JIMI MANUWA IS one of many observers who’s struggling to pick a winner between Jose Aldo (25-1) and Conor McGregor (18-2).
However, as the pair get set to finally clash in Las Vegas a week from Saturday, the UFC light-heavyweight admits that McGregor has overtaken Aldo as his favourite fighter to watch.
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Aldo, the UFC’s reigning featherweight champion who is undefeated in over 10 years, will aim to see off the challenge of the interim 145lbs title-holder in the main event at UFC 194 in Las Vegas on 12 December.
“Jose Aldo used to be my favourite fighter for a long time, but then Conor McGregor came along,” said Manuwa, who came up short against UFC light-heavyweight contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson in his most recent outing in the octagon.
“The way Conor has gone about his business, he’s been phenomenal. He’s a great fighter, incredible ability in all areas of his game, fantastic to watch. So he has become my favourite fighter in the UFC now.”
Nevertheless, the 35-year-old Englishman still stopped short of backing McGregor to overcome Aldo, although he believes that if anyone is capable of ending the Brazilian’s dominance, it’s the man from Dublin.
Jimi Manuwa lands an inside leg-kick during his bout against Anthony Johnson in September.
Manuwa told The42: “I really can’t predict what’s going to happen in the fight. I believe Conor is the only fighter who could possibly beat Jose Aldo. But in saying that, I think it’s still too tough a fight to call.
“They’re two unbelievable fighters and I just can’t back against either of them. The only people who are definitely, without a doubt, going to win in this fight are the fans. It’s going to be an amazing fight. I can’t wait to watch it.”
'Jose Aldo used to be my favourite fighter... then Conor McGregor came along'
JIMI MANUWA IS one of many observers who’s struggling to pick a winner between Jose Aldo (25-1) and Conor McGregor (18-2).
However, as the pair get set to finally clash in Las Vegas a week from Saturday, the UFC light-heavyweight admits that McGregor has overtaken Aldo as his favourite fighter to watch.
Aldo, the UFC’s reigning featherweight champion who is undefeated in over 10 years, will aim to see off the challenge of the interim 145lbs title-holder in the main event at UFC 194 in Las Vegas on 12 December.
“Jose Aldo used to be my favourite fighter for a long time, but then Conor McGregor came along,” said Manuwa, who came up short against UFC light-heavyweight contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson in his most recent outing in the octagon.
“The way Conor has gone about his business, he’s been phenomenal. He’s a great fighter, incredible ability in all areas of his game, fantastic to watch. So he has become my favourite fighter in the UFC now.”
Nevertheless, the 35-year-old Englishman still stopped short of backing McGregor to overcome Aldo, although he believes that if anyone is capable of ending the Brazilian’s dominance, it’s the man from Dublin.
Manuwa told The42: “I really can’t predict what’s going to happen in the fight. I believe Conor is the only fighter who could possibly beat Jose Aldo. But in saying that, I think it’s still too tough a fight to call.
“They’re two unbelievable fighters and I just can’t back against either of them. The only people who are definitely, without a doubt, going to win in this fight are the fans. It’s going to be an amazing fight. I can’t wait to watch it.”
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Conor McGregor Jose Aldo Las Vegas MGM Grand mixed martial arts MMA UFC UFC 194 Ultimate Fighting Championship