UFC Dublin Preview – Conor McGregor vs. Diego Brandao

With just a day to go until UFC Dublin, we here at SevereMMA want to get you more familiar with some of the fighters on show with a series of profiles on each bout. From first prelim to the main event this card is full of quality mixed matrial artists with interesing careers. Next up is the main event between Brazilian Diego Brandao and Irish superstar Conor McGregor.

Conor McGregor

Nickname: The Notorious
Twitter: @TheNototiousMMA
Record: 14 wins, 2 losses.
Age: 26
Height: 5’8”
Notable wins: Marcus Brimage (April 2013), Max Holloway (August 2013)
Notable losses: Joseph Duffy (November 2010)
Facts and Stats: Trains out of SBG Ireland, riding a 10 fight win streak, both career losses have come via submission, has only gone to decision once in 16 fights.
Strengths: Speed, aggression, cardio, varied and unorthodox power striking.
Weaknesses: Untested on the ground against high level grapplers, coming off of an 11 month absence due to an ACL injury.
Keys to victory: Avoid and counter the overhand right hand early, push the pace, stop the takedown, use speed striking to finish the fight.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V30jKXa-sz0?feature=player_detailpage]

Diego Brandao

Nickname: DB
Twitter: @DiegoBrandaoMMA
Record: 18 wins, 9 losses.
Age: 27
Height: 5’7”
Notable wins: Denis Bermudez (December 2011), Pablo Garza (April 2013)
Notable losses: Dustin Poirier (December 2013), Darren Elkins (May 2012)
Facts and Stats: The Ultimate Fighter 14 winner, 14 of his 18 career victories have come inside the distance, has been knocked out 5 times.
Strengths: Power striking, explosiveness, jiu-jitsu.
Weaknesses: Cardio, striking technique, temperament inside and outside of the cage.
Keys to victory: Land the big shot early, get the fight to the ground, finish early.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wraqahzTtpo?feature=player_detailpage]