Eddie Alvarez shreds Conor McGregor’s striking abilities

UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor is generally believed to have some of the best striking skills in the UFC’s lower weight classes. McGregor’s combination of fluid movement, and unpredictable strikes have resulted in several highlight reel finishes, with the most recent example being a 13 second KO win over Jose Aldo to claim the featherweight championship.

Prior to that, McGregor faced arguably the toughest test of his career when he fought former 2-time Division 1 All-American wrestler Chad Mendes for the interim UFC featherweight championship. Mendes took McGregor down several times throughout the course of the fight, however McGregor showcased his Jiu-Jitsu skills by keeping Mendes in his guard, and ultimately scrambling back up to his feet when Mendes tried to pass, leading up to a TKO win for McGregor.

Despite McGregor’s impressive striking skills, UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, who will face McGregor at UFC 205 on November 12th, believes McGregor’s striking skills are atrocious.

He spoke to MMAFighting:

“I’ll do whatever the f*ck I want in any aspect against him. The opponents he’s fought allow him to look great. That’s the issue. That’s what these WWF fans who follow him don’t see. They see a guy who’s fighting or playing to his strengths so he can do what he wants and be good at it.

“I’ll do whatever the f*ck I want. If I want to stand, I’ll stand. He don’t move his head, he gets hit a ton. Chad Mendes has a tiny little reach and was popping him all over the place with overhand rights and left hooks before he took him down. His defense is atrocious. His offense is good. He’s offensively a good fighter when it comes to boxing and things but his defense is f*cking terrible.

“A guy like me, I can go wherever. I can kick, I can punch, I can takedown, I can submit, and I can do it all fucking night.”

Do you agree with Alvarez’ comments regarding McGregor? Give us your analysis of McGregor’s skills in the comments section below!