With Cole Miller pulling out of UFC Dublin (booooooooo), it's been announced that Brazilian fighter Diego Brandao will instead fight Irish MMA talisman Conor McGregor. A shock for anyone looking forward to seeing McGregor take on the American, but the event has been saved by bringing in an exciting talent like Brandao. If you don't know much about McGregor's new opponent, fear not, because we've put together a spark notes-esque rundown of all you need to know about the little brazilian.
1. He won The Ultimate Fighter
Diego Brandao won the Bisping vs Miller season of TUF, racking up three straight knockouts before submitting Dennis Bermudez in the finale. He's had five fights in the UFC since then, winning three and losing two.
2. He's more of an all rounder than Miller
15 of Miller's 21 wins came via submission, he's a specialist. In contrast, Brandao can mix it up. With nine knockouts, 5 submissions, and 4 decisions, McGregor won't have the luxury of focusing on one style of combat. However, the only KO associated with Brandao since his move to the UFC was when Dustin Poirier dominated him in December.
3. He'll give McGregor a reach advantage
With Miller standing at 6'1 with a 76' reach, McGregor would have had to get in tight and stop Miller's jab. With Brandao standing at roughly the same height, but giving up two or three inches in his reach, it will give McGregor the option of fighting from the outside. Known for his speed, this could be a huge advantage for the Irishman.
4. He pulled out of his last fight, he may be injured
Scheduled to fight newcomer Brian Ortega just last weekend at the TUF Brazil finale, he pulled out with an undisclosed injury just days before the fight. Obviously not a serious enough injury to keep him out long term, he should be fit for July 19th, but McGregor will be hoping he won't have to prepare for another fighter yet again.
5. He's going to have a great corner team
Training in Greg Jackson's camp, he gets to work with the guys who've been involved with Georges St.Pierre, Jon Jones, Cub Swanson, Frank Mir, Diego Sanchez, and Clay Guida. Jackson's client list reads like a who's who of UFC fighters, and as long as they aren't sidetracked by their bigger stars, this will be a huge asset to the Brazilian.
