McGregor admitted to exposing his back in the fourth round. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @thenotoiousmma
Conor McGregor was finished with a rear naked choke by Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main fight of UFC 229, on October 06th in Las Vegas (USA). More than 15 days later, the former lightweight champion released a complete analysis of the four rounds of the confrontation with the Russian on his social network. With that, 'Notorious' acknowledged having made a mistake that was decisive for his defeat: “I made a crucial mistake by abandoning my hook at that moment, exposing my back. I end up defeated fairly.”
See too
When diagnosing the match, McGregor admitted to having underestimated Khabib's striking level. Since a punch from Nurmagomedov on Conor in the second round changed the course of the fight. The Irishman stated that he had not prepared himself for the Russian's attacks.
“He was running around the cage until he was blessed with a right punch that changed the course of the round and the fight. It was a beautiful blow. After the punch, I immediately got up to attack, but again he dove to escape. If I had been more aware and respected more of his striking, that right hand would never have come close and we would be talking about something different now”, explained 'Notorious'.
Upon finishing the analysis, McGregor assured that he returned to the Octagon prepared to face his opponent. However, 'Notorious' acknowledged that his next fight may not be a rematch against Khabib. “If it’s not a rematch now, no problem. I'll face the next in line. It’s all about me, always,” concluded Conor.
Complete analysis of the confrontation
“Thoughts about my last fight.
Round 1: I believe that, from a sporting point of view, the first round was his. He was on top, placing me against the railing. He didn't advance or inflict damage, but he stayed on top. From the point of view of a fight, the first round was mine. Effective attacks and the will to attack. Left punch at the beginning, knee to the head, elbows in all scenarios. The opponent just held my legs against the fence for almost the entire round.
Round 2: He was running around the cage until he was blessed with a right punch that changed the course of the round and the fight. It was a beautiful blow. After the punch, I immediately got up to attack, but again he dove to escape. This is a sport and it was a smart move that guaranteed him a dominant round. No problem. Well played.
If I had been more aware and respected his striking more, that right hand would never have come close and we would be talking about something different now. I didn't pay attention to his right cross during my training, no specific standing sparing, just wrestler attacks. This won't happen again. I also didn't believe my attacks on the ground. Just defense. Lessons. Don't listen to anyone but yourself about your abilities. You are the owner of your universe. I'm the master of it. I have to take my own advice.
Round 3: After the worst round of my career, I came back and won this round. Again, walking forward, making him walk backwards and trying to attack.
Round 4: My recovery is not where it could be. That was my mistake. Even so, I won the first exchanges in round four. He dives into the fall again and I end up in a bad position. I work to regain position and stand up with my back against the railing. However, I made a crucial mistake by abandoning my hook at this point, exposing my back. I end up defeated fairly.
What can I say? It was a good fight and it was a pleasure. I will return with my confidence high. Completely prepared. If it's not a rematch now, no problem. I'll face the next in line. It's all about me, always. See you soon, my fans. Love you!".
Comments