UFC 194: Aldo vs Mcgregor Predictions!!!

This Saturday the UFC will host one of the most anticipated fights in recent history when Jose Aldo defends his featherweight title against Conor McGregor. Both men were scheduled to fight July 16th but Aldo pulled out due to a rib injury and since then the tension between the two men has been threatening to spill over. This fight is a story of two polar opposite fighters who share the same coveted goal, the UFC featherweight championship belt.

Conor McGregor has come from relative obscurity to become a household name in the MMA world, from his brash and flamboyant attitude to his decisive and emphatic knock out victories, McGregor has become the star of the show. With an army of Irish fans and support behind him he has single handedly taken the UFC to a new stratosphere. Whilst the other star attractions in UFC have come to a halt, McGregor in his Bentley and custom made designer suits continues to drive the company forward. Where others have successfully talked a good game only to capitulate under the lights, McGregor has excelled in carrying out the hardest part of combat sports, winning.

If McGregor has shot to fame through his personality and exuberance Jose Aldo has taken the quiet road but in no less ruthless fashion. Aldo has an equally impressive winning streak one that has seen him hand out vicious defeats to unlucky victims. If McGregor is the Joker, Aldo is batman. The Brazilian is a humble and quiet man who is widely recognised as one of the best pound for pound fighters in the UFC. Perhaps it is these qualities that have prevented him from reaching the superstar status McGregor has attained. Currently holding a record of 8 title defences, Jose Aldo is the undisputed king of the division and on Saturday night he will be hoping to solidify his status at the pinnacle of the sport.

McGregor is coming off a big win over Chad Mendes and has racked up a streak of 4 straight knock out wins. His striking and movement have bamboozled opponents on most occasions and a big factor in that is his reach and footwork. His long arms enable him to keep fighters at a distance where he can land shots without taking any damage and if they do come forward he has the fleet footedness to manoeuvre out of the way. Another key attribute is his ability to dictate the pace. If McGregor is allowed to dictate the distance,pace and the tempo of the fight he will have his opponent tasting the canvas.

Jose Aldo may just be the most complete fighter in the UFC. He is quick,explosive and his Muay Thai striking is viscously effective. His leg kicks are the best in the sport and one aspect of his game that people overlook is his ground game, which he currently holds a black belt in. Aldo came into the UFC leaving a trail of victims behind who could not withstand his striking ferocity but as he has matured so has his style. Gone is the brutal and eye catching victories and in its place a more composed and efficient killer has been born.

Prediction:
This is a very intriguing fight stylistically mainly due to both fighters contrasting fighting style. McGregor has a very illusive style and his striking will cause Aldo problems, especially if he lands a good shot he could have him in trouble. Equally,Aldo's explosive striking will ask questions of McGregor who has not fought this calibre of fighter. Both guys can take a punch so I do not expect either to be finished but I expect both to be hesitant and respectful at the start and as the fight unravels we will see a more open contest. Aldo has been out for more than a year and ring rust may be an issue here whilst McGregor has been battle tested thoroughly this year which will afford him a advantage in sharpness. Aldo's leg kicks could be the difference on the night though. McGregor fights with a wide stance and Aldo has chopping kicks which could hinder McGregor's movement. Question marks arise when we consider how these guys will cope with 5 rounds. McGregor has never gone 5 whilst Aldo has had stamina issues in the past but you would still give the edge to Aldo because he has been 5 rounds enough times to understand importance of the championship rounds. Mendes showed us that the wrestling rumours surrounding McGregor were true and despite Aldo not being known for his take downs, if he can get McGregor down he could have some success there.Ultimately I think Aldo will retain his title on Saturday night. I see Aldo staying very compact and measured whilst Conor will look to rile him and bring him out of his shell. Aldo will pick his shots and use his leg kicks to stop McGregor in his tracks. McGregor will have luck early on in the fight but I feel as though Aldo has the all round game and experience to see this through to a decision win.

Aldo win via Unanimous Decision

Thoughts and predictions?