How much of a threat is Khabib to Conor McGregor?

UFC legacies are on the line

The MMA fight the world has been waiting for has been confirmed for 6th October in Las Vegas at UFC 229.

Conor McGregor will make his return to the Octagon to take on the feared Khabib Nurmagomedov for the Lightweight title.

Never one for shirking big fights, McGregor couldn’t have picked a worse opponent after more than two years’ absence. And the Coral traders agree, making the Irishman 11/8 outsider, with the Russian 3/5 favourite.

The Coral News Team looks at the reasons why Khabib is his most dangerous match-up.

Wrestling abilities

One of the reasons why Khabib has become so feared in the UFC over the last number of years is his wrestling skills.

The Russian’s ability to take opponents the ground, hold them there, and pulverise them into stoppage wins is frightening.

The 29-year-old is an animal when it comes to the ground game. And that’s arguably McGregor’s biggest weak point.

Gas tank issues

Another sticking point is the Crumlin man’s ability to stay the pace of five championship rounds. He’s only managed it once in the Nate Diaz rematch (in which he won) – but he was out on his feet by the end.