Conor McGregor faces the biggest fight of his UFC career this Saturday in one of the most highly anticipated UFC events. McGregor faces the no. 1 challenger Chad Mendes in Las Vegas in a clash of styles. Mendes is more of a wrestler than McGregor is used to, and if the worst happens and McGregor loses, here are 11 things you will hear if that happens from everyone from casual fans, McGregor sympathisers and UFC diehards.
Tomorrow: the things you'll here when Conor McGregor wins.
He Was Training For Jose Aldo
The number 1 excuse McGregor sympathisers could look to, after the well-publicised withdrawal of Jose Aldo. Aldo and Mendes are quite different fighters, with Mendes the first 'wrestler' that McGregor would have faced.
He's Been Distracted By Media Obligations
Not necessarily used by the McGregor sympathisers, but it is a line that gives McGregor a fair sense of credit. The Dubliner's media obligations - that have seen him appear on things like Conan, has been a lot more extensive than anything Aldo or Mendes have had to endure.
It's things like that can cause a fighter to lose focus.
A New Undisclosed Broken Bone
Isn't that always the way? After David Haye lost to Wladimir Klitschko, we heard of his broken toe; while it wasn't until after Manny Pacquaio
He's Still The Best Thing To Happen To UFC
He may not have won, but he's still brought so many new fans to the UFC. That's what they'll say, promise. At least, I'll be saying it if no one else is, just because.
He Disrespected Chad Mendes
Just like some people inexplicably prefer Lyons to Barry's, Conor McGregor isn't everyone's up of tea. Those who aren't fans will point to his boasting and proclamations pre-fight that didn't end up coming true. Mendes and Aldo have already accused McGregor of disrespecting them, and some Saturday if the result doesn't go the right way, there might be others using that line.
He's Only In It For The Money
McGregor is known for his extravagant clothes and accessories. He's not shy about his love of the dollar, even talking up his prospects with a $3.5 million bet on the outcome with Mendes.
He's All Talk
Unconfirmed reports suggest that McGregor benched a hundred in the gym last night. Mendes' trainer told Chad that there wasn't anymore weights to put on the bar.
He'll Go Back To Being A Nobody
Depending on how badly he loses, some people are saying that this might be the last time we see McGregor. He may have the X factor that the UFC is looking for, but if he can't compete at the top of his division then he may not garner the attention that he has been used to.
He Can't Handle Facing A Wrestler
Real UFC fans will have actual analysis of the fight. They might say that because McGregor hasn't face a wrestler like Mendes that he can't handle wrestling of that calibre. If McGregor is on his back more often than not - which is what Mendes will be aiming for, then this will be the go-to for actual UFC fans, I'm told.
He Couldn't Take Advantage Of His Reach
McGregor's main advantage over Mendes is the length of his reach. McGregor's reach extends to 74 inches, which is the longest in the division, and a whole lot more than Chad Mendes' 66 inches.
He's Not Used To 'Rare Naked Chokeholds'
Mendes, the wrestler, will be hitting McGregor will all sorts of moves. From your 'rare naked chokeholds' to your 'how-de-dos'*, McGregor won't know with way is up. Expect some expert bluffing and fake name wrestling moves from the classic Irish bluffers.
*Not actual wrestling moves.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
