UFC 189 is the most-hyped event in a very long time for the UFC and entire MMA world.
The event which was expected to be headlined by a UFC Featherweight Championship bout between current champion José Aldo and top contender Conor McGregor which for all intended purposes, would have broken the all-time PPV buy rate for the UFC.
Sadly, on June 30, Jose Aldo pulled out of the bout as it was determined that the champion suffered a bone bruise to his rib and cartilage injury during training. While Aldo could fight through the pain, he chose he’d rather not put a 18 fight over 10 year winning streak on the line.
The UFC acted fast and announced that Chad Mendes would face the brash Irishman for the interim championship. McGregor has quickly become one of the most popular fighters on the roster with his dynamic personality and excellent talent. He is 17–2 overall with only one of his career fights going the distance.
His opponent, Chad Mendes, is every bit as dangerous with a matching 17–2 record. What is more impressive is that his only two career losses came against Aldo. This matchup is more than worthy of being the headliner. Both men can absolutely go. Both men posses intense striking skills and remarkable take down defense. It is going to be an all-out war on Saturday night inside of the Octagon.
If McGregor looks past Mendes he will be in major trouble and this reporter has a bad feeling that may be the case. I’m picking Mendes in a huge upset by decision. Also on the card will be Ruthless Robbie Lawler defending his UFC Welterweight against Rory McDonald.
This is a rematch of their title eliminator match from November 2013. Lawler won that one by a split decision over the heavily favored Canadian at the time.
Look for Lawler to win this one was well by decision and set up the rubber match in his trilogy against Johnny Hendricks.
On the undercard, look for Matt Brown, the star of “Ohio Warriors” to get back on the winning track with a knockout victory over his opponent Tim Means.
Until next time fight fans
No Blood : No Foul