UFC: Jorge Masvidal Predicts Conor McGregor vs ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone
The last time Conor McGregor fought, Jorge Masvidal hadn’t fought for a year and was on a two fight losing skid. Fast forward fifteen months and the 35 year old is now one of the biggest names in the sport. While McGregor is set to return against ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone this weekend at UFC 246.
After an incredible 2019, which saw him win multiple awards on Ariel Helwani’s 2019 Nose Awards For Top MMA Performances, ‘Gamebred’ goes into 2020 with the MMA world at his feet. And should McGregor beat ‘Cowboy’ at UFC 246, it could set up a huge showdown between the two later this year.
Speaking with Submission Radio (as transcribed by MMA Fighting), Masvidal gave his prediction for how the McGregor vs ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone fight will play out.
“Conor’s amazing off the blocks. I think he’s got great timing. While guys are getting their timing, Conor’s already coming in with the timing. He already has their timing by the time you go to your timing. Good power, [and] good confidence in it. I would rank Conor one of the better starters of the sport. Donald, on the other hand, is more of a rhythm fighter. He takes a little bit to work at it. He puts his feints together, his movements, starts gauging speeds, see how fast, how strong they’re throwing.
“So, he works on that, and he’s like a rhythm fighter. So, with time he does a little bit better, and I think he’s got a little bit better endurance than Conor as well. So, if ‘Cowboy’ comes out and he’s like a dual threat, it becomes more of a problem, then I start to lean more to ‘Cowboy’. If he just comes out flatfooted and he’s in front of Conor, I heavily go towards Conor, man.”
While Masvidal heavily favours McGregor going into the UFC main event, he isn’t ruling out a ‘Cowboy’ getting the job done. Especially if he enters the Octagon with the right strategy.
“It’s just tailor-made for Conor. Flatfooted, right-handed fighter is just custom made for a southpaw with a decent left hand. So, it can be interesting, because even in that mayhem ‘Cowboy’ can land the knee; he could land the kick. He’s the bigger guy. But I think it really depends on ‘Cowboy’, what kind of strategy he comes out with.”
While McGregor vs ‘Cowboy’ is a real fan favourite fight, many fans have accused the Irishman of ducking trickier opponents on his return. While Masvidal acknowledges that Conor could have chosen a tougher opponent, he’s quick to point out that ‘Cowboy’ is no slouch.
“He’s back to fight a top contender. He’s not picking no slouch, he’s fighting a stud in ‘Cowboy’. It’s an older ‘Cowboy’ that’s been through a lot of wars, yes, but it’s still ‘Cowboy’. Not only is he a draw, but he’s a very competitive individual. I think he’s like number five or six in the world right now. So, he’s definitely no slouch.
“Were there tougher fights? Of course, there was probably tougher fights. But it’s a great fight. I’ll be tuning in and I’ll be watching.”
Masvidal has consistently stated that he would like to fight McGregor this year and although ‘The Notorious’ has stated that it’s a fight he’s interested in, Jorge isn’t confident that the fight will happen.
“I don’t know if Conor wins it means that he fights me. I really don’t know that. I don’t think so. From watching interviews, hearing things, I don’t think so, man. I think buddy goes a different path, man.
“Maybe I’m just looking into the future. But I don’t think so. I think I’m gonna end up making owl soup [against Kamaru Usman] at some point this year.”
How do you think the Conor McGregor vs ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone fight goes at UFC 246?
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