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Barring any unfortunate event in the next couple of days, the most anticipated fight in UFC history is finally here. Featherweight champion Jose Aldo Jr. faces interim Featherweight champion Conor McGregor for the undisputed UFC Featherweight title at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.
The two protagonists were originally scheduled to fight at UFC 189 last July but a rib injury suffered by the champion during training pushed the fight back. McGregor went on to fight Chad Mendes for the interim title and the brash Irishman knocked out Mendes in two rounds to claim his piece of the world title. But now that Aldo is fully healed, the UFC’s inaugural Featherweight champion looks to add an 8th consecutive title defense at the expense of McGregor.
Best Pound For Pound Fighter
Regarded by many as the best fighter, pound for pound, in MMA today, Jose Aldo is known for his aggressive striking and vicious leg kicks. Aside from being one of the best strikers in the game, Aldo has a solid ground game and is capable of submitting the high-level grapplers. Aside from his offensive arsenal, Aldo has a 91% takedown defense which allows him to keep the fight on his feet most of the time. 14 of Aldo’s wins have come by KO but three of his last four bouts have been won by decision.
Taken MMA By Storm
McGregor has taken the sport by storm since his arrival two years ago. The Notorious King has talked his way to the top of the rankings but he’s backed up his mouth with a powerful left hand and an awkward striking style. McGregor’s unique striking is a mix of boxing and Muai Thai and he uses a wide stance that’s hard to figure out. 16 of his 18 wins have come via knockout and 5 of his 6 UFC bouts have been by stoppage.
Who Takes This?
Surprisingly, the challenger McGregor is the slight favorite at -145 while Aldo is an underdog for the first time at +115. While Aldo owns the best leg kicks in the business, McGregor’s skills and southpaw stance are likely to neutralize that advantage. Aldo hasn’t faced too many southpaws before and in his most recent one against Chan Sung Jung, Aldo broke his foot after the Korean Zombie checked his leg kick.
Aside from being a southpaw, McGregor is an excellent counter-puncher who could land his straight left after Aldo throws a leg kick. The Notorious one is a prolific striker whose movement and power could be a stylistic match-up problem for Aldo. Experts are calling a McGregor KO win within three rounds.
