In the first episode of brand new podcast series MMA Math, co-hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto discuss the upcoming clash that UFC fans have been waiting for all year: the meeting between undefeated current Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and former Featherweight and Lightweight titleholder Conor McGregor, who returns to the octagon for the first time in almost two years.
As well as being a match-up between two of the biggest names in the business - both with immense technical skills - the fight has raised some big questions about these very different but well-matched combatants. How will Conor respond if he’s forced to the floor against a man whose groundwork is up there with the best? What happens if Khabib is left with no choice but to stand up to Conor, a striker with a deadly left hand who rarely leaves his opponents standing for more than two rounds? These are just some of the topics that Roberto and Joe discuss in detail before delivering their own verdict on who will come out on top in this headline bout of UFC 229.
Episode highlights:
• It’s a battle of two contrasting styles, but who could have the winning strategy?
• Khabib holds the longest current undefeated streak in MMA with 26 wins. Conor has lost three times now, but has defied the odds many times in the past. Can he do it again?
• A look at Khabib’s background across wrestling, judo, hand-to-hand and sambo.
• How will each fighter have prepared? What can they do to counter each other’s strengths?
• A look back at some of their past bouts. Could they give us clues as to how this fight could pan out?
• What makes Khabib such a good grappler and Conor a lethal striker?
• Who will be more comfortable with a quick fight, and who will have more of an advantage if it goes the distance?
• The verdict! Roberto and Joe give their predictions on which way they think the fight will go.
• Fan segment: Roberto meets Diego from Lancaster, California to ask him about his favorite fighters, why he prefers a submission finish and why he loves a bloody fight!