Think about it for a second. He's the 145lb champ. He got beat by a naturally bigger fighter at 170lb. Admittedly Nate is a natural 155lber, but there's no denying that he is a bigger fighter than Conor. Realistically, there's no shame in this loss- he could easily go back down to 145lb, accept this as taking on a little more than he could handle, rematch Aldo or take on anyone else at 145lb and rebuild his aura. He doesn't NEED the Nate fight, not really.
If he beats Nate? Great, he does erase a lot of demons. But the potential downside? If he lost, this time there can be no excuses. He wasn't preparing for a different opponent and had a last minute change, he is fully prepared this time to fight at 170lb, he's already fought him once so he knows what he's in for. If he loses this, it's catastrophic for his career. He stands to lose so much more than he gains in my opinion.
But he is absolutely adamant he wants this fight, and he wants it at 170lb. He seems convinced he can do it. Now all fighters have self-belief of course, and will take tough fights- but generally because they have to in order to get their title shot. McGregor isn't in that position, he can take any fight he wants. He could even take this at 155lb to make it safer for himself- Nate will find the cut harder than he will, and they will be a lot closer in size. But he wants a re-run.
Conor isn't a stupid guy, he's marketed his brand brilliantly up until now. I don't see him taking this risk without a huge amount of confidence he can get this done. I think he's going to make his adjustments and put Nate away.
If he beats Nate? Great, he does erase a lot of demons. But the potential downside? If he lost, this time there can be no excuses. He wasn't preparing for a different opponent and had a last minute change, he is fully prepared this time to fight at 170lb, he's already fought him once so he knows what he's in for. If he loses this, it's catastrophic for his career. He stands to lose so much more than he gains in my opinion.
But he is absolutely adamant he wants this fight, and he wants it at 170lb. He seems convinced he can do it. Now all fighters have self-belief of course, and will take tough fights- but generally because they have to in order to get their title shot. McGregor isn't in that position, he can take any fight he wants. He could even take this at 155lb to make it safer for himself- Nate will find the cut harder than he will, and they will be a lot closer in size. But he wants a re-run.
Conor isn't a stupid guy, he's marketed his brand brilliantly up until now. I don't see him taking this risk without a huge amount of confidence he can get this done. I think he's going to make his adjustments and put Nate away.
