Connor vs Khabib the update after

[FlaccoNumba5]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Just here to say that Conor is nowhere near being the goat. Also to say that Nate Diaz is extremely overrated and should be a B+ fighter at best.

[WarMMA]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Well he avenged that too.

He did, but unlike against the other guys, he initially lost...that's why I said that. And tbh, the 2nd could have gne either way. To this day I still say Nate is the toughest fight for Conor solely cuz of the fact that he has a granite chin and Conor can't put him away with that left like everybody else. He makes Conor really have to push.

[Kingslayer04]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

He did, but unlike against the other guys, he initially lost...that's why I said that. And tbh, the 2nd could have gne either way. To this day I still say Nate is the toughest fight for Conor solely cuz of the fact that he has a granite chin and Conor can't put him away with that left like everybody else. He makes Conor really have to push.

Oh for sure, styles make fights and all that. As for the second - it was a close fight but I thought Conor won it, no controversy there.
As far as tough fights go, Ferguson might be a terrible match for him. Great chin, great cardio, no quit in him, incredible BJJ, and Conor likely won't be able to get in his head (not that he's some cool cucumber anyway though). But he's quite hittable, + presses and Conor loves people coming at him. Ferguson might press him too much for his liking however. Ah, that would be a great fight to see

[Good Grappler]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

It will no doubt cement Conor as one of the best to ever do it, but definitely not the best MMA competitor ever though. Thats a bit much. Conor has yet to defend a title. To be the best mma competitor ever, you have to at least win and defend a belt imo. For me, best mma competitor ever would have to be between Jones and Anderson, and one can easily make the argument now that those guys were cheaters.

Oh I know he wouldn’t be the most accomplished or credentialed or anything. I’m talking strictly skill level, and only IF he beats Khabib.

I just feel as though Khabib is on such a high level right now. He dominates fighters on the ground with a consistency and domination you just don’t see. Even GSP had to watch his Ps and Qs, work hard to pass the guard, throw GnP cautiously. With Khabib, there’s literally no struggle at all when he gets to the ground. There is no struggle to pass his opponents guard, or defend himself from sweeps. He gets them down, completely renders guard play useless, goes directly to a dominant position and begins to beat the **** out of them.

The first takedown of the RDA fight was when I first realized that Khabib is on a level of his own. Khabib shot a takedown and RDA did EVERYTHING right: he got an immediate underhook, moved his hips back, locked his hands together. Then Khabib proceeded to break the rules of what’s possible in MMA, lifting RDA off his feet (RDA still had an underhook) and setting him down easily.

Reason I say he would be the GOAT if he beats Khabib is:

McGregor’s MMA striking is already so unique and effective. He’s already at the highest level of striking in MMA. But his grappling is considered his weakness. Whereas Khabib is the most dominant, feared grappler in MMA today. If Conor is able to overcome the GRAPPLING of the best grappler around, it would be quite the feat.

Being said, same goes for Khabib. If he beats Conor, who’s gonna outstrike him? Who can beat him if not a great striker?

[Kingslayer04]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Oh I know he wouldn’t be the most accomplished or credentialed or anything. I’m talking strictly skill level, and only IF he beats Khabib.

I just feel as though Khabib is on such a high level right now. He dominates fighters on the ground with a consistency and domination you just don’t see anymore. Even GSP has to watch his Ps and Qs, work hard to pass the guard, throw GnP cautiously. Khabib just breaks the rules of everything when it comes to grappling in MMA. There’s literally no struggle at all when he gets to the ground. There is no struggle to pass his opponents guard, or defend himself from sweeps. He gets them down, completely renders guard play useless, goes directly to a dominant position and begins to beat the **** out of them. There’s no competitiveness or struggles at all, he just takes them down and punches them in the face.

The first takedown of the RDA fight was when I first realized that Khabib is on his own level of wrestling. Khabib shot a takedown and RDA did EVERYTHING right: he got an immediate underhook, moved his hips back, locked his hands together. He seemingly defended the takedown and had an underhook on Khabib. Then Khabib proceeded to break the rules of what’s possible in MMA, lifting RDA off his feet (RDA still had an underhook) and setting him down easily.

Reason I say he would be the GOAT if he beats Khabib is:

McGregor’s MMA striking is already so unique and effective. He’s already at the highest level of striking in MMA. But his grappling is considered his weakness. Whereas Khabib is the most dominant, feared grappler in MMA today. If Conor is able to overcome the GRAPPLING of the best grappler around, it would be quite the feat.

Being said, same goes for Khabib. If he beats Conor, who’s gonna outstrike him? Who can beat him if not a great striker?

If Conor can't drop him coming in I don't know who the hell will. But the way he chases people for the takedown, against Conor that's a killer left waiting to happen.

[WarMMA]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Oh for sure, styles make fights and all that. As for the second - it was a close fight but I thought Conor won it, no controversy there.
As far as tough fights go, Ferguson might be a terrible match for him. Great chin, great cardio, no quit in him, incredible BJJ, and Conor likely won't be able to get in his head (not that he's some cool cucumber anyway though). But he's quite hittable, + presses and Conor loves people coming at him. Ferguson might press him too much for his liking however. Ah, that would be a great fight to see

Yup I still really wanna see that fight tbh. Ferguson would get finished if he couldnt get it to the ground imo though. He's waay too hittable. Even Lee dropped him.

[Good Grappler]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

If Conor can't drop him coming in I don't know who the hell will. But the way he chases people for the takedown, against Conor that's a killer left waiting to happen.

I know. It’s gonna be dominant one way or the other IMO. It’s either Khabib gets destroyed on the feet, or McGregor gets destroyed on the ground.

We never know though.

What if Khabib actually holds his own and even wins some exchanges on the feet? He won a 50-43 decision in a striking match against one of the best boxers at LW. He can definitely strike.

What if McGregor is able give Khabib problems in the grappling? He completely outgrappled Max Holloway on a whim just cause his knee blew out. Made Alvarez’s wrestling look like childs play. McGregor is very crafty from top position, if some odd scramble sees McGregor land on top, he could certainly control or even pass the guard of Khabib.

Khabib has been taken down before, and the LAST thing he’d expect is a takedown. McGregor has great timing and distance control... if he can catch Khabib off guard and get on top, I certainly think he could control him.

[Kingslayer04]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Yup I still really wanna see that fight tbh. Ferguson would get finished if he couldnt get it to the ground imo though. He's waay too hittable. Even Lee dropped him.

I'd like to see him fight everyone in that division, Ferguson, Lee, Poirier, Gaethje, Barboza even. We know how likely that is to happen though. I do feel if he loses against Khabib he might feel like he has something to prove and could fight Ferguson at least. They could run him vs. Khabib back but if he gets mauled...maybe not. If he wins we won't see him for another 2 years, if at all.

[WarMMA]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Oh I know he wouldn’t be the most accomplished or credentialed or anything. I’m talking strictly skill level, and only IF he beats Khabib.

I just feel as though Khabib is on such a high level right now. He dominates fighters on the ground with a consistency and domination you just don’t see. Even GSP had to watch his Ps and Qs, work hard to pass the guard, throw GnP cautiously. With Khabib, there’s literally no struggle at all when he gets to the ground. There is no struggle to pass his opponents guard, or defend himself from sweeps. He gets them down, completely renders guard play useless, goes directly to a dominant position and begins to beat the **** out of them.

The first takedown of the RDA fight was when I first realized that Khabib is on a level of his own. Khabib shot a takedown and RDA did EVERYTHING right: he got an immediate underhook, moved his hips back, locked his hands together. Then Khabib proceeded to break the rules of what’s possible in MMA, lifting RDA off his feet (RDA still had an underhook) and setting him down easily.

Reason I say he would be the GOAT if he beats Khabib is:

McGregor’s MMA striking is already so unique and effective. He’s already at the highest level of striking in MMA. But his grappling is considered his weakness. Whereas Khabib is the most dominant, feared grappler in MMA today. If Conor is able to overcome the GRAPPLING of the best grappler around, it would be quite the feat.

Being said, same goes for Khabib. If he beats Conor, who’s gonna outstrike him? Who can beat him if not a great striker?

I still wouldn't call him the GOAT if he beats Khabib, but I get where you're coming from. Khabib's grappling is definitely on another lvl and if he is indeed able to overcome Khabib's grappling, that puts him at the top of the LW division, cuz I do think he's the best striker at LW for sure. The way I see it though, Conor just has to defend the td's to win. It's really not a tough match up for him if he's able to do that cuz Khabib can't stand with him so if he has to, Conor will most likely tko him on the feet. So if he beats Khabib striking i'm really not impressed (GSP voice) cuz I don't consider Khabib a good striker, but if he overcomes his grappling and wins that would be no doubt impressive.

[Kingslayer04]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

I know. It’s gonna be dominant one way or the other IMO. It’s either Khabib gets destroyed on the feet, or McGregor gets destroyed on the ground.

We never know though.

What if Khabib actually holds his own and even wins some exchanges on the feet? He won a 50-43 decision in a striking match against one of the best boxers at LW. He can definitely strike.

What if McGregor is able give Khabib problems in the grappling? He completely outgrappled Max Holloway on a whim just cause his knee blew out. Made Alvarez’s wrestling look like childs play. McGregor is very crafty from top position, if some odd scramble sees McGregor land on top, he could certainly control or even pass the guard of Khabib.

Khabib has been taken down before, and the LAST thing he’d expect is a takedown. McGregor has great timing and distance control... if he can catch Khabib off guard and get on top, I certainly think he could control him.

Ooh, man, you make some very interesting points.

1. I don't think Khabib can win the striking exchanges, they wouldn't go favourably for him, but I do wonder what if he eats a left coming in but it doesn't drop him and he follows through with the takedown?

PS: oh and about Iaquinta, fearing the takedown makes a ton of difference, if it wasn't for that I don't think he would be anywhere near as successful.

2. Yeah, McGregor's grappling is such a mystery...he did outgrapple Holloway, he did control Alvarez, he X-guard swept Nate, spend time with Mendes on the ground... one can make a counter argument about most of these (short notice, Diaz doesn't care, etc.) but there's something there...

3. I don't think it's wise for McGregor to try to take Khabib down. It would certainly surprise him but...once the surprise fades away then what? Do you really think he could control him? And for how long? The round will end and that won't pass in the next. Let's not forget about Conor's stamina issues too.

Next thing you know McGregor knocks him out in 20 seconds and we learn **** all.

[WarMMA]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Well if Khabib has a chin and is able to eat Conors left hand like Diaz for example, Conor's in huge trouble. As far as Mcgregors grappling goes, I think he has good grappling but he seems better from top than on bottom for sure. He may be able to control Khabib from top for a bit, but Khabib seems to have a decent bottom game too from what i've seen. It may catch him off guard, but you don't play the grappling game with a grappler. That's like Khabib trying to stand and strike with Conor...he plays that game and he's likely screwed.

[OPSPunk]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

I know this is nitpicking and makes me a d***, but If you're going to say you've analyzed the crap out of this match up, please, please spell Conor with one "N."

I feel like people are doing you a disservice by not pointing that out to you so don't take it the wrong way. I'm only trying to improve your fandom.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Thank you for giving me the heads up. Anyway,

Connor's ground game is NOT that much of a mystery in this fight. I don't care how long he has been training with Danis. He is not going to be as good on the ground as Iaquinta, RDA or Michael Johnson who have been grappling their entire lives. Not too mention dude took a year off from grappling to prep for Floyd. Also, regarding Mendes, the only reason he got out from bottom was because Mendes got greedy and made the mistake of giving up position for a submission. Khabib will not do that. He prefers position and just tries to pulverize your face in.

[Good Grappler]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Ooh, man, you make some very interesting points.

1. I don't think Khabib can win the striking exchanges, they wouldn't go favourably for him, but I do wonder what if he eats a left coming in but it doesn't drop him and he follows through with the takedown?

PS: oh and about Iaquinta, fearing the takedown makes a ton of difference, if it wasn't for that I don't think he would be anywhere near as successful.

2. Yeah, McGregor's grappling is such a mystery...he did outgrapple Holloway, he did control Alvarez, he X-guard swept Nate, spend time with Mendes on the ground... one can make a counter argument about most of these (short notice, Diaz doesn't care, etc.) but there's something there...

3. I don't think it's wise for McGregor to try to take Khabib down. It would certainly surprise him but...once the surprise fades away then what? Do you really think he could control him? And for how long? The round will end and that won't pass in the next. Let's not forget about Conor's stamina issues too.

Next thing you know McGregor knocks him out in 20 seconds and we learn **** all.

Agree with everything you said so I’ll just respond to point 3.

I’m not saying he should be engaging in wrestling battles with Khabib. I’m just saying, if he find an opportunity to surprise Khabib and get on top, there’s nothing but positives to come of that.

1. Once the surprise fades then what?

...Go back to striking? It’s not like Conor needs to keep trying to wrestle. If he can surprise Khabib and get top position, that’s great. He’s under no obligation to commit to a grappling match or even commit to staying in this position. Conor can disengage at any time.

He’ll do what he can with the position, and if Khabib escapes, who cares? Let him work his way back to his feet, then forget it ever happened and go back to striking. There’s no downside for Conor. No matter what, it gives Khabib something else to think about.

2. Do you really think he could control him?

Possibly, but that’s not really the point. Conor only has to put in as much effort as he wants to. If he’s controlling Khabib, but then Khabib starts threatening with stuff, Conor can simply disengage. He’s under no obligation to do anything. Remember, Conor has an advantage striking, so it’s not like if Khabib escapes Conor would care.

So I think if he gets on top, Conor would do what feels comfortable; shut down a few escape attempts, maybe attempt a pass. But as soon as he feels Khabib gaining an advantage, boom, disengage.

3. Round ends/Conor stamina issues.

Again, doesn’t matter. Not like Conor’s obliged to continue wrestling for the rest of the fight.

[OPSPunk]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

There are nothing but nightmare matchups for Connor the rest of the way.

Tony - good chin. But his reach, grappling and ca cardio are going to be a real problem. He is basically Diaz but with more weapons. Tony will be fueled by Connors mind games

Kevin Lee - his grappling is not too far off from Khabibs. More submission based. but his striking his waaay tighter. Another reach advantage. Conor’s only hope is if he gets staph. I actually think he is the best guy in the division. Conor’s mind games won’t work

Pettis- this is an interesting fight cuz I haven’t seen Connor face a better kicker. The more I analyze this is if dgaf pettis shows up it could get interesting. I do think Conor could get in his head

Poier will get merked again

Diaz won’t care enough. If he gets the pay day he will retire

GSP- the worst possible match for connnor. It’s not even worth talking about

Woodley-if he beats khabib he should call for this fight. Not sure he could win but might be interesting if Woodley plays that backup strategy. Conor becomes GOAT no questions asked with that win

[Kingslayer04]

Re: Connor vs Khabib the update after

Agree with everything you said so I’ll just respond to point 3.

I’m not saying he should be engaging in wrestling battles with Khabib. I’m just saying, if he find an opportunity to surprise Khabib and get on top, there’s nothing but positives to come of that.

1. Once the surprise fades then what?

...Go back to striking? It’s not like Conor needs to keep trying to wrestle. If he can surprise Khabib and get top position, that’s great. He’s under no obligation to commit to a grappling match or even commit to staying in this position. Conor can disengage at any time.

He’ll do what he can with the position, and if Khabib escapes, who cares? Let him work his way back to his feet, then forget it ever happened and go back to striking. There’s no downside for Conor. No matter what, it gives Khabib something else to think about.

2. Do you really think he could control him?

Possibly, but that’s not really the point. Conor only has to put in as much effort as he wants to. If he’s controlling Khabib, but then Khabib starts threatening with stuff, Conor can simply disengage. He’s under no obligation to do anything. Remember, Conor has an advantage striking, so it’s not like if Khabib escapes Conor would care.

So I think if he gets on top, Conor would do what feels comfortable; shut down a few escape attempts, maybe attempt a pass. But as soon as he feels Khabib gaining an advantage, boom, disengage.

3. Round ends/Conor stamina issues.

Again, doesn’t matter. Not like Conor’s obliged to continue wrestling for the rest of the fight.

Well you're talking about perfect scenarios for Conor. I personally wouldn't take the "boom - disengage" thing for granted. He could easily end up in guard which is still top position, but isn't necessarily safe or easy to get out of. Reading your response I thought of the Alvarez fight where he could really "boom - disengage", but this may not be the case here. If he can get this perfect scenario and has Khabib like he did Alvarez in that weird position then fine but yeah, not a smart tactic all round. I still think all he would get from it is a brief surprise reaction and maybe a round, if he's had success in other areas prior to it, but not much other than that. Khabib won't worry about Conor taking him down after a first takedown, he'd embrace it - if Conor hasn't payed already. Plus he'll likely gas which would hamper both his grappling and striking from that point onwards.