The Mendes fight isn't a accurate comparison. For 1 Conor was cutting like 25+ lbs to make 145. McGs cardio has been questionable for sure but that cut was killing him.
What Chad has over Khabib is a very effective way to close the distance with his power punches and speed, neither of those things are ever talked about when discussing Khabib. Also Chad is more of a TD, beat up, let back up and repeat where Khabib usually holds the guy down, much different styles so I don't think this comparison has much value.
I can't speak for anyone else but I don't see Conor landing one shot to finish anyone at LW or higher, that only worked for him at FW. What I do see Conor doing is landing multiple shots while Khabib walks straight forward as he knows that's all he can do to try and get ahold of him. That front kick he uses is awesome and once he can get Khabib worried about getting caught his shots will start to come from further and further away making for some easy pickings for McGregor.
The real threat is Tony. IMO he beats Khabib and Conor as of now.
#snapdowncity
All good points. I was mostly using the Mendes comp to show the volume of punches Conor needs to land to be affective. I was getting the impression from a lot of Conor's fans that Khabib won't be able to close the distance without getting ko'd.
I think it's an excellent fight. I think the way you describe McGregor winning the fight is a real possibility. I just feel like Conor will be a lot tighter than usual. He will not have as much creative freedom because I think that Khabib is uniquely capable of taking advantage of any mistakes Conor makes. I see Conor using that push kick to create as much distance as he can. I don't see him setting his feet, and commiting very much. I think Conor frustrating him with movement and picking away at him for a decision is a remote possibility.
I don't see Khabib walking him down as blatantly as he did against Barbosa. Barbosa is a more powerful but more one dimensional striker than Conor. Khabib was just worried about those head kicks. I think people are imagining Khabib with the same game plan and being a sitting duck for Conor. Khabib is a world class athlete and is going to be showing Conor some looks of his own.
I don't see McGregor finishing him and I don't think there is a chance in hell he can avoid getting taken down, and a takedown by Khabib means only two things, a) GNP finish or b) conceding the round and spending it on your back taking damage.
I really see it as Conor having a lot less room for error than Khabib does. 2nd round KO for Khabib.