UFC DUBLIN 19th JULY **Start time info in post #1**

Whats the story with the Q&A its not started yet on youtube? Just saying please stand by

My UFC Dublin preview. Anyone agree/disagree with my picks?

Finally after five long years, the UFC returns to Ireland this Saturday night. Dublin's 02 will host the much anticipated event which will showcase some of Ireland's top MMA talent, including break out star Conor McGregor and Ultimate Fighter 19 contestant Cathal Pendred. The card isn't laden with major star power but has managed to gain serious hype on the back of Conor's outspoken personality and supreme confidence. This event has sparked more interest in the U.S. than most international fight nights with perennial MMA journalist of the year Ariel Helwani dubbing it 'the people's card.' He will be in Dublin all week to cover the event for mmafighting.com. On the back of Conor's first UFC win and appearance on The Late Late Show with Pendred, interest in MMA in Ireland has exploded. It's safe to assume the card would have sold out anyway with Ireland being starved of a UFC event for so long, multiple UFC post fight press conferences over the years were hit with the question, 'When is the UFC coming back to Dublin?' With the added interest and media attention of a home grown star, the tickets sold out in minutes. There is a feeling in the air, an atmosphere building, the idea that everyone in attendance at the 02 on July 19th is going to be a part of something special. Below we take an in-depth look at some of the night's main bouts.

Conor McGregor VS. Diego Brandao - Featherweight

Conor's original opponent, Cole Miller had to pull out of the fight due to a hand injury. It was disappointing as the pair had gone back and fourth in the media several times and were building a solid rivalry, however the UFC wasted little time in finding a replacement in the Brazilian Brandao. He is the winner of TUF 14, slick on the ground, explosive on the feet and always dangerous. In many ways it might be a better fight than against the more measured and technical Miller. It might also be a tougher test for McGregor, the fans are expecting a knockout. Conor's first UFC bout was a 1st round knockout, he won a decision in his next fight after injuring his knee. The injury kept him out of action for nearly a year, but it hasn't affected his confidence. He is accurate, fast and hits hard, he has excellent movement and a solid base on the ground. Diego will come forward throwing bombs and winging fight-ending haymakers. If Conor can keep his head and work on countering Diego as he comes forward, this will be a very quick fight. If it goes passed the first round and we see some action on the ground, Brandou's jiu-jitsu black belt might be enough to catch McGregor. Both fighters cardio could be tested, in that case Conor would seem to have the advantage based on Diego's history.

Pick: Conor McGregor by 1st round K.O.

Gunnar Nelson VS Zak Cummings - Welterweight

Highly rated Gunnar Nelson also trains at SBG in Dublin with the likes of McGregor and Pendred. Hailing from Iceland he is an impressive 12-0-1 in MMA. Including 3-0 in the UFC, with two 1st round submissions. He has a very strong Jiu-jitsu game and is underrated on the feet. Similarly to the main event his original opponent had to pull out. Stepping up to take on Nelson in the co main event is TUF alumni Zak Cummings. Since losing on the show he has amassed a two fight win streak in the UFC with one submission win and one via decision. It's definitely a step up in competition for Cummings who also possesses good jiu-jitsu. This fight may be contested on the ground and could go to decision if they cancel each other out in the submission game.

Pick: Gunnar Nelson by 1st round submission - Rear Naked Choke.

Brad Pickett VS. Ian McCall - Flyweight

This is undoubtedly the most anticipated fight on the card from a non Irish perspective. Two extremely popular and well known fighters who have fought the best of the best in two divisions. The English Pickett is no stranger to post fight bonuses and is coming off a win over Irish fighter Neill Seery who will also be appearing on this card. Brad has a technical brawling style which had endeared him to fans over the years and he notably has a win over the current UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. This is only his second fight at flyweight as he looks to make a run at the title. McCall has already fought the divisions champion twice, once in a bizarre draw and then dropping a decision. He is coming off a win over Iliarde Santos and looking to get back on track. He is technical and good everywhere, both fighters will need to dig deep in what promises to be a spectacular back and forth affair.

Pick: Ian McCall by decision, unanimous. (Fight of the Night)

Cathal Pendred VS. Mike King - Middleweight

On the under card Dublin's own Cathal Pendred will take on fellow TUF 19 cast mate, American Mike King. They both lost on the show via decision to eventual winner Eddie Gordon, however Cathal's loss was a controversial split decision. Pendred possesses one of the strongest wrestling games in Irish MMA and will look to secure a takedown early to go for the ground and pound finish. Mike King is also a talented wrestler and will hope to do the same. This may come down to who has the better gas tank and who has improved the most since their time on the show.

Pick: Cathal Pendred by decision, unanimous.

There are six more fights on the card including more Irish talent. Expect the arena to be full from as early as the first preliminary fight. This is without a doubt the most important day in history for Irish MMA. The atmosphere in the 02 will be incredible and hopefully the UFC will have no choice but to return to Ireland soon. If you failed to get a ticket, you can watch the fights on UFC fightpass or on 3e. Irish MMA has arrived.

DeVore wrote: »

anyone know where in the running Paddy is fighting? I don't want to miss that fight!

Have they started the Q&A presser at the weigh ins yet? Youtube is showing nothing but Starting Shortly...

Hes the first fight on the card!

Question for the more experienced MMA guys here, Mcgregor weighed in at 146 today, roughly what weight will he fight at tomorrow?

out of all the irish, he's the one I would be most surprised if he didn't...


Crazy not putting him on the main card, he's a great fighter.

Chase3 wrote: »

My UFC Dublin preview. Anyone agree/disagree with my picks?


Conor McGregor VS. Diego Brandao - Featherweight

Pick: Conor McGregor by 1st round K.O.

Gunnar Nelson VS Zak Cummings - Welterweight

Pick: Gunnar Nelson by 1st round submission - Rear Naked Choke.

Brad Pickett VS. Ian McCall - Flyweight



Pick: Ian McCall by decision, unanimous. (Fight of the Night)

Cathal Pendred VS. Mike King - Middleweight



Pick: Cathal Pendred by decision, unanimous.

No idea how the pendred fight will go, decision either way I guess.

all look good to me, def worth putting a few quid on I reckon if
you haven't already

gunni round one
pendred dec
mccall dec
conor round one

a little over 38/1 on paddy

edit, took that bet myself and same three with conor round 2 at 78/1

€40 for the mcgregor dethrone shirt too, no thanks.

The weigh in was class. Some atmosphere. The Q&A was ok. Some serious cringe questions. Cub Swanson came across really well. Thought Luke Barnett spoke well too. Forrest was great craic as always.

Wrongway1985 wrote: »

Seriously bad questions including my own tbf, but some lad talking about guys coming from the Ultimate fighter mentioned Chris Weidman as one of them... Oh dear

To be honest I've never heard a q&a without cringe questions but there's something about us Irish lads. We panic when we're speaking in public. Haha. What was your question dude?

Swashbuckler wrote: »

The weigh in was class. Some atmosphere. The Q&A was ok. Some serious cringe questions. Cub Swanson came across really well. Thought Luke Barnett spoke well too. Forrest was great craic as always.

The Q&A was great fun but seriously how many of the exact same Conor related questions had to be asked? Does Conor deserve a title shot? use your bloody loaf. Should Conor fight Chad Mendes for the interim title? just stfu please.

Would Cub Swanson fight Conor if he was asked? Well considering Cub is ranked #2 contender on a 6 fight win streak vs some top opponents and next in line for a shot at the belt, while Conor is outside top 10 fighting another fighter outside the top ten how about no.

Great entertainment otherwise, Luke Barnatt is a really cool intelligent guy always gave great answers. Cub & and Eddie were pretty good too and Forrest was great fun. Jimi Manuwa didn't look as comfortable as the other lads. It could have easily went on another hour as there was loads queuing up but alas all good things must come to an end. Roll on tomorrow.

Swashbuckler wrote: »

To be honest I've never heard a q&a without cringe questions but there's something about us Irish lads. We panic when we're speaking in public. Haha. What was your question dude?

It was about the 205 division not being as back and forth as it was in Forrests days as regards a new champ nearly every other fight but it was asked arseways! Ah well I met Barnatt and Cub afterwards so I can hold the head slightly high again.

Benny Cake wrote: »

Question for the more experienced MMA guys here, Mcgregor weighed in at 146 today, roughly what weight will he fight at tomorrow?

160 anyway i'd imagine?