Two writers, two fighters, two opinions.

Fighting Words pits two of our Generation Iron MMA writers against each other in a heated debate on big fight predictions. Jonathan Salmon: Well it’s another weekend and another great UFC event is upon us. In the months since it’s been confirmed fans have been salivating for the match up between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor and now it’s just right around the corner. A lot of people have their opinions on who they believe will win the December 12 match up, but for me I’m thinking McGregor is going to take this one in an eye opening performance. Lionel Harris-Spence: Yeah I do think it will be an eye opening performance for McGregor. This win will surely silence all the doubters and will have us looking forward to what he can do in the lightweight division. However, I have Jose as a mad dog in this fight and this could be the stage for a Jose Aldo of old. JS: There’s no doubt, Aldo was a beast back in his WEC days. That being said I don’t think he’s been tested all that much during his UFC career, except for the Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes fights. The rest of his performances were “lackluster” simply because of how much more talented he was than his competition. The thing with McGregor is that he’s going to be coming forward in a style that Aldo hasn’t seen before with the confidence to back up everything. I think it’s going to bring the best out of Aldo, but I’m not sure if it’ll be enough. It’s a razor close fight, but I give McGregor the edge. LHS: I get what you’re saying. When he was utilizing those baseball bat kicks it was mostly against far less competition. However we’ve got to remember that his breakout fight was against Uriah Faber where he turned that mans leg purple and had him in crutches afterwards and Uriah’s no slouch. I agree that the fear of losing the belt has hampered his performances lately and I also agree that McGregor will be his biggest test yet but I think he’s got the tools to take advantage. Conor’s wide base makes it difficult for him to shift weight to his back leg and therefore making it very involved to block leg kicks. If Jose can take out the front legs that could potentially take out a lot of power from Conor’s left hand. JS: That Aldo leg kick is dangerous, but will McGregor give him the opportunity to utilize it? I think Aldo lands that bad boy a few times, but he’ll likely eat a heavy left for his troubles. Conor’s fight IQ is extremely high and I’d find it hard to believe that he isn’t preparing for such a scenario. I believe Conor is the better counter fighter plus he bring a pressure game to the match up. He’ll be looking to force Aldo to exchange and I see the champ obliging, which is what’s going to get him into trouble. Aldo is smart and will use his wrestling and grappling if need be, but I think McGregor is pretty much anticipating everything that the champ will throw at him. Another question, did you see that press conference? McGregor is looking far more composed than ever before. You think that’s nerves or a man on a mission? LHS: When you think Jose Aldo you think leg kicks, so unless Conor’s crazy I’d have to think he would have a plan. But everyone has a plan until they get hit. I think Conor goes on the principle that eventually you will succumb to his power but what happens if he meets someone who can take it and give it right back. I don’t know if the fight will get to the ground as Conor’s take down defense is pretty good. If it does get there however I’d have to give it to Aldo as he’s a black belt and the only time we’ve really seen Conor on his back was against Mendes and he looked less than impressive. Granted he had a knee injury but I’m gonna have to give that one to Aldo. Conor is definitely the better counter puncher but you can’t underestimate Aldo’s movement and the little things he does well that separate’s him from any other muay thai fighter, for example his first fight against Mendes, when he gets out of the body lock he actually grabs his wrist and pulls him into the knee. Little things like that combined with fast twitch muscles make Jose super dangerous everywhere. I honestly don’t know about Conor’s new calm demeanor. But if I had to take a guess I’d have to say it’s nerves. JS: Nerves?! Conor McGregor?! Impossible!! Seriously though, the reality is I’m sure all these guys get nervous in their own way. I also believe that McGregor deals with it very well and uses it to add fuel to the fire rather hinder his performance. As for my final prediction, I say McGregor wins it by either stoppage in the third or decision. LHS: Yeah unfortunately I’m gonna have to agree with you here. Though I believe it is nerves – Conor is the king of the “reframe”- no matter what happens, good or bad, he seems to reframe it in his mind as an omen to propel himself forward. Don’t mean to be biblical here but “As a man think, so is he”, and I for one believe him. Final prediction, Conor’s pressure and counter punching will be too much – Conor by stoppage rd. 2 Who do you think will be the undisputed Featherweight kingpin? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter.