Former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez is the latest to weigh in on this Saturday’s Conor McGregor vs Cowboy Cerrone bout.
The fight serves as the main event for UFC 246 and has practically put the majority of MMA news sites on pause. The event sold out almost immediately and pulled in a sizable gate to the surprise of no one who understands the business. Conor McGregor is a big money draw and his pay-per-view numbers have proven it time and time again. Putting his name opposite multiple UFC record holder Donald Cowboy Cerrone’s on a card was a brilliant move by Dana White because both men have zero F’s to give inside the cage and will bring it.
There are questions about both of them that need to be answered. What business if any does former featherweight king McGregor have at welterweight? Is Cowboy too much for the Irishman? What will happen next to each of them should the other win? However, the biggest question that needs answered is how and if the pair will implement their game plans successfully on Saturday.
Alvarez believes Cowboy’s odds of success are better if he gets after it early. He also believes the bout is between two lightweights who just don’t want to cut that extra weight. This means that neither of them will be drained -hopefully- from losing the extra water weight and then rehydrating. Alvarez made a really good point about Cowboy keeping McGregor at kicking distance and leaving him there. If Cowboy can nullify his boxing and get a few takedowns he has a much better chance of success.
Listen to all of what Alvarez says to Ariel Helwani. It’s worth it.