The main event at UFC 189 lost one of its stars, but the replacement could provide an even better bout. A rib injury forced Jose Aldo out of his grudge match with "The Notorious" Conor McGregor. Chad Mendes has stepped up, and he represents an interesting challenge for McGregor.
Joe Rogan of the UFC previews the bout, while McGregor discusses the bout in the video below:
Known for his outstanding stand-up skills, McGregor has a 100 percent takedown defense rating, per FightMetric. He'll probably need to demonstrate that skill against a world-class wrestler like Mendes.
The short, stocky and powerful Mendes will want to get inside to land a big right hand and/or to put McGregor on his back for the first time in his career. The man who wins this mini game will be victorious.
My prediction is: Mendes.
McGregor has never faced a wrestler of Mendes' ilk. The latter has the head movement and explosion to get inside The Notorious One's striking game. Mendes will plant him and finish the fight via ground-and-pound in the second round.
Here's the viewing information, card and predictions for the rest of the UFC 189 card.
Almost Too Close to Call
Predicting the winner of the rematch between UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald is perhaps the most difficult fight to call on the card.
The champion hasn't fought since winning the title by split decision over Johny Hendricks in December 2014. After fighting five times in 13 months, Lawler took some time off. Will he be rusty?
I expect Lawler will show some Octagon rust, and the hungry, poised and dangerous MacDonald will take advantage. Up to this point in Lawler's recent career, he's been able to handle top-notch wrestlers like Hendricks. Lawler has stopped 64 percent of the takedowns attempted against him.
That won't be good enough against MacDonald. In their first meeting, MacDonald secured four of five takedowns, but he was unable to finish Lawler from top position.
He won't stop or submit the rugged Lawler this time either, but he will earn the decision victory based on top control and takedowns. MacDonald will be the new 170-pound champion.
Look Out for Almeida
The next big UFC star is going to compete at UFC 189, and no, I'm not talking about McGregor. Brazilian bantamweight Thomas Almeida has all the goods. He's 18-0 with a 94 percent stoppage percentage in his fights.
On Saturday night, Almeida faces veteran Brad Pickett. The latter won't be upright long.
Almeida's grappling and submissions are solid, but they pale in comparison to his diverse and devastating striking prowess. There are few, if any, fighters in the sport who change levels on strikes as quickly and nasty as Almeida.
At Pickett's expense, Almeida is going to grab a lot of people's attention on Saturday.
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