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Tue Nov 26, 2019 10:43 am
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Will the critics finally be silenced? Whats next? Heres what we learned after Conor McGregor created history by adding Eddie Alvarezs lightweight title to his existing featherweight prize. Cheap Sneakers Wholesale China . McGregor KOs Alvarez Second world title win on New York City debut How does McGregors achievement compare?A legion of cage legends have not even attempted to make the gargantuan leap into a second weight category, much less challenge the No 1 fighter from the division above. In rolling the dice and staggeringly hitting the jackpot, McGregor has gone above and beyond the landmark achievements of Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva or Jon Jones. McGregor has not defended either of his belts, unlike that esteemed trio of UFC greats, so that must be taken into consideration. But equally, in measuring McGregors bravery to jump up by 10lbs, it must be noted that St-Pierre, Silva and Jones never considered it wise to embark on a meaningful run outside of the safe-haven divisions that they owned.BJ Penn and Randy Couture held UFC titles in two weight divisions at separate times but McGregor has even trumped them by wearing gold on each shoulder. To have done so within the space of a year (and finding time to fit in a double-header against Nate Diaz at welterweight, a third weight division) is an accomplishment at the forefront of anything that any UFC fighter could boast.Isnt McGregor supposed to struggle against wrestlers?The perceived method of defeating McGregor (take him down, hold him down) received another slap in the face as Alvarezs accomplished wrestling credentials failed to impose themselves. Its not the first time McGregor has beaten a wrestler so will this theory crumble, as Alvarez did? The first time the Irishman overcame the grappling acumen of an American opponent, his victim was Chad Mendes in the summer of 2015, yet critics refused to shy away. Mendes was a last-ditch replacement for the injured Jose Aldo and, although he successfully dragged McGregor to the canvas for extended periods, eventually succumbed to a knockout.The short-notice arrangement of that fight meant McGregor was castigated in some quarters for benefiting from Mendes lack of fitness. This time around, nullifying Alvarezs take-downs must carry more weight. Alvarez enjoyed a full training camp of planning how to put McGregor on his back yet never came close to doing so.The snake-hips and constant threat of a counter-punch from the featherweight champion means he is becoming an increasingly difficult target to wrestle to the ground.Why has nobody found an answer for his trademark punch?The vicious left fist of McGregor - the same weapon that yielded his first UFC title, and previously dragged him up the ladder of contenders - accounted for the durable Alvarez. They know its coming, but they cant get out of the way. A skilled puncher who stands southpaw is a rare commodity in the world of MMA so McGregors stance has a uniqueness that is even more pronounced than it would be inside a boxing ring. The left hand is almost always delivered perfectly straight (he doesnt often throw hooks or uppercuts) and comes from an angle that opponent after opponent has found too difficult to suss. It possesses a power which means that one strike can befuddle the victim - Alvarez was never the same after surviving the first knock-down - meaning a repeat becomes likelier and likelier. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ￡6.99. No contract. But the real key behind McGregors punching style, honed in Irish boxing gyms before he ever removed his shoes to step into a cage, is his unrivalled accuracy. Alvarez has made a career of throwing wide, powerful hooks (thats how he dethroned Rafael dos Anjos to become champion) but they are energy-sapping efforts that infrequently find the perfect home. McGregor throws short and straight, and nobody yet has found an escape route. Can McGregor box? Exclusive investigation into his boxing credentials Is McGregor the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world?The official rankings before Saturday night had McGregor fourth - behind No 3 Daniel Cormier, second-placed Dominick Cruz and top dog Demetrious Mighty Mouse Johnson. Can any of that trio claim to be better than McGregor now that he is a two-weight champion?McGregors sole UFC defeat to Nate Diaz must come into play here, because it represents an imperfect resume. However, light-heavyweight champion Cormier has also lost to Jon Jones so McGregor must automatically leapfrog him, at the very least. Cruz and Johnson, the bantamweight and flyweight champions respectively, are a sensational duo who arent automatically demoted due to McGregors increasing brilliance. They have fought each other, with Cruz winning, so Johnson also has one UFC blemish on his record. The pair are masters of their craft who blend all aspects of the sport seamlessly while rarely taking damage, but neither have put a run together that compares to McGregors.The looming return of Jones, the exiled former light-heavyweight champion, adds to the competition for the fantasy No 1 spot but he cant be considered until his suspension ends. As it stands, the argument for keeping McGregor off the top spot has dwindled to sheer bias.When will he be back?Another fascinating layer of intrigue surrounding the Irishmans story is how frequently we see him inside the cage. He has managed to fit 10 fights into a mere three-and-a-half year UFC stint, including turning around from his Diaz defeat within five short months. He still rushed back, the prospect of creating history in New York City proving too tempting.Yet a post-fight announcement that his girlfriend is expecting their first child (imagine the ferocity of a mini-McGregor running around in a couple of decades) implies that Conor Sr is approaching his first major break since his remarkable takeover began. Watch Conor McGregors post-fight press conference He has already indicated that a potential return could be as far more than a mere fighter. McGregor, fully aware of his status as the UFCs most popular star, has indicated that the companys new owners must invite him into the boardroom if they want to appease his ambition. People have shares in the company, celebrities. Conan OBrien owns the UFC nowadays, so where is my share? Where is my equity? If Im the one thats bringing this. I mean, theyve got to come talk to me now, thats all I know. McGregor: I want my UFC stake Star has demanded a share of the UFC ownership Ive got both belts, a chunk of money, a little family on the way. If you want me to stick around and you want me to keep doing what Im doing, lets talk.But I want ownership, I want equal share, I want what I deserve, I want what Ive earned.His grand plan would represent a breakthrough in what any sportsperson has ever been capable of, yet is remains a pipe-dream. His last pipe-dream? Three years ago, he claimed hed become a UFC two-weight world champion… Also See: McGregor KOs Alvarez Can McGregor box? Air Max 270 Clearance . The 29-year-old Mills started three games for Oakland this season, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.41 earned-run average. He opened the season appearing in 14 games and making 12 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers triple-A affiliate in Nashville, posting a 4-2 record with a 1. Air Max 90 Outlet Clearance .Kessy tried to show what he can do playing left wing for the Oilers in 5-0 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday in pre-season action. http://www.outletsneakersclearance.com/fake-balenciaga.html . -- Theres nothing like winning to bring hope for a struggling team.MINNEAPOLIS -- After adding Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes in the off-season, the Twins expected their rotation to be better. Instead, the offence has been the biggest turnaround for Minnesota. Joe Mauer hit his first home run of the season, Brian Dozier connected for his fourth and Nolasco earned his initial win with the Twins in a 7-1 victory Saturday over the Kansas City Royals. "I feel like, one through nine, everybody today had at least three hard-hit balls each, and thats a tell-tale sign an offence is clicking," said Dozier, who tied for the AL lead in homers. "Been doing that for the past week now, so everything is starting to click as a team right now." A day after getting his first RBI of the year, Mauer hit a three-run shot against starter James Shields (0-2). Dozier had a leadoff homer for Minnesota, which has scored the second-most runs in the American League. Nolasco (1-1) showed why the Twins signed him to a $49 million, four-year contract to steady their rotation. The right-hander gave up five runs in each of his first two outings for his new team, but was on top of his game Saturday in his first home start for Minnesota. Nolasco went eight innings and allowed five hits with four strikeouts. "I wish I could say Im going to go eight every time," Nolasco said. "This level is very difficult and you can never count yourself out no matter how good or bad youre doing. I had two bad starts, but my mentality is still like I could do something like today." While the rotation was addressed in the off-season, it was Minnesotas lineup that figured to keep the Twins near the bottom of the AL Central again. Instead, Dozier has been a power source in the leadoff spot, and Minnesota has received big production from a middle of the order that includes Trevor Plouffe, Chris Colabello and Jason Kubel. Making the transition full-time to first base this season, Mauer was slow to come around with the bat. Kansas Citys first trip to Minnesota was the perfect remedy, though. In his career, Mauer has hit .338 against the Royals with 11 homers and 95 RBIs. Hes also hit .350 (12 for 37) against Shields. "When its all said and done his numbers are going to be there," acting Twins manager Terry Steinbach said. "Hes a professional hitter, a great hitter, and just over the course of time its going to happen. It was good tto see him connect with one and get that ball out of the ballpark. Discount Sneakers Near Me. " Shields put Kansas City in an early hole again. The Royals had seven quality starts in their first eight games, but Bruce Chen allowed two first-inning runs Friday night and only went 3 2-3 innings. Shields gave up a home run to Dozier on his fourth pitch and Minnesota added six runs in the second. Shields was undone by the defence, including his own. None of the runs in the second were earned because Shields misplayed a sacrifice bunt by Kurt Suzuki, with the ball slipping out of his hand for an error as the pitcher tried to throw to third base. Shields then walked No. 8 hitter Aaron Hicks with the bases loaded. Later, third baseman Mike Moustakas couldnt handle a hard-hit grounder by Dozier that deflected into left field for an error, allowing two runs to score. Mauer followed Moustakas error with a three-run homer, his first since Aug. 16 last season. "Even though it was a 3-2 count, I was trying to go changeup down and away," Shields said. "Hes a pretty good hitter. Hes going to hit that every time." Shields yielded seven runs -- one earned -- in 5 2-3 innings. He gave up six hits and walked three while striking out five. NOTES: Steinbach filled in for Twins manager Ron Gardenhire the past two games while Gardenhire attended the funeral for Michael Hirschbeck in Ohio. Hirschbeck, the son of umpire John Hirschbeck, died Tuesday at age 27. Gardenhire is expected back for Sundays game. ... Kansas City recalled LHP Danny Duffy from Triple-A Omaha to pitch out of the bullpen. Duffy, who was in the mix for a rotation spot this spring, is the only healthy left-hander in the bullpen. The Royals optioned 2B Johnny Giavotella to Omaha. ... Minnesota put LF Josh Willingham on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised left wrist. Willingham was set to have an MRI later Saturday. The move was made retroactive to Monday, and the team hopes hell be ready to return when eligible. The Twins recalled RHP Michael Tonkin from Triple-A Rochester. ... Minnesota assistant general manager Rob Antony said SS Jason Bartlett will travel to Fort Myers, Fla., on Sunday to begin rehabilitating a left ankle injury. Bartlett was placed on the disabled list Monday. ... Twins RHP Kevin Correia (0-1, 6.17 ERA) pitches Sunday against LHP Jason Vargas (1-0, 1.20). ' ' ' |
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