FanPost

Hype Train Derailed Part 2: Aldo Wrecks McGregor


Despite Rogan’s lovefest for Rousey’s stand-up game many observers saw her lack of head movement, parrying, and footwork as a potential fault for the right opponent to exploit. Personally I didn’t do the math on Rousey’s forward movement feeding her into Holm’s straight lefts and check hooks, and the quick accumulation of damage incurred, physically and psychologically, and assumed eventually Ronda would probably get it to the ground and have success. It turns

out that Holm’s excellent preparedness, strength and size, being a true bantamweight, was too much for Rousey who was devastated by the accumulation of those factors.

Could the stars be lining up similarly for Conor? The hype surrounding MacGregor isn’t quite at Rousey’s previous level but it’s enormous. Taking the pulse of the populace through social media threads, MMA podcast discussions and the like leaves you feeling pretty worried for Jose Aldo, the Featherweight King for 6 years and 11 days. People seem entranced by the challenger’s movement, length, mix of stand-up martial arts techniques, and most of all power. Everyone loves a knockout, and his game is viscerally appealing combining boxing, capoeira, TKD and trash talking. However is there enough substance to give him more than a puncher’s chance at dethroning Aldo? I don’t see it.

People love Conor’s power, and it’s certainly impressive. He’s finished 5 of his six octagon opponents, and many believe he’s a better finisher than Aldo. Take into account that the guys Conor are finishing are a different breed than the beasts Jose has had to fight in recent years. Aldo finished all five guys in his run to the title, then out-grappled and TKOed the champion Mike Brown, an excellent mma wrestler. Very similar results in their early UFC/WEC careers.

Maybe the best win on Conor’s resume is Max Holloway, the only man he didn’t finish, yet managed to control despite injuring his acl. This recurring issue with his acl is an under-discussed potential factor. Conor’s stance places his front leg out far, similar to Faber, and we saw how Jose took advantage. When Jose throws that technique will the injury weigh on Mac’s mind? He seems very comfortable in a fight under tough circumstances, but it’s an interesting dynamic due to the location of the injury being in the wheelhouse of the champ’s best technique. I don’t see Conor avoiding those kicks considering that the stumpy-limbed Dennis Siver managed to land a couple with his dial-up speed attacks.

I see Mac’s pressure style working against him also. Everyone who’s tried pressuring Aldo found out quickly that his counter right was accurate and damaging and had to try plan B. Aldo has power in both hands and unparalleled timing to date, and has proven this again and again vs the very best. Men who get him to brawl in the pocket learn that he wants to win just as bad as they do and he’s as tough, faster and stronger. I haven’t seen anything from Conor defensively to lead me to believe he’s going to avoid that straight right. Does Conor have a plan B? Against Holloway he went to the ground and controlled him when he needed to. If you’ve seen Jose on the ground you know that’s not an option.

I see Conor getting beat at his own game in this fight. The accumulated experience Jose has combined with his elite skills are too much too soon. In MMA fighters sometimes take huge leaps in the evolution of their games and surprise everyone, but to bet on this happening is folly. Jose takes his manhood in December.

FanPosts are user-generated content that do not reflect the editorial opinions of MMAmania.com nor its staff.