Conor McGregor - 5 things we learned about 'Notorious' after UFC 189
Conor Mcgregor is the face of Irish MMAJust the mention of the name Conor McGregor draws visceral yet passionate reactions. 50% of the MMA world think of him as the lord and savior who can do no wrong. The other 50% think he’s an overhyped phony being given a push he doesn’t deserve. It’s almost impossible to have a calm, logical discussion about the Irishman especially after UFC 189.His star is brighter than it has ever been and both groups of people are doubling down on their stance. Amidst the pandemonium that surrounds him, we take a look at what we learnt about Conor after his win over Chad Mendes.
#1 One of the best strikers in MMA regardless of weight class
As a striker, McGregor is effortless. His stand up is very natural unlike other elite strikers like Lawler and Macdonald who while devastating standing up are so much more methodical. Conor seems to make stuff up as he goes. He puts together combinations that haven’t been seen and are so out of the box that they can’t be trained for. Nobody else in MMA throws three spinning back kicks or that double jab left cross combination. What’s even more devastating about him is that he can attack from every direction. Some of the best fighters can only land their shots when they move forward, some need to circle to the outside to open up angles, but McGregor can do it from everywhere.
His shot accuracy is also frightening. It’s unprecedented how many shots he manages to not only land, but land exactly where he wanted it. His background as an amateur boxer and relentless work ethic all add to his arsenal on the feet. It’s difficult to think of a fighter more devastating in the stand-up department than Conor. Joanna Jedrzejczyk is probably the only active member of the UFC roster who can compete with him in that department. If striking is an art then McGregor may not be Picasso, but he isn’t too far off.