Point: Welterweight advantages
Though the announcement of this matchup at welterweight seems to polarize the public and pundits alike, I suspect this came as the result of a shortened camp/the somewhat rushed nature of this booking.
McGregor has also seemed very optimistic about operating at this weight in the past, but I can’t help but think that this weight class favors Cerrone.
Not only does “Cowboy” have more experience at 170 pounds (6-4 in this division opposed to McGregor’s 1-1), but one could argue that the 13-year vet is more durable when not having to make the cut to 155 pounds – especially in this more advanced stage of his career.
Counterpoint: Welterweight disadvantages
When it comes to disadvantages related to these two fighting at welterweight, I can’t help but wonder about the cardio of McGregor.
Although the former champ-champ demonstrated an improved ability to manage his pace at the previously-mentioned UFC 202, his explosive nature and athletic make up traditionally makes him less dangerous (at least from a one-shot knockout perspective) as the fight wears on into the later rounds.
It’s hard to see this fight not being five rounds, so pace management will be something to watch for if this scrap doesn’t end early.
Next page: Early odds and leans
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