Much of the hype leading to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 194 have so far featured what Conor McGregor is doing and his inputs as far as his much awaited showdown with Jose Aldo is concerned.
Off the Octagon, McGregor is simply being himself. He is seen as a revolutionary fighter who owns an awesome offensive sock with his strikes. But will those be enough to fend off a seasoned Aldo who has only lost once way back in 2005 to Luciano Azevedo?
Aside from that, Aldo has proven what he can do. He has faced several fighters and just recently, there were three of them who weighed in on the chances of McGregor on Aldo.
Kenny Florian puts questions McGregor's achievements, although he does recognize the Irishman's talent. He believes that his striking ability is phenomenal and something that will give Aldo some pressure and problems at UFC 194.
Manny Gamburyan, on the other hand, offers a straightforward input, saying that McGregor's success was a result of his aggressive behavior outside the octagon rather than talent, which Aldo has proven to have. He feels that in terms of talents, Aldo still has the edge and believes such will stand out when both protagonists meet next week.
Chris Mickle shares almost the same views with Gamburyan, believing that McGregor doesn't stand a chance against Aldo.
While the inputs seem logical, one cannot take away the fact that McGregor does have a decent arsenal as well if he did not talk too much and add so much color which seems to have overshadowed his capabilities.
But the scary part right now is that Aldo has been mum and focused. One can just imagine how Holly Holm kept a quiet stance only to let her actions do the work and knock out Ronda Rousey.
Could lightning strike twice? Aldo is a good fighter and is oozing with talent. As long as he stays focused, he certainly holds a bit of an edge. But if McGregor succeeds in goating him mentally, all that goes out the window.
Aldo and McGregor are set to finally face at UFC 194 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 12, starting at 10 p.m. EST and 7 p.m. PST.
