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UFC
I'm a big fan of MMA and have followed the UFC from the early days of Tank Abbott to where it is today.
Is anyone else on here a fan? Saturdays UFC205 card was great and broke all records at MSG. It's a remarkable rise in popularity in just 23yrs. Now, I'm a big Conor McGregor fan. He's got a ferocious left hand, great speed and timing & has a decent takedown defence. A two weight World champion too. No doubt he is by far the most popular fighter in the UFC. But I really feel he's pushing the boundaries too much in his public comments about wanting equity within the company. They are making phenomenal money, and Conor is undoubtedly receiving a handsome paycheque too. But to keep questioning and suggesting they (UFC) owe him a debt of gratitude, is taking it a bit too far. He's a PR dream, and he deserves his spotlight. But as the Diaz fight(s) proved, it's a ruthless sport and a few consecutive defeats could hugely dent his box office appeal. So while I understand he's trying to get as much as he can, while he can - what sort of business is going to grant him a share of the company he might not even work for 5yrs down the line? Thoughts on any of the above, the UFC in general or the rivalry between boxing fans & MMA fans! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
I'm massive fan of UFC and Conor and off course 205 was phenomenal.
Like Conor himself said, you need to have physical advantages over him (weight, reach, height); if you're his size, you're dead. Especially surprising was his take-down defense - Eddie shot a few times and did not even come close. I love his antics and his power play and I think he is going to get what he wants and rightfully so. UFC 196 did 1.6 M buys, 202 did 1.65 and 205 should do about 1.8 at least. These are the three biggest PPVs in the company's history and it's all on Conor's back. He is obviously paid nicely for this compared to other fighters, but UFC has a reputation of criminally underpaying their talent. So I'm all for fighters getting what they are worth. The leverage is on his side, because WME is in a lot of debt after spending 4 billion for UFC and so is under a lot of pressure to deliver on great profits; and with Ronda being on her way out, Conor is their only ticket to get there. |
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I agree he has massively helped propel the UFC to the next level. And I don't blame him for expecting a bigger reward as a result. I just think he needs to be careful to not out position himself, and force an ultimatum that may not play out the way he hopes. Jon Jones has done Conor a huge favour too. I'm not sure about Ronda. Her return fight is make or break. She'd need an impressive winning streak to repair some of the damage to her reputation. Savage KO's are confidence killers. Who would you like to see Conor fight next? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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I think Conor will fight Nate next; that trilogy fight will not be available forever and is an easy cash-in. Khabib also makes sense and is a terrible stylistic matchup, but I think Khabib/Tony should be next as a title eliminator and if that happens then the 'inactive Khabib' excuse may not be relevant anymore and he could fight Conor afterwards. Personally, I'd love for Conor to go back to 145 and defend it against Dominick Cruz. I know he's a smaller guy, but when healthy the guy has been on the league of his own. And his challenges (movement, avoiding shots) to Conor would be completely different than any other possible opponent. Plus, he is very well spoken and would be able to talk proper trash and sell himself to general public. I just hope he doesn't decide to get the third belt. He had so much difficulties against Nate and he is not even a true 170. We have weight classes for a reason. |
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Jon Jones has done Conor a favour by continually messing up. He had it all, size, reach, technique. Likability. His popularity has taken a huge hit these past few years. Human nature sees people move onto the next big thing. Timing was perfect. It's not a slight on Conor - he has worked extremely hard to land his position at the top of the tree. But it's not just PPV figures. Jones got a lot of media coverage. He was considered by many to be the best UFC fighter ever. (Premature for me) All I'm saying is there's no denying Jones' absence came at a time when the UFC was in lift off mode. Would he have rivalled Conor if things had played out differently? - maybe not. I agree a loss doesn't spell the end of a fighter's popularity. But multiple losses can. Certainly with someone like Conor who appeals to casual fight fans. IF Diaz had beat him twice, his next fight would have been critical. A 3rd straight defeat loses you the band-wagon fan. It's how it is. Thankfully he didn't. Dominic Cruz is a beast. That would be a very hard fight. I think 145 is less appealing for Conor these days. That weight cut is a killer. Tyrone Woodley has already made noises about a potential match up with Conor. Please no. He's too big. And he can punch. It would be a bad idea. Stick to 155. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
Jones is a beast and (if not for messing up) could go down as the greatest MMA fighter ever. That being said, even at the height of his powers, his star was never nowhere as bright as Conor's and the numbers prove it.
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I agree - but I think there are a few factors why. While a Conor v whoever is a huge PPV, it's naturally easier to sell if there's no other credible star out there. I'm not criticising Conor. I think he's brilliant. My initial post was more about him forcing the UFC into sticking to their guns - presumably Conor would too - then we're left at stalemate. Don't forget they dropped him from UFC200 for pushing it too far. (I actually agreed with Conor on that one) Jon Jones made it look effortless. Who would have genuinely tested him? (When he's fit and focused) Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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I agree with you - I think the point I was trying to make was Jones "should" have reached that elite (commercial) level but for a series of stupid mistakes. As it stands, you are quite right - Conor is King. But I still think he should be careful how he proceeds. Wanting a bigger purse is nothing compared to wanting a share in the company. As huge a draw as he is, this is the fight business and you're only making money if you are fighting. As a business they will project future PPV's & (roughly) have an idea what Conor might bring to the company over the next X amount of years. (all subject to continued wins/public interest and fitness) The bottom line will be does he potentially bring in more than the purse & equity share he's asking for (bare in mind he may fight for another 7yrs but want a share for life) If the forecast is no - he's in a difficult position. It's all if's and but's. Going public isn't always the best way. It doesn't help the UFC when negotiating contracts with other fighters if they know Conor is on a huge purse AND has a share in the company too. Dana said as much in regards to Conor not showing up for press commitments at UFC200. If he let it slide, it sets a precedent. We'll see what happens. All this is a sideshow. I'm still in awe of how easy Conor beat Eddie. I think there are some dangerous fights at 155. But he looks so healthy at that weight. I can't wait to see which direction they go in next. (Not 170 please) Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
Floyd Mayweather having a dig at Conor. He's got a point but it's bollocks he never knew Conor was even fighting.
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Of course. Floyd would embarrass Conor in a boxing match. But Conor would destroy him in the Octagon. It's fantasy to think it would ever take place. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
Conor's been granted a professional boxing licence.
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To quote a great analyst Robin Black, for Conor to fight Floyd there are 27 things that need to happen, and getting a license is at the very bottom of that priority list. Plus, he got a California license, because it's cheap, while Floyd hasn't fought outside of Nevada since 2005. |
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It's hardly meaningless. For him to fight any professional boxer is huge. Who is to say he won't attempt to fight a more attainable opponent? He's the draw. The cross-over would entice the boxing fan too. I do agree Floyd is very unlikely unless astronomical numbers are offered. I think it is most probably all posturing - for now. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
Anyone here going to watch Rousey v Nunes? Tough fight this. Really think RR may struggle.
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Lights out in 48s. Brutal.
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So, the Mayweather v McGregor fight is ON!
Should be a straightforward points win for Floyd but you never know. I can't see Mayweather stopping McGregor - his hands are so fragile these days. I do worry Conor might gas out though - he'll be chasing shadows in the fight and trying to land that devastating left. By rounds 9 or 10 I think he might start fading. I'm really looking forward to it. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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A lad I work with who trains in UFC/Boxing/Thai etc... genuinely believes McGregor will win. He said it'll be easier for McGregor in terms of fitness as he hasn't got people holding onto him, his legs will be fresher because he won't be kicking etc... I don't think McGregor will win but I really want him too. |
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Yeah I'd love McGregor to win too. That's interesting about his fitness playing a part - that was one of my concerns. He gassed badly against Diaz. But it's a good point that he won't be grappling, kicking etc. Also, they're using 10oz gloves compared to 4oz in the UFC. So many factors to consider. Mayweather SHOULD win. But McGregor is a bigger, heavy handed southpaw. And he's quick closing down the distance. Head says Mayweather UD. Heart says McGregor early KO. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
I am excited for the build-up, but I just can't see it going any other way than Floyd's domination.
The more curious question to me is whether Conor comes back to UFC after this. He will never be able to come close to this level payday in any UFC fight, so it does make sense for him to retire young. |
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I think a lot will depend on this Mayweather result. If he gets dismantled, I think he'll want a UFC fight to get a win and massage his ego. IF....if, he beats Mayweather, he'll want another boxing match. I still think he has a chance against Mayweather without ever being in the same league as him. He'll probably weigh 15lbs more than Floyd come fight night, has the reach, has power, punches from unusually angles and maybe more importantly, believes he'll win. He genuinely thinks Floyd is too small and can't take his power. Obviously this doesn't necessarily make it so, but some fighters go into fights weary of their opponent. It can make you too cautious and nervous. Loads of fighters have publicly admitted they have dealt with that type of pressure heading into big fights and feel it played a huge part in their performance. Conor doesn't give a ****. Plus FM is just not the same fighter. He can't be. Age, lack of activity, brittle hands. All that said, I'd not be surprised to see him get a stoppage against McGregor. I think CM will throw everything into the first 4 rounds, and if he punches himself out, Floyd will pick him apart and force a stoppage due to fatigue. McGregor to win by stoppage within 4 or Mayweather stoppage rounds 6-8. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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Lots of biased nonsense been banded about regarding that spar. Obviously we don't know for sure but my own personal take on it is, Conor DID manage to land some very decent shots during the 12 rounds, he also marked Malignaggi up & proved he has SOME technique that can trouble a very decent pro boxer. The counter to this is Malignaggi is out of shape, doesn't punch particularly hard and most probably had the better of McGregor during spells of the bout too. Now Floyd is much much better than Malignaggi, even at 40. The logical conclusion would be he just has too much for Conor. But I still think McGregor has a shot. I heard someone who has trained with both high level boxers and MMA fighters talk about how in his opinion, Conor's best chance is NOT to go out all guns blazing, but to keep the fight at distance, use his reach and let Floyd try to engage him which will open up an opportunity for McGregor to utilise his best weapon, his excellently timed left. It's a very good point as a lot of Conor's best punches have landed when his opponent has either rushed in or thrown their own punch. It will be very interesting to see what their gameplan is. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
Well that was pretty much as the experts thought. Floyd clearly leagues ahead in boxing ability. I thought Conor did well in the first few rounds but faded badly from round 4 onwards. His stamina is a huge issue & really hasn't improved much, even after the Diaz fights. (Which really exposed it)
I think his tactics were wrong too. He should have threw everything into the first 2 rounds, knowingly risking being fatigued very early. But he tried to "box" too much which just isn't his game. (Although he did execute a fantastic uppercut) Hopefully he'll stick to MMA now. It was fun but the crossover doesn't work, especially at that level. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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