DID CONOR MCGREGOR PROVE HIMSELF?
McGregor Finishes Off Game Mendes
Los Angeles, CA-The much-discussed Conor McGregor (18-2) got the biggest win of his career against Chad Mendes (17-3) on Saturday night, but just how much did it mean? Mendes took the fight on about two weeks notice and seemed to gas out after about a round, but Conor was able to capitalize on the situation and defeat his opponent by TKO 2 at 4:57 of round two.
MENDES OWNED CONOR WHILE GRAPPLING
Mendes is one of the best wrestlers in the featherweight (145 lb.) division and was able to take McGregor down 3 times on 4 attempts. He was unable to avoid the thunderous left hand of the Irishman, which connected and dropped him before McGregor landed a few more to bring a swift end to the contest.
DID MENDES PEN BLUEPRINT ON BEATING CONOR?
McGregor did not look so great on the ground, but was able to weather the storm and landed several hard body kicks to wear down the tough Mendes. Frankie Edgar (19-4-1) may be a fighter who can exploit Conor’s grappling deficiencies.
TRAINERS LOVE TO SPIN “B. S.” TALES
According to Team McGregor, he had absolutely no wrestling training in the buildup to the Mendes fight, so perhaps with a bit more preparation he will be able to stuff more take-down attempts in the future. The reason for this lack of wrestling was McGregor having a knee injury that was not completely healed until two weeks before UFC 189.
FRANKIE EDGAR AVOIDED, DUCKED, BYPASSED, UNMENTIONED!
Mendes was called in at nearly the last minute and it seems to many the UFC Prez Dana White kept McGregor away from Edgar for a reason. Former lightweight (155) king Edgar posed a far greater thought in the minds of many, thus Mendes. And do not hold your breath waiting for McGregor-Edgar.
FIGHT OF THE YEAR ON UNDERCARD?
Rory MacDonald Before UFC 189
Robbie Lawler-Rory MacDonald II is one of those fights that will be remembered for years. It very well may be the fight of the year for 2015, and both men left the cage bloodied and bruised. Robbie Lawler (26-10, 1 NC) is the UFC welterweight (170) champ for a reason, and he proved it with yet another come-from-behind victory.
LAWLOR KING OF LATE ROUND REBOUNDS
Down 39-37 on all three scorecards, Lawler became a plastic surgeon in the last two rounds, and helped “the Red King” live up to his nickname by turning his face into a crimson mask. The Canadian was virtually unrecognizable after the fight, as he took vicious shots for over 4 rounds before “Ruthless” finished him off with punches at exactly one minute of round 5.
WHERE DO THEY GO FROM HERE?
Rory MacDonald One Day After UFC 189
It was a clash that will shorten both men’s careers, one that will set MacDonald back for a few years. As long as Lawler is champ, it will be difficult for him to get another shot, as the American has now handed him two of his three career defeats. MacDonald managed to give Lawler one of the worst split lips you will ever see, but it was not enough to dethrone one of the best all-around mixed martial artists in the world. Lawler has unfinished business with Johny Hendricks (17-3) that we will see unfold in the near future, while Rory will be looking to rest and rebuild.
ELLENBERGER CONTINUES DOWNWARD SLIDE
Jake Ellenberger (30-10) was once one of the most feared fighters at welter. Now, “The Juggernaut” has lost 4 of his last 5, with the only one win coming over a shadow of Josh Koscheck (17-10) who should probably retire after having lost five straight.
TUF MAIN EVENT LAST FIGHT OF “FIGHT WEEK”
Stephen Thompson (11-1) is a rising prospect who knocked Ellenberger out with a highlight reel spinning hook kick in just 4:29 in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale.
RETIRE JAKE BEFORE YOU NEED ITEM PICTURED
In my reirement call of the week, I call upon Mr Ellenberger to hang up the gloves for good. He had a decent MMA career, but has declined to the point that he is being knocked out by prospects.
CYBORG SANTOS DESTROYS FOE IN 45 SECONDS
Cris “Cyborg” Santos steamrolled another girl at the all female Envicta Fighting Championships card that was part of International Fight Week on Thursday and defended her 145 lb. crown. Her opponent’s name does not matter, for all the world wants is Ronda Rousey-Chris Santos. Stay tuned!
TWO TIME EX-UFC KING MIR ON FOX SPORTS 1 WEDNESDAY
UFC Fight Night 71-Mir Vs Duffee on July 15 from San Diego will feature another guy who needs to retire. Former UFC heavyweight (265) champion Frank Mir (17-9) had a better career than Ellenberger, but should still retire regardless of whether he is successful tonight.
“UNDERDOG” MIR CERTAINLY LOOKS SECOUND BEST
If he loses to Todd Duffee (9-2), as I believe he will, that should certainly be a wrap for the 36-year-old Mir. He may have knocked out the underachieving Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (18-7-1) in his last fight, but Mir is just 1-4 in his last 5. If he is successful tonight against Duffee, which is certainly not out of the question, it will be a great opportunity for Mir to go out on a high note.
Zack “Attack” Young
UFC FIGHT WEEK 2015 NOTEBOOK