Two top UFC featherweights have predicted that Conor McGregor will be very disappointed with the outcome of his title bout against Jose Aldo.
Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber are set to throw down in the main event of the UFC’s first Philippines-based event at the weekend.
Despite the fact that the two are preparing to knock seven shades of shite out of each other in Manila, they do agree on one thing, the result of the headline bout at UFC 189;
Number two-ranked featherweight Frankie Edgar thinks that Conor McGregor striking-heavy style means he has a chance against long-standing feather weight champ, Jose Aldo. However, he added that a McGregor win is still a bit of a long shot.
“It will be a seminal fight for Conor. Jose has the type of style that Conor could excel against. But I have to side with the champion because he’s been fighting at the highest level for so long. I’m not sure if Conor has fought someone like Jose yet.”
“Conor is very good with his stand-up fighting – he’s very unpredictable and relaxed. I wouldn’t be surprised if Conor wins because there’s still so much that’s unknown about him. Maybe he is the Second Coming like he’s been telling everyone!”
Many felt that Edgar was unlucky to miss out on another crack at Aldo’s belt, when the Irish man was given the nod. Edgar was coming off a dominant victory over then top five-fighter Cub Swanson when McGregor was handed a title shot after annihilating much lower-ranked Dennis Siver.
Edgar was instead matched up against Faber, although he still seems a bit sore over losing out on the title shot to McGregor.
“There was some disappointment at first that Conor got a title shot before me but I expected it because of the hype around him. He’s had everything handed to him to make sure he got the chance to fight for the belt.”
“But based on what we know, I’d pick Aldo to beat McGregor.”
Meanwhile, Edgar’s next opponent Faber has also weighed in his opinion on the marquee fight at UFC 189. Although, he was a lot less complimentary to McGregor’s abilities.
“We know that Conor has lost twice by submission earlier in his career. He was willing to give up twice, we know that. He tapped out to a choke and a knee hold, which is a move where you give up before it becomes a problem because you’re anticipating pain. I’ve seen that he is capable of giving up and I’ve proved that I am certainly not.”
“Aldo has the advantage, he will win. I’m not sure if he’ll breeze past McGregor but he’ll win.”
Judging by these comments, McGregor could well be facing either Edgar or Faber in his next trip to the Octagon after UFC 189.
Hat-tip to Sky
