05 October 2018, by: BET Editor

UFC 229: MCGREGOR v NURMAGOMEDOV

BET Central has been buzzing this week ahead of UFC 229 and, in particular, the big one between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. We got Mikhail, our keenest UFC disciple, to give us the skinny on what to expect when these two meet. Enjoy Mickey’s insights and have a punt on the fight with BET.co.za.

The style makes this fight, with the Khabib’s grueling grappling and endurance poised against Conor’s precision striking and unpredictability. Conor will enjoy a 4 inch reach advantage.

Who ya got?

?? @TeamKhabib vs. ?? @TheNotoriousMMA#UFC229 pic.twitter.com/bWWbQ2KNVy

— UFC (@ufc) October 2, 2018

The challenger, Conor McGregor was the first UFC fighter to hold a title in two divisions simultaneously, he has never defended a title in the entirety of his career. Both his Featherweight and Lightweight titles were stripped due to inactivity with his last effort in the Lightweight division taking place in 2016 as he shifted focus to “Money” Mayweather in 2017 and the birth of his son soon after.

True to his moniker, “The Notorious” Conor stayed in the spotlight even outside of the Octagon, ensnared in one controversy after the next and even confronting Nurmagomedov on one occasion. This throws the question of his mental and physical well being into unknown territory. What is known is that he has some of the highest take-down defense in the Lightweight division if not the entire roster, as well as a very elusive and devastating striking style, favouring timing and precision over power and speed, not to mention some of the most memorable smack talk in the business.

With 18 out of 21 wins ending by TKO, he’s not expected to take his opponent down. In spite of Khabib’s resilience,
he has shown himself to have a weak chin when struck, and McGregor is expected to capitalize on this, and look for a knock out between the first and third rounds.

By a stark contrast, Khabib is a fighter who lives his craft, slowly grinding his way up the Lightweight ladder to claim the vacant title.

His personal life is divided between dedication to his family and dominating his career path, he has never lost a fight and is expected to take that confidence with him into the Octagon. With 10 of his 26 wins being by decision, this puts Khabib at a slight disadvantage as McGregor is known to finish fast and early. However, with all three of his opponent’s career losses being by submission, this creates an equal opportunity for Khabib. “The Eagle” should be looking to swoop in and snatch Conor way out of his comfort zone, wear him out and break his will before securing a submission in the 4th or 5th rounds where Conor is known to show fatigue.

This is the MMA fan’s dream match, with both fighters complimenting each other’s styles and bringing an elite level of competition to the sport. This fight could grind on for five grueling rounds before a choke out from the Champion or end in 10 seconds with a cracking Celtic Cross from Conor.

BET: MCGREGOR v NURMAGOMEDOV