has been working on his infamy by clocking old men in pubs and smashing up buses rather than taking the fighting world by storm, which is what gained him a huge following in the first place.
The last time we saw the Irishman in the ring was his defeat against Khabib Nurmagomedov all the way back in October 2018. Since then it has been a 15-month hiatus for the big left hander. Facing off against McGregor this Saturday is Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, a fighter who’s last 15 months has been pretty much the exact opposite to McGregor.
Cerrone has had 5 fights in that same space of time. The last two, however, were both losses; one a KO/TKO to Tony Ferguson on the 8th June at UFC 238, the other a KO/TKO to Justin Gaethje at UFC Fight Night on September 14.
Both fighters may have had very different career trajectories in 2019, but with both coming into this one off the back of a loss, who will be favourite come Saturday night?
Donald Cerrone
The “Cowboy” has seen a resurgence in the past few years. Once a bit part fighter, constantly on the peripherals but always ready for a call up no matter where in the world he was needed he’s not getting the fight he’s always dreamed of and definitely earned. The biggest payday in UFC right now, fighting box office sensation Connor McGregor.
With a UFC record of seven knockout kicks so far, his kicking game is by far and away his most lethal weapon in his arsenal. On top of this, he also has great grappling game; something that has been the key to unlocking Connor McGregor in the past with his only losses coming through submissions from the likes of Nate Diaz and Khabib, two fighters who have the endurance for a prolonged wrestling game.
Connor McGregor
Everyone knows the power in McGregor’s left hand. Fighters know how deadly that overhand can be and yet he always finds a way to land it. Connor has openly admitted that his preparation for his last fight was not up to scratch. This time his entire camp has been adamant that this is the best shape he has been in, not just since his loss to Khabib, but ever.
Connor’s big hitting boxing game tends to see him tire out as the rounds go on, preferring to see games out earlier on with a knockout. This time he has prophesied that the fight will go on for at least three rounds as he wants more time under the spotlights to get that fight fitness back.
Fight fans in the UK can watch the fight from 3am Sunday morning.