The UFC Fight Night card scheduled for January 18th, 2015 just got very interesting. The headline bout will feature Conor McGregor taking on Dennis Siver in a Featherweight bout that is going to get a lot of attention. McGregor has quickly talked his way to the top of the weight class as far as attention goes, but the UFC is not feeding him to the wolves just yet, and Siver is a match that should see McGregor favored when the line comes out.
It is hard to get a read on Siver, who is (1-1-0-1 NC) in his last three fights, and he has at this point, 18 fights in the UFC’s octagon. At 35 years old, it is hard to see him changing his game up much, so McGregor has a lot of fights of Siver’s to dissect what he does. Siver fought under less than perfect conditions in his last outing, where he won against late replacement and UFC debutante Charles Rosa. He did his job and got back on the winning track, but he was extended the full three rounds by a newcomer.
McGregor has quickly ascended to being a true draw and a hot commodity for the UFC, and he has been talking title shot. McGregor, known for his mouth, also got into it with top contender Chad Mendes. Siver is not Mendes’ level, but he is a short, stocky fighter who will come forward on McGregor and will hopefully provide him with a real test.
For his part in the fight, McGregor will rely on his big power and his unusual athleticism to keep the fight off the ground. Even with a great deal of preparation and training, McGregor is unlikely to prosper off his feet with Siver, so most of his energy will be used on trying to keep the match upright.
For Siver, it would be a fast track, career-changing win, as he has toiled for nearly 20 fights in the UFC and never broken through for a top-five rating. Beating McGregor would put Siver in a strong spot, as he would be the man who derailed the plans for the UDX’s favorite Irishman. Most will bet Siver cant do it.
Meet Conor McGregor, if you haven’t already had the privilege, in this video from the UFC Channel:
