'Conor is more than capable'
Thursday 16 July 2015 11:36, UK
Conor McGregor must change the style that has brought him success to defeat Jose Aldo, says Michael Bisping.
The Irish sensation knocked out Chad Mendes to win the interim featherweight title in July and is likely to face Aldo, the long-time champion, to unify the belts next.
McGregor will have to make amendments to the exciting knockout style that has gained him notoriety if he wants to topple Aldo, believes UFC veteran Bisping.
McGregor stands very heavily on his front leg, and Aldo’s leg kicks are sickening. They’re the best in the world. If he keeps kicking Conor’s front leg, that will slow him down quickly.
"Conor must make adjustments to his style," Bisping told Sky Sports.
"He stands very heavily on his front leg, and Aldo’s leg kicks are sickening. They’re the best in the world. If he keeps kicking Conor’s front leg, that will slow him down quickly.
"Conor has the potential to win this. Stylistically, it’s not a bad match-up for him. The trouble is, Jose has prevailed time and time again.
"He’s got an unbelievable fighter in front of him. Aldo is one of the best, he’s top of the pound-for-pound list. He’s beaten a who’s who.
"Conor’s more than capable of making the adjustments needed to win."
Lancashire middleweight Bisping debuted in the UFC nine years ago and built a reputation similar to McGregor's based on his brash approach.
But Bisping insists McGregor is carving his own path - and it could take him straight to the top if he wins the world championship against Aldo.
"Conor is his own man, he’s not me, although there are obviously similarities," BIsping said.
"He’s taking things to a whole new level. I’m entertained by that and that’s why everybody is looking his way.
"Conor trains with a good team, he applies himself and he understands this game. For all the entertainment that he provides outside of the Octagon, he’s a very intelligent fighter who knows exactly what he’s doing."
