The Notorious! McGregor takes the stage at #UFC229 Open Workouts! @TheNotoriousMMA https://t.co/QM6mENtHq9
— UFC (@ufc) October 4, 2018
Conor McGregor knows his best path to victory against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 is to put him away early.
During Thursday’s open workouts at Park Theatre in Las Vegas, the “Notorious” predicted a quick start against the reigning lightweight champion.
“It’s good to be back,” McGregor said UFC reporter Megan Olivi following his workout. “I’m going to have a proper fight. I’m going to come out there fast. I don’t give a f–k about anything – any wrestling, any technique – anything. I’m coming for that man’s head from the f—ing bell. Trust me on that.”
Seven of McGregor’s nine UFC victories have come inside two rounds. He went five rounds in a majority decision victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 202 and outpointed Max Holloway over three frames in an August 2013 contest. Everything else has been a quick KO/TKO victory.
The popular thinking is McGregor will need to do the same if he is to defeat Nurmagomedov. A longer bout would favor the Dagestani wrestler. The SBG Ireland product doesn’t expect to have any such problem come Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Devastating KO,” McGregor said. “Too easy to hit. Too flat-footed. Too predictable. I’m gonna knock him clean out.”