Don't worry, you guys, I'm verified on Twitter. So, obviously I know what I'm talking about. I'm from the internets. To keep it real though, "Pros Pick" columns are kinda bullshit anyway. Half the time fighters have a personal relationship with one of the fighters so they're gonna say their teammate or friend is gonna win regardless of what they might really think. That being said they are fun to read so if I do one soon, make sure you read that shit. Okay... let's get to it!
Irish whiskey salesman and first ever champ-champ, Conor McGregor has taken a break from throwing dollies at buses, punching old men who don't want to drink his whiskey and getting accused of sexual assault to sign on for his first fight since getting Khabibed back in October of 2018. He's set to take on fan favorite Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone --who is also coming off of a particularly brutal loss to human wrecking ball Justin Gaethje. The fight is scheduled to headline UFC 246 on January 18. God willing.
So how is this one gonna go down? Both men are good strikers and Cowboy has been looking better than ever lately despite the losses. He's been implementing more technical striking and maintaining forward pressure without getting lured into a brawl. With his move to the 170 lb Welterweight division a few years ago, the 49 fight veteran has been looking as good as ever. That being said, Cerrone has some shortcomings that I don't think bode well for him in this match-up. Conor is a better pure boxer and more technical and accurate with his striking. He does a good job keeping his opponents at distance with kicks and controlling the octagon with his footwork and lateral movement. His takedown defense is excellent against mere mortals not named Khabib Nurmagomedov. (Floyd Mayweather didn't get a single takedown against McGregor!) So while Cowboy definitely has the advantage in Brazilian JiuJitsu and Conor has looked a bit lost off his back, it's not going to be an easy task for Cerrone to get McGregor to the ground. Cowboy's footwork isn't that great and he's not particularly known for his head movement. He tends to stand tall and keep his chin up. Which against a striker with the accuracy and timing of McGregor could be a recipe for disaster. While a lot is made of Cowboy's advantage on the ground, I don't think it ever gets there. I think Connie Mac is going to punish him with body shots whenever Cowboy gets close enough to shoot a takedown. The X-factors in this fight are Conor's longer lay off and the fact that the fight is at 170. While Conor made his name at 145 lbs, 155 seems to be his ideal weight class. Conor lost against Nate Diaz at 170 and only managed to eke out a majority decision in the rematch at 170. Conor is not quite as quick at 170 and his punching power is not as effective against bigger opponents. That being said, while Cowboy has a helluva chin himself, Nate Diaz is (almost) unknockoutable. It may be a bit harder to get that KO at 170 but I think Conor will be able to stay a step ahead on the feet and find that moment when Cowboy is coming forward with his chin up and catch him with a fight ending punch. Round two, I'll venture to guess. How Could Cowboy win? Well, barring Conor just coming off his layoff looking like complete shit... Everybody out here saying submission. I'm saying head kick KO. That's Cowboy's best shot to upset the Notorious Conor McGregor. What do you guys think? Who you got and how does it go down? Is Conor looking to challenge himself again and going after Jorge Masvidal to claim that BMF belt at 170? That's the buzz in the MMA Twitterverse. Exciting prospect. We will see. First he's gotta beat the guy that owns the BMF Ranch.
