I think Conner McGregor is going to get his ass kicked back down to his proper weight class. I think Diaz will beat him once again and there will be no 3rd.
McGregor showed in the first fight that he lacks the power to really hurt Diaz - mush up his face a bit but it wasn’t pretty to begin with - and he doesn’t have the cardio to take Diaz’ pace.
Diaz’ power and quickness are too much for Connor and Connor has no backup plan. He can’t out box Nate, he can’t outwrestle him and God help Connor if it goes to the ground. McGregor is literally punching above his weight.
But
There is a chance that Connor will pull it off - that’s what makes it exciting. It is not a deadlock for Diaz. Connor is fast, he’s smart, he knows how to work the cage and even if he lacks KO power at this weight class a bunch of half-hard shots will take their toll.
Donald Cerrone vs. Rick Story?!? Man where do you start? Both are exceptionally tough, both are fast, good on their feet and good on the ground. I think Cerrone is better on the ground but how much have we seen of Story down there?
I absolutely love Donald Cerrone and I think he’ll win but it will be really tough and I won’t be shocked or really sad if he loses.
So for the main and co-main I’m picking Diaz by submission and Cerrone by KO.
I misspoke when I said that Cerrone / Story was the co-main. It was Johnson / Teixara but given how the fights worked out Cerrone / Story should have been the co-main lol.
Cerrone picked Story apart. It wasn’t even competitive - though moreso than Johnson tucking Glover in after 13 seconds.) Cerrone is one of the best fighters in the UFC and I’d say top five for pound-for-pound ever.
McGreggor / Diaz II was fucking amazing! What a fight! Some people are calling it a robbery but I disagree. I think, using Pride scoring, Diaz won. Using the 10 point must I think it was draw (one judge agreed.) I think McGreggor should have gotten a 10-8 in the 1st and I think he won the second. I think Diaz took the next 3.
After the fight Connor verged on humble. That’s unheard of. He gave Diaz all kinds of credit and didn’t even trumpet his win. That says a lot. Connor called for a 3rd but only at 155 (does he finally get that he isn’t a welterweight?.)
Jumping Jesus was that a good card! UFC 202 turned out to be what UFC 200 was supposed to be.