UFC 229 Predictions, Combat Card: Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Expert Choice and Probability

In the short history of UFC grudge games, the main Saturday night event for the lightweight title ranks among the best. Of course, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier have shown their disgust for another, both inside and outside the Octagon. Like Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz in the debut of MMA. But when 155-pound champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor are locked in the cage of the T-Mobile Arena, the sensation will be different.

The two men have a long and strange story of adoration and desperation against each other, which began this spring when McGregor threw a cart on a bus carrying Nurmagomedov, as well as many other fighters of the UFC 223. In conversations and hot times, the door will close behind them in the octagon and there will be no one to help him. It is the hour of the show.

In addition to the big main event, the UFC 229 also provides an overview of the state of the light weight division and much more. Here is the complete fight card with the latest odds of Bovada.

UFC combat card 229, odds

With a big map at your fingertips, our experts lingered on each of the main card fights. Here are your decision makers: Brian Campbell (wrestling sports writer), Matthew Coca (producer), Michael Mormile (producer), Jack Jorgensen (publisher) and Brandon Wise (publisher).

UFC 229 forecasts

Campbell explains why McGregor wins: Questions as to whether McGregor still had enough hunger, despite his wealth, to accept a challenge as dangerous as Nurmagomedov, seemed to meet his willingness to accept the fight when it was not obliged to do so. What this shows is that he sees something. Despite all that says Khabib's aggressive fighting style, McGregor (and make no mistake about it) let's not forget how much Nurmagomedov, who is perfectly vulnerable, could be used for the counter-left when he s & # 39; 39 is okay. Nate Diaz is fighting against welterweight, McGregor has finished seven of the eight opponents he has faced in the octagon and each time with punches. McGregor enters this fight with something to prove and it's a dangerous equation for Nurmagomedov, who may be dominant on the field, but lacks a similar record of finishes.

Sage on why Khabib wins: Walk slowly, my friend. Take all the bluster and brutality of McGregor you want, but the man has an obvious weakness that installs exactly the style that "The Eagle" brings to this rancorous match. McGregor's three defeats in the Octagon were all caused by a stoppage of the bid, each after the fight was conducted on the ground. Comparisons with Chad Mendes for McGregor have been nauseating, but I think Khabib has another trick in his bag here. McGregor will try to keep the distance with his jab and his thick left hand, but the Russian robot will continue to move with constant pressure and secure the necessary grounding to finish McGregor with a few punches.

Jorgensen explains why Ferguson wins: "El Cucuy" is back and I could not be happier with that. Now is he back too early? We do not know, but he will have to protect the knee that he has injured in the spring because Pettis will obviously make it a target of choice. However, I think Ferguson will be able to keep these attempts away, and extend this record winning streak that he always has. Ferguson via bid as soon as the fight is unleashed and the winner of the main tournament will be confronted at some point.

Wise on why Pettis wins: Welcome to Showtime. The former lightweight champion is suddenly in an excellent position to grab the winner of the main event on Saturday. In a fight that will likely end in a wrestling match with Ferguson's extensive ground game and submission, give me the guy who did not suffer a monstrous knee injury six months ago and who is used to put it under the spotlight of this magnitude. Pettis is perhaps no longer the flying puzzle of the cage, but he remains one of the best 155-pound fighters in the world.