“IMPROVISE, ADAPT AND overcome”
So said a somewhat disappointed Conor McGregor, an accidental knee twist thwarting the Dubliner’s impregnable finishing mentality at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen. McGregor has now notched up a ten-fight win streak, 2-0 in the UFC. Opponent Max Holloway, meanwhile, moves to 7-3, and is now on a two-fight skid.
The first round was characterised by McGregor’s constant pressure, created by his creative striking arsenal. Holloway was repeatedly backed up against the cage, with McGregor utilising a stance that is reminiscent of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida. The Irish fighter, who notably kept his hands low, countered using a subtle inside angle, instead of the outside step normally employed by southpaws.
McGregor, in his stance, tends to keep low, but does so by not bending his back, allowing all the forward momentum he needs to throw his favoured strikes. Play-by-Play announcer Jon Anik noticed one of McGregor’s strengths – a left hand that requires almost no transfer of weight.
From this base came the aesthetically pleasing capoeira kicks. Within the first round, McGregor found success with an almost vertical kick that completely threw Dutch Kickboxing convention out the window, and which was reminiscent of the style he adopted against Dave Hill at CWFC 47.
McGregor’s hips have very little pivot to them, snapping forward kicks which clearly caused Holloway problems in determining the Dubliner’s strikes and angles.
The second round opened much like the first, and by the half-way point, McGregor held a 3-1 advantage in significant strikes. The Irish fighter caught a kick, unloading with a straight with little-to-no build-up, sending Holloway to the mat, with McGregor in his guard.
Holloway’s only saving grace was early, maintaining control over Conor’s head and neck, which he would subsequently lose, as McGregor executed several guard passes. Holloway then executed a notable bridge and roll, which like Chekhov’s gun held inordinate consequences in the final act.SBG Ireland Head Coach John Kavanagh chirpily assessed the situation as McGregor entered his corner at the bell: “Let’s put it away in this last round,” he said.
The Irish fighter continued a pressurised game, this time electing the takedown as his weapon of choice. Moreover, his transitions were on full display, all based upon his ability to secure an arm under the head of Holloway, with knee belly passes consequently allowing McGregor to gain full mount.
After a brief lull, McGregor regained control, while maintaining an unusual position and unleashing a series of sharp elbows. His opponent left an arm near extended, primed for him to attack with a submission.
Holloway, however, managed to escape and unload with a kick, before McGregor chose to finish with a single-leg takedown, with Sheridan screaming “let’s finish this fight,” as the final ten seconds elapsed.
Ultimately, McGregor showed complete dominance in stand-up exchanges, and most importantly for the American audience, he utilised a clever shoot and ground game, all the while dealing with a possible knee injury.
From here, the Dubliner should be given one more fight, and provided he earns another win, a top-ten opponent should follow.