Conor McGregor is no stranger to daring cross-discipline fighting, having faced off against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 in a memorable boxing match. Now, the Irish martial arts superstar is expressing his support for ex UFC champion Francis Ngannou, who is set to face heavyweight boxing champion, Tyson Fury, in a 10-round fight. A match that promises to be as much of a shock to the sports world as McGregor’s own crossover was.
The former UFC champ has been quoted as saying “With powerâŚanything can happen,” in regard to Ngannou’s chances against Fury. He argues that Ngannou’s strong striking ability and powerful mentality could tip the scales in his favor, especially in the later rounds when stamina becomes a crucial factor.
âFrancis has power, McGregor said on Twitter. Francis has big power with a strikerâs mentality. If it gets a bit tougher for him in the later rounds, the striker mentality will withstand, versus if it was a mixed martial artistâs mentality. With power, with that, anything can happen.â
McGregor also highlighted the potential advantage gained by Ngannou’s association with former heavyweight boxer, Mike Tyson. As Ngannou’s coach for this fight, Tyson’s influence and experience are certainly valuable assets. Tyson, much like Ngannou, often found himself the smaller man in many of his fights, something that Ngannou can certainly relate to as he faces the taller Fury.
âMike Tyson in the corner, that type of style could be a kryptonite of a long, rangy distance type of fighter in Tyson Fury,â McGregor explained. âI donât think Tyson Fury is going to want to let Francis test his power on him. Has Mike Tyson given some tips on how to get inside, change an angle to bang a shot that clips the top of the temple to make it into an interesting bout?â
Despite the odds favoring Fury, McGregor maintains his faith in Ngannouâs striking ability, which he believes will translate well to boxing. McGregor further stressed on the need for Ngannou to stick to striking in his fight against Fury, indicating that grappling would not yield desirable results for the Cameroonian fighter.
âFrancis Ngannou for me is more of a kickboxer/boxer than he is a mixed martial artist in my opinion,â McGregor said. âHeâs more of a standup fighter than he is a mixed martial artist. You start throwing in grappling with Francis, itâs never good for him. He has a strikerâs mentality. This will stand to him in this bout.”
While acknowledging the tough test that awaits Ngannou in Fury, McGregor expressed his excitement to see how the fight would unfold.
McGregor, who will be ringside for the crossover match, cautioned that Ngannou should not underestimate Fury noting that the star boxer looked âfast, light, and elusiveâ in the buildup to the fight.
âTyson looks great in the buildup,â McGregor said. âFast, light, elusive, it could be a seriously stellar performance from Tyson Fury here.â
The boxing match between Ngannou and Fury will take place on Saturday, with the main card set to begin at 2 p.m. ET on pay-per-view. McGregor, aside from his tweets, will be a keen observer of the action.
Comments:
“Conor has a point. If Ngannou can get inside and land those heavy shots, he’s got a good chance against Fury. He just needs one good punch. It’s heavyweight boxing after all
one punch can change everything.”
“Isn’t it ironic that McGregor, who lost his cross-discipline match, is giving advice to Ngannou? Maybe he should focus on making a successful comeback in the UFC.”
“Conor knows what he’s talking about. Being one of the best stand-up fighters in MMA, he definitely sees something in Ngannou. The question is, can Francis implement it?”
“As much as I admire McGregor, to me, he’s just hyping up a fight that most people expect Fury to dominate. Boxing is a whole different world compared to MMA.”
“Are we now taking boxing advice from a man who got KO by Mayweather? McGregor might as well be Ngannou’s trainer!”
“Let’s not forget that Ngannou is being coached by one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Mike Tyson. If he manages to channel some of Iron Mike’s skillset, he might just shock the world.”
“Fury is as slick as they come in boxing, Ngannou may have power, but it’s going to be very hard to land a clean shot.”
“Tyson Fury is simply technically superior. Unless it’s a lucky punch, I don’t see Francis winning this one. The guy once even outclassed Wladimir Klitschko, a master technician.”
“McGregor has a tendency to overestimate his own abilities, now he’s doing the same with Ngannou. Wait till he faces a genuine vertical-boxing tactician like Fury.”
“I respect McGregorâs perspective â he’s been in that position. The fight doesnât seem so cut and dry to me either.”
“People underestimate the transition from MMA to boxing. It is not about power alone. McGregor faced it, and now, Ngannou will too.”
“I’m a fan of both sports, and while I’d love for Ngannou to win, I just don’t see it happening. Fury is a master of his craft.”