I am REALLY torn on this fight.
I had the opportunity to re-watch a number of McGregor and RDA fights yesterday, and frankly couldn't have been more impressed with both men. It is incredible how much both of them have improved in the past few years as well.
Conor's athleticism is well ahead of the curve, and his timing and power are really uncanny. His ability to land clean, powerful punches from numerous positions is incredible. He is effective attacking and countering, and his durability looks to be top notch. And his most impressive attribute might just be his confidence. He might not be as good as he says he is, but I really think he believes most of what he says in that regard. McGregor looked a little sloppy at times early in his career against lower competition, but I don't think those performances outside the UFC are particularly relevant.
RDA has become a beast as well, and is as legitimate a champ as we could hope for. I have a ton of respect for his commitment to the sport. I love the way he gets the absolute most out of his abilities; he reminds me of GSP in that regard. The man has become so well rounded, and he has the ability to win fights virtually anywhere. Speed, power, pace, cardio, focus, wrestling, JJ, GNP, fight IQ...he really has put it all together. Something that really impresses me about RDA is the combination of accuracy and power he has developed in his striking. IMO the reputation he has with some people as being "wild" with his MT is largely unfounded. He puts together hellacious combinations with his kicks and punches, and is accurate from all kinds of angles. It looks like his opponents are constantly guessing where his punches are going to land; hooks to the body and head come from similar angles with nasty power. RDA isn't necessarily a defensive wizard, but he does posses solid head movement, and he usually does a good job of covering up after his kicks to avoid the counter.
The only result that will shock me in this fight is a submission by McGregor. IMO, everything else is in play. If the fight makes it out of the first round, I really think we will have seen a little bit of everything these guys have to offer. I think both men's chins will be tested, and I think RDA will eventually get McGegor to the mat. Put a gun to my head, and I would probably go with RDA because I think he has a few more ways to win, and I think his camp will have put together a solid game plan and RDA should have the experience and mentality to execute it.
As a fan, I am just hoping for a competitive fight, and this match up has all the makings of a classic IMO. It has been a while since I have been as intrigued and torn coming into a fight. Let's hope both men are healthy and prepared.