Official Conor McGregor thread (part 2). Read warning in 1st post

Gamebred · 31-03-2016 10:44AM

DrPhilG wrote: »

Signing to fight Dos Anjos was the first time. He chose to chase the lightweight belt instead of defending the featherweight one. That time was somewhat acceptable though given that he had a shot at history.

This is his second time failing to defend the featherweight belt except this time it is for a completely meaningless fight.

Nobody gave a rats ass about the 145 division before Conor came along now people like you are crying for it to be defended like its going on a year or something.

TimRiggins · 31-03-2016 10:47AM

DrPhilG wrote: »

Signing to fight Dos Anjos was the first time. He chose to chase the lightweight belt instead of defending the featherweight one. That time was somewhat acceptable though given that he had a shot at history.

This is his second time failing to defend the featherweight belt except this time it is for a completely meaningless fight.

No it wasn't. McGregor was taking a fight in a time space that the only two contenders for a belt couldn't fight him. That isn't refusing to defend your belt, It's trying to make history. It wasn't somewhat acceptable, It's completely acceptable for a man to try and hold two belts at the same time.

Its a meaningless fight for everyone except for Conor. He wants to fight Nate again. Granted, I'd like to see him fight Frankie, he brings in the numbers, and what are the UFC going to do? Tell him he can't fight Nate? What if he refuses to fight anyone then? UFC 200 goes down the ****ter and struggles to do 800k+ PPV buys.

As I said, I would have liked to see him fight Frankie, but I think its commendable that he basically is taking the toughest fight he can, against the only guy in the UFC to beat him.

You post here regularly enough, you're a knowledgeable guy on the sport. Surprised at your reaction to be honest.

Swashbuckler · 31-03-2016 10:48AM

Devastator wrote: »

Aldo/Edgar is not the co-main.

So there is going to be another title fight...keeping with the bellator theme it could be Tank Abbott Vs Miesha Tate :pac::pac:

Seriously now....Lawlor v Conduit rematch? Tate v Holm/RR(I think they'll want to keep RR for a separate ppv IF she comes back). RDA v Alvarez?

100% RDA will be added to 200 and fight the winner of Ferguson v Khabib. Nice little backup for the UFC if Diaz gets injured then Conor slots in for the 155 belt vs RDA.

Swashbuckler · 31-03-2016 10:51AM

TimRiggins wrote: »

No it wasn't. McGregor was taking a fight in a time space that the only two contenders for a belt couldn't fight him. That isn't refusing to defend your belt, It's trying to make history. It wasn't somewhat acceptable, It's completely acceptable for a man to try and hold two belts at the same time.

Its a meaningless fight for everyone except for Conor. He wants to fight Nate again. Granted, I'd like to see him fight Frankie, he brings in the numbers, and what are the UFC going to do? Tell him he can't fight Nate? What if he refuses to fight anyone then? UFC 200 goes down the ****ter and struggles to do 800k+ PPV buys.

As I said, I would have liked to see him fight Frankie, but I think its commendable that he basically is taking the toughest fight he can, against the only guy in the UFC to beat him.

You post here regularly enough, you're a knowledgeable guy on the sport. Surprised at your reaction to be honest.

I really don't understand how people don't get why lads are pissed off that the FW champ is fit and healthy and is fighting two divisions up on a card where two guys are fighting for an interim belt in his division. Don't get me wrong I get why it's happening but I think if he's fit and healthy then defend the belt or drop it. This whole interim title thing is nonsense.

TimRiggins · 31-03-2016 10:51AM

Swashbuckler wrote: »

100% RDA will be added to 200 and fight the winner of Ferguson v Khabib. Nice little backup for the UFC if Diaz gets injured then Conor slots in for the 155 belt vs RDA.

Doubtful. If RDA is going to fight anyone at 200 it'll probably be Eddie Alvarez. End of April is probably just cutting it abit short of the winner of that one.

Swashbuckler · 31-03-2016 10:52AM

TimRiggins wrote: »

Doubtful. If RDA is going to fight anyone at 200 it'll probably be Eddie Alvarez. End of April is probably just cutting it abit short of the winner of that one.

Fair point. Either way I'd be shocked if RDA isn't defending the belt at 200

TimRiggins · 31-03-2016 10:55AM

Swashbuckler wrote: »

I really don't understand how people don't get why lads are pissed off that the FW champ is fit and healthy and is fighting two divisions up on a card where two guys are fighting for an interim belt in his division. Don't get me wrong I get why it's happening but I think if he's fit and healthy then defend the belt or drop it. This whole interim title thing is nonsense.

Yup it is. I'm not saying that he should fight Diaz again, but to say he's turning into a joke for wanting to fight the guy who just beat him is nonsense.

John_D80 · 31-03-2016 11:09AM

Swashbuckler wrote: »

I really don't understand how people don't get why lads are pissed off that the FW champ is fit and healthy and is fighting two divisions up on a card where two guys are fighting for an interim belt in his division. Don't get me wrong I get why it's happening but I think if he's fit and healthy then defend the belt or drop it. This whole interim title thing is nonsense.

People on both sides of that argument are both as stubborn as each other in fairness. Truth is, titles mean nothing anymore. Interim titles mean even less. Names, reputations and fighting styles are the new titles and they are what makes fights. Thats what happens when a promotion pays the majority of its fighters (champs included) peanuts and takes away their other opportunities to earn through sponsorship and endorsements.

Money talks and whatever will put more of it in the Fertitta's pockets before they sell the whole show is what will happen, simple as that. It seems Conor's timing is as good out of the ring as in it.

DrPhilG · 31-03-2016 11:51AM

Gamebred wrote: »

Nobody gave a rats ass about the 145 division before Conor came along now people like you are crying for it to be defended like its going on a year or something.

A UFC is not a bucket list item, like you just tick it off when it's achieved and move on to something else.

Every champion should defend their title.

And by the time Conor next defends the title it will be going on a year.

mdwexford · 31-03-2016 12:00PM

Creating an interim title in this situation is stupid.

The champion is not injured and is on the same card ffs.
Must be just to appease Aldo and Frankie, and so it can be a 5 rounder.

The UFC definitely owe McGregor after not pulling out and fighting Mendes and Nate on short notice. No other fighter in the company would have done the same in his situation, and rightly so imo.

DrPhilG · 31-03-2016 12:00PM

TimRiggins wrote: »

No it wasn't. McGregor was taking a fight in a time space that the only two contenders for a belt couldn't fight him.

I can't find the exact details, but as far as I remember when the rumours of RDA started, both Edgar and Aldo were campaigning for the fight. Edgar picked up an injury later that meant he couldn't step up at 196. Aldo was not fit but if he had been booked for a rematch he could have been.

When McGregor signed on the dotted line to face RDA, there were options for him to defend at FW. He chose to fight for the LW title instead, which as I say is perfectly understandable.

TimRiggins wrote: »

Its a meaningless fight for everyone except for Conor. He wants to fight Nate again.

I think its commendable that he basically is taking the toughest fight he can, against the only guy in the UFC to beat him.

You post here regularly enough, you're a knowledgeable guy on the sport. Surprised at your reaction to be honest.

I think it's commendable that he wants to avenge a defeat. But I think he should earn that rematch. Not just demand it because he knows he has a lot of clout.

He is taking the fight because of his ego. The UFC are agreeing to it because it is a money maker. Neither of those things mean that the fight makes sense for the sport.

TimRiggins · 31-03-2016 12:08PM

DrPhilG wrote: »

I can't find the exact details, but as far as I remember when the rumours of RDA started, both Edgar and Aldo were campaigning for the fight. Edgar picked up an injury later that meant he couldn't step up at 196. Aldo was not fit but if he had been booked for a rematch he could have been.

When McGregor signed on the dotted line to face RDA, there were options for him to defend at FW. He chose to fight for the LW title instead, which as I say is perfectly understandable.

I think it's commendable that he wants to avenge a defeat. But I think he should earn that rematch. Not just demand it because he knows he has a lot of clout.

He is taking the fight because of his ego. The UFC are agreeing to it because it is a money maker. Neither of those things mean that the fight makes sense for the sport.

Whatever about Frankie, No way could Aldo have competed, wouldn't have been medically cleared, and AFAIK Frankie tore his MRI in early-mid January so you can't say he refused the fight.

Yeah, well cutting Jared Rosholt doesn't make sense for the sport either, but the UFC is a ratings driven organisation. It wouldn't suprise me in the slightest if McGregor is planning on getting the Diaz fight back and then fight Frankie in MSG

DrPhilG · 31-03-2016 12:23PM

TimRiggins wrote: »

Whatever about Frankie, No way could Aldo have competed, wouldn't have been medically cleared, and AFAIK Frankie tore his MRI in early-mid January so you can't say he refused the fight.

Arguing this point is futile. Whether Aldo or Edgar were able to fight is moot. Holloway, Mendes, someone would have stepped up to face Conor for the belt at FW. But I don't deny that he made the right choice to take on RDA.

TimRiggins wrote: »

Yeah, well cutting Jared Rosholt doesn't make sense for the sport either, but the UFC is a ratings driven organisation. It wouldn't suprise me in the slightest if McGregor is planning on getting the Diaz fight back and then fight Frankie in MSG

On both those points we agree. I'm sure that is Conor's plan. And even if he loses to Diaz again I think he will face Edgar or Aldo in New York. I just don't think any champion at any weight should be allowed to abandon his or her throne for 2 fights in a row without a good sporting reason.

darced · 31-03-2016 12:29PM

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DrPhilG · 31-03-2016 12:41PM

It's the card placement that annoys me most.

An interim title is being created, not due to injury, but because the champion wouldn't be arsed defending his belt. And then that interim title fight has to sit further down the card to a non title fight, with no realistic title implications, which involves the very same champion who wouldn't be arsed!

John_D80 · 31-03-2016 12:47PM

darced wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Its been happening since the UFC put making its own money so far ahead of fighters right and best interests.

He will never just be an also-ran. He is so far ahead of anyone else in terms of earnings and wages that no matter what happens, he will for a long time yet (probably right up until he retires from the sport) be the highest paid fighter in the world while the rest are getting chump change by comparison. The majority of fighters out there would sell their souls and give up any dreams of a belt to be even on the first rung of the ladder he is climbing.

Titles mean nothing anymore, and the UFC made it that way.

Devastator · 31-03-2016 01:02PM

Swashbuckler wrote: »

100% RDA will be added to 200 and fight the winner of Ferguson v Khabib. Nice little backup for the UFC if Diaz gets injured then Conor slots in for the 155 belt vs RDA.

I thought I heard Alvarez had been promised(* yeah we know how UFC promises go but still) the next shot? I really think Khabib&Ferguson would need another win before getting a chance.

DrPhilG wrote: »

Arguing this point is futile. Whether Aldo or Edgar were able to fight is moot. Holloway, Mendes, someone would have stepped up to face Conor for the belt at FW. But I don't deny that he made the right choice to take on RDA.

I just want to check, so you're upset at McGregor for wanting to avenge a loss but you think he should have fought Holloway or Mendes(giving them chance to avenge a loss) for the belt who he had already, pretty convincingly enough, beaten?

DrPhilG wrote: »

An interim title is being created, not due to injury, but because the champion wouldn't be arsed defending his belt. And then that interim title fight has to sit further down the card to a non title fight, with no realistic title implications, which involves the very same champion who wouldn't be arsed!

IMO interim belts are pure BS, paper belts. I've always maintained this thinking(DC,McGregor after Mendes, TJ,etc) that you're not the champ until you beat the champ. Edgar/Aldo is basically a no.1 contender fight with the interim title as a little sweetner to keep both of them happy for the time being. McGregor is the biggest name in the UFC at present, I think it would be absurd for Aldo/Edgar to be higher on the card. Now if RL gets a title fight on this card that should go top billing without a doubt.

darced · 31-03-2016 01:09PM

This post has been deleted.

Gamebred · 31-03-2016 01:14PM

DrPhilG wrote: »

A UFC is not a bucket list item, like you just tick it off when it's achieved and move on to something else.

Every champion should defend their title.

And by the time Conor next defends the title it will be going on a year.

So what? what difference is a few months to your life when he defends it? stop crying about it and deal with the fact UFC dont care about anything other than maximizing profits,title fights are fairytale stuff offer the fighters a title fight or a fight for 15 million and lets see what they pick.

evil_seed · 31-03-2016 01:14PM

McGregor has been quoted as saying something along the lines of "I'll be a fighting champion"
Well that's just not happening. The RDA fight can be excused as he wanted the 10lbs heavier belt. He is allowed that one IMO as he was the champ below and eventhough it's rare in UFC, it's been done in boxing plenty of times and strikeforce. But to now not defend it having already lost at 170 is inexcusable with 2 legit no1 contenders available and now fighting each other on the same card. It's a joke at this stage and there is no integrity in these "titles" the fighters hold anymore

Gamebred · 31-03-2016 01:20PM

evil_seed wrote: »

McGregor has been quoted as saying something along the lines of "I'll be a fighting champion"
Well that's just not happening. The RDA fight can be excused as he wanted the 10lbs heavier belt. He is allowed that one IMO as he was the champ below and eventhough it's rare in UFC, it's been done in boxing plenty of times and strikeforce. But to now not defend it having already lost at 170 is inexcusable with 2 legit no1 contenders available and now fighting each other on the same card. It's a joke at this stage and there is no integrity in these "titles" the fighters hold anymore

If its a ''joke'' why dont you and the rest of the people slating the main event vote with your feet and not watch it? of course you wont you'll support the match making by tuning in.

Utopia Parkway · 31-03-2016 01:22PM

Do people actually care about the belts? I think history has shown that people care about big fights between big characters. The belts are just a prop. UFC know this too. If a big fight happens to be for a belt it's a nice bonus but I don't think having a belt on the line means a damn thing for PPV sales. It's the characters involved that sell the fights.

Swashbuckler · 31-03-2016 01:24PM

Gamebred wrote: »

If its a ''joke'' why dont you and the rest of the people slating the main event vote with your feet and not watch it? of course you wont you'll support the match making by tuning in.

You're missing the point though. I'll 100% watch the entire card. I can't wait to see him fight Diaz and see how it plays out. I get its all about the money. It's just frustrating that it's become that way. He's fighting on a card two weight classes above where he holds the championship while two legit contenders fight on the same card for a plastic belt.

DrPhilG · 31-03-2016 01:25PM

Gamebred wrote: »

So what? what difference is a few months to your life when he defends it? stop crying about it and deal with the fact UFC dont care about anything other than maximizing profits,title fights are fairytale stuff offer the fighters a title fight or a fight for 15 million and lets see what they pick.

Lol

You're so biased that if they announced Conor vs Meisha for the ladies 135lb title you'd say it was fair.

D.Q · 31-03-2016 01:26PM

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Do people actually care about the belts? I think history has shown that people care about big fights between big characters. The belts are just a prop. UFC know this too. If a big fight happens to be for a belt it's a nice bonus but I don't think having a belt on the line means a damn thing for PPV sales. It's the characters involved that sell the fights.

there needs to be a mountaintop of sorts though. The narrative makes no sense otherwise. The fighters should be striving towards the belt.

Swashbuckler · 31-03-2016 01:27PM

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Do people actually care about the belts? I think history has shown that people care about big fights between big characters. The belts are just a prop. UFC know this too. If a big fight happens to be for a belt it's a nice bonus but I don't think having a belt on the line means a damn thing for PPV sales. It's the characters involved that sell the fights.

The belts symbolise who is the best fighter. So yeah I care about the belt. I guess it depends why you watch. Is it purely for entertainment or do you care about who's the best guy etc.

DrPhilG · 31-03-2016 01:28PM

Devastator wrote: »

I just want to check, so you're upset at McGregor for wanting to avenge a loss but you think he should have fought Holloway or Mendes(giving them chance to avenge a loss) for the belt who he had already, pretty convincingly enough, beaten?

I'm saying that a champion should always defend his belt if he is fit and able an there are legitimate contenders. Mendes was beaten, but he would have been a legitimate contender as his previous loss was at short notice. Holloway would have been a legitimate contender because he is on a tear in the division and his previous McGregor fight was years ago. Those fights being rematches is irrelevant. The fact is there were deserving contenders and he chose not to fight them. And in that instance I agree, which you seem to have conveniently forgotten.

Irishcrx · 31-03-2016 01:31PM

I'm looking forward to UFC 200 in general but like most I didn't want to see a McGregor Diaz rematch so soon. Why it's as 170 again I have no bloody idea...perplexing to me.

I see why the UFC are making the Interim belt but it's a joke , their protecting their own interest and Conor as a fall back in case he loses again and can still go back to 145 as champion while giving Aldo and Frankie a rub, it should just be a number 1 contender match without the BS. In a normal world Conor would defend his title but he's obviously using his pulling power now to get what he wants, in some ways I admire him for wanting to go again and in other ways I see it as a little bit of throwing your toys out of the pram , for all his humble talk he didn't really mean it did he??...He's the 145 champion , is active and is responsible to defend his belt and should do that or vacate IMO.

But he's not and it's happening , so I hope he does beat Nate this time. I think he can , he has the tools but it's a case of can he bring the right tools for the job and can he use them...I dunno.

John_D80 · 31-03-2016 01:37PM

darced wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

In fairness the signs are all the other fighters that are looking to fight him. Anderson Silva even saying he would fight him!! Not serious I hope, but you know where I'm coming from. Anyone from 125 to 185 would go up or down to meet him in the octagon at any weight they could make. Thats a pretty good sign too IMO.

He does not need any belt at all to be legitimate. He was the most talked about fighter in the UFC before he had one and he will still be even after. No one else even close.

Just by virtue of the simple fact that McGregor/Diaz is getting main event billing for UFC 200 is proof that titles mean fúck all anymore, i think.

Ronda has handled her fall terribly, Mcgregors is barely a stumble. I personally wouldn't even compare the two.

Devastator · 31-03-2016 01:41PM

DrPhilG wrote: »

Stop being facetious.

I'm saying that a champion should always defend his belt if he is fit and able an there are legitimate contenders. Mendes was beaten, but he would have been a legitimate contender as his previous loss was at short notice. Holloway would have been a legitimate contender because he is on a tear in the division and his previous McGregor fight was years ago. Those fights being rematches is irrelevant. The fact is there were deserving contenders and he chose not to fight them. And in that instance I agree, which you seem to have conveniently forgotten.

I don't even know what that means :pac: So I'll just guess you don't want anyone disagreeing with you?

I wouldn't have considered Mendes or Holloway legit challengers....certainly nowhere near the same class as Aldo or Edgar anyway. Chad had his chance, this 2 week camp is BS IMO. His team are notorious(for lack of a better word) gym bunnies so I don't buy that excuse from him at all for losing at 189. Yeah Holloway had wins, but it was still little over 2 years since he lost to McGregor and its not like he was fighting top level guys in that run either.

Official Conor McGregor thread (part 2). **Read warning in 1st post**

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Official Conor McGregor thread (part 2). Read warning in 1st post