Can McGregor be the first man to stop Khabib?

Preview for the huge clash at UFC 229

Las Vegas hosts arguably the biggest fight in UFC history this weekend as Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited return against Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

Khabib’s Lightweight Championship will be on the line, though McGregor will feel he’s still the rightful holder. He never defended the title before it was stripped from him earlier this year.

The Notorious also has the chance to end his opponent’s undefeated record, which currently stands at 26 wins from 26 MMA fights, with eight knockouts and eight by submission.

But it’s been almost two years since McGregor stepped into the Octagon. Is he ready to face a fighter of Khabib’s stature? The Coral News Team take a look…

Clear underdog

The odds suggest that McGregor is right up against it. The Eagle is odds-on at 10/17 to win the fight, with McGregor back at 29/20.

After taking an extended break from UFC for his boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather, there have been doubts over whether McGregor still has the focus to climb to the top of the sport again.

In contrast, Khabib seems intent on dominating his division for the foreseeable future. He’s been working with former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko to develop his striking ability ahead of this one.

Clash of styles

The champ’s wrestling background means he likes to take his opponent down to the canvas and wear them down.