LOVE HIM OR loathe him, you’re more than likely going to be watching him.
Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor fights Chad Mendes tonight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The winner will be crowned the interim UFC featherweight champion.
The big prize, however, is a clash with reigning featherweight king Jose Aldo to become the undisputed champion of the division. That’s expected to happen when Aldo returns from a rib injury later this year.
Most of those who’ll be tuning in for tomorrow night’s fight will already know their armbars from their anaconda chokes, but for the benefit of the many others who don’t, here’s a brief breakdown…
What is mixed martial arts?
Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is a form of unarmed combat which combines various types of martial arts, encompassing disciplines like grappling, submission holds, punching and kicking. Fighters from varying backgrounds are often pitted against each other. For example, Conor McGregor is regarded as one of best strikers in the game, while Chad Mendes is an elite wrestler. The fights take place in an eight-sided fenced ring known as an octagon — or a cage — which has a padded canvas. The two fighters wear shorts, four-ounce fingerless gloves, a gumshield and — for the lads — a groin protector.
Are there any rules?
Contrary to popular belief, MMA does have rules. Lots of them. The Ultimate Fighting Championship, like the majority of reputable organisations, follows the unified rules of mixed martial arts.
Offences which are considered to be fouls include headbutting, eye-gouging, biting, spitting, hair-pulling, groin attacks, downward strikes (in a 12-to-6 motion) with the elbow, striking the spine or the back of the head, holding the fence, kicking or kneeing a grounded opponent and holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent. In the event of a foul being committed, the referee may decide to deduct a point from the offending fighter. Click here for a comprehensive list of rules and regulations.
The fight
Fights consist of three five-minute rounds, with the exception of championship bouts and main events — like McGregor versus Mendes. In that instance, five five-minute rounds are contested, with a one-minute break between each round. The objective for each fighter is to finish their opponent — either via submission (forcing him/her to tap out) or knockout (where the referee stops the fight or a fighter is rendered unconscious due to strikes). If the fight goes the distance, three ringside judges will determine the winner using the ten-point-must system. Ten points are awarded to the winner of each round, nine or less to the loser. In rare cases where a round is absolutely even, both fighters can be awarded ten points.
If you haven’t been confused by that crash course and still fancy staying up for the fights tonight, click here for the information you need to watch the action.
Glad it’s not serious but definitely not going to be good for his preparation though.
@Brendan Heery: it means he needs to backload the km and the height metres in the interim also. That said I’d say he’ll be ok.
Chances of the Colombian with an Irish sounding name to be their man ?