Former UFC welterweight contender Dan Hardy’s prediction for UFC 202’s main event is very intriguing.
The Outlaw has not fought since being diagnosed with the heart condition Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. While he has been waiting to see if he will be medically cleared to step inside the Octagon again, Hardy has spent the last three years working as an analyst for the UFC.
He’s been praised for his fight breakdowns and his commentary work for the promotion and has solidified himself as one of the best analysts in the game. So when he was asked to give his prediction for the highly anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz at UFC 202, you were pretty much guaranteed to get an interesting answer, and boy did Hardy deliver.
ANALYSIS: Five factors that contributed to Conor McGregor's loss to Nate Diaz https://t.co/3M8obN1h2I
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 8, 2016
Unsurprisingly, Hardy expects McGregor to build his game around trying to land that devastating left hand, the one that has seen so many fighters crumble, but he believes we’ll see more kicks from the Dubliner this time around. As for Diaz, he doesn’t expect the Stockton native to change much for the sequel.
“I expect Conor to try and pace himself early on – not without pressure, but without the heavy focus on landing his powerful left hand. I think his attack will be more varied, and I think we will see a lot more of his kicking game.”
“For Diaz, he will start steady and try to counter McGregor’s attack. If Conor is commanding the centre, look for Nate to try and back him up with boxing pressure. The Diaz game plan is to pressure you until either you break and fall to the floor, or you shoot. I doubt it will change for this fight.”
One interesting prediction Hardy made was McGregor potentially utilising the takedown to try to show off his iu-jitsu skills. This would be a very bold move considering Diaz is a black-belt in BJJ, should hold an advantage on the ground and has the potential to submit just about anybody off his back.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if we saw McGregor take Diaz to the floor towards the end of a round though, just to prove the point that he isn’t intimidated by Nate’s Jiu Jitsu skills.”
If you see McGregor shooting for a takedown towards the end of a round, don’t say Hardy didn’t warn you.
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour Hurling Show Wooly and the lads reflect on a monumental weekend of action. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
Watch UFC 202®: DIAZ vs. McGREGOR 2 live on BT Sport from 1am BST on the morning of Sunday, August 21st and catch the Early Prelims from 11:30pm on Saturday 20th, live on UFC Fight Pass.
