Join The Roar this Sunday for live round-by-round updates of UFC 179 from 11:15am AEST.
In a weigh-in night where three fighters failed to make weight, all eyes and ears were on a man who is not even fighting tomorrow. Meet Connor McGregor, a brash Irishman with a knack for a barbed trash-talking style and a penchant for finishing opponents quickly and brutally.
As Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes squared off 24 hours before their hugely anticipated rematch, all have been asking how the fight will go.
The talk is that though Aldo is known for getting tired in his fights, he has been the distance a number of times and should still have too much left in the tank to take care of business against the younger Mendes.
In the co-main event, both Glover Teixeira and Phil Davies made weight with no problems. Teixeira stated the very obvious, but profound, truth that he would have to be able to beat (or at least nullify) Davies’ wrestling to win the bout. We will see how it throws down. But back to McGregor.
Rarely do fighters catch the imagination of the casual fan. Chael Sonnan, Brock Lesnar, BJ Penn and Anderson Silva at his peak seem to be men able to walk on water. And another who seems likely to join this list is Connor McGregor.
With power in both hands, a mouth that will not stop talking and an ability to back up his boasting, we could be witnessing the birth of another genuine cross-over star. Of course we have had false dawns like this (Houston Alexander anyone?) but there is likelihood that Connor is made of sterner stuff.
Now ranked by UFC CEO (and let’s be honest, the man who’s opinion really matters) Dana White as the 145-pound number one contender, we will be seeing him in action against Denis Siver in Boston in January.
If he gets through that unscathed, a title shot against one of the two men we saw at the weigh-ins this morning awaits.
Join us for all the action, and join in the comments below.
Jerry
Guest
The winner of Swanson v Edgar would be more deserving. The only reason McGregor might get it is marketability.
Wayno
Guest
I think McGregor next depending on his fight with Siver .. Which I think he should win .. The winner of Aldo/McGregor I can't pick !!!
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
However, great show, some great performances and a lot to think about for the future. Who will Aldo fight next? Mendes has a tough road back to the title, for tonight however, Jose Aldo is The King!
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
All 3 judges score the fight 4 rounds to 1 for Aldo. Great fight from both guys but in fairness Mendes gave a great show, but fell just short.
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
To review, Mendes did really well in the striking but was knocked down 3 times throughout the fight. A great contest which Aldo could have finished Mendes several times but I think it has to be scored in favour of the Champion...
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
The round ends as Aldo goes for the finish. Aldo climbs onto the cage...has he won the decision? I think so, 4 rounds to 1 in favour of Aldo
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Aldo says he was kneed in the groin, Goddard says carry on.
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Aldo says he was kneed in the groin, Goddard says carry on
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Aldo has the back but Mendes stands and breaks away. They trade, rocking each other. It looks to be coming down to the wire as Aldo rocks the challenger
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Mendes is keeping Aldo on the floor without actually doing anything. Fight returns to standing and Aldo looks to move forwards
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
First round I would give to Mendes, he threw many more strikes and was the more active fighter. Damn but he can fight, the question is, can he finish it in Round 5? Either guy could wing the fight if they win this round, let's see how it goes down. Mendes gets the takedown
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Mendes is pushing the pace and the level has started to even up. Mendes is beginning to land strikes, Aldo is not looking tired, taking his time in there
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Aldo takes another eye poke, then comes out extremely aggressive again, begins to tee off. They trade, they are both rocked!! Wow, Mendes and Aldo trade, Aldo looks on the point of finishing it but Mendes hits the takedown and finishes on Aldo's back. Great round as Aldo shades the action, it was touch and go though. 3rd knockdown in the fight, could have been ended twice. Aldo up 3 rounds to zip
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Round 2 is in the books, I would give it to Aldo as well, much closer than round 1.
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Aldo looks to be settling down into a rhythm, happy to play a countering game against the game Mendes. Mendes is still in there though, on his toes and not looking gassed at all
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Mendes is moving more, looking to change the angles. Mendes goes for a high kick and falls. Aldo is not pushing the pace the way he did at the end of round 1...
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
After a lengthy exchange Aldo gets kicked squarely in the groin. Aldo takes some time to recover,=. This could actually benefit Mendes more than Aldo!
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Can Mendes recover after that!!
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Wowow, Mendes gets knocked down in the middle of the round and gets mounted,escapes. Aldo lands a punch after the bell, amazing round!!
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
The fighters are standing in front of each other, Mendes looks to be starting to get his timing down. Damn, ab eye poke. Dr has a look, fight restarts