KUALA LUMPUR - 2021 marks the year when UFC fans around the world witnessed the great Conor McGregor hit the canvas when the Irish-born fighter was knocked out by American Dustin Poirier earlier today.
The Conor McGregor we see today is not the loud, eccentric person he once was. These days, Conor seems much calmer and more focused.
The same goes with Dustin Poirier ─ the hot-headed fighter also appears calmer. Yes, he is still aggressive with his combination strikes, but now, he chooses when to execute.
Although this fight could have gone either way ─ as this was not the same Dustin that Conor faced previously ─ a knockout loss seemed far from possible in the minds of UFC fans.
If Conor lost the bout, at most, a decision or submission would have been more likely. Even then, a submission would have proven difficult for Dustin, because as much as we would not want to admit, Conor does have a good takedown defence.
So, what happened? Well, leg kicks is what happened.
These days, Conor's style is more boxing-oriented; he has a wide stance that enables him to time his punches.
Unfortunately, a wide stance leaves his legs open to kicks ─ something Conor should have realised, given that leg kicks was his most effective weapon against Nate Diaz (when they met for the second time).
Apart from inflicting pain, leg kicks become an obstacle for proper footwork and jabs as a hurt lead leg makes it difficult to step in while delivering a jab.
From a technical viewpoint, when Dustin delivered those beautiful leg kicks, it was apparent that Conor's leg was 'dead'.
This was the perfect time for Dustin to release his cannons, and fire them he did.
Under Dustin’s blitz, Conor did well to slip and duck but it proved too little too late.
Conor would have had a better chance getting off the cage and back into the middle of the Octagon but, perhaps, the dead lead leg hindered that option.
What’s next for the Irishman, then? He clearly wants to get back into the Octagon, but who would prove to be a worthy opponent?
Well, given that Tony Ferguson just came off two consecutive losses, a matchup with Conor would be unpredictable yet entertaining. ─ The Vibes, January 24, 2021
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