It’s been noted repeatedly that Conor McGregor has made big changes to his training leading up to his rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 202. In the past, his team never trained for a specific fighter, partially because so many of his opponents pull out of his fights with injuries. But they’re making an exception for Diaz, bringing in Brazilian jiu jitsu ace Dillon Danis for groundwork and lanky left-handed boxer Conor Wallace to imitate Nate.
And of course there’s the other rising UFC stars at Straight Blast Gym, like Makwan Amirkhani, dubbed the Conor McGregor of Finland. FloCombat caught up with Amirkhami to discuss how Conor’s camp has gone so far.
“I think for this Nate Diaz fight it’s good for him to have sparring with a lot of wrestling and grappling,” Amirkhani said. “He’s taking it seriously. Eating food immediately while training at the gym, always on time, you can see he is more prepared for this fight than last time.”
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“Keeping it simple might be the best word,” Amirkhani said. “Much faster, footwork is better, lighter. I think of course there will be a lot of exchanges in the striking and I hear people say that he gassed out but I think for this fight he knows that it’s not just about that. He will be faster, more technical and keep it simple.”
The most interesting thing Amirkhani said may point to a very different strategy than the first Nate Diaz fight, which saw McGregor headhunting for a quick knockout.
“If Conor can keep the fight standing he will take the win and I hope he does,” Amirkhani said. “I think it will go the distance because if you want to fight smart and keep it simple, then you just hit and don’t get hit. I think it will be a war.”
That’s a different approach than Conor has taken over his entire career, which currently only has one decision on it – a three-round victory over Max Holloway in 2013. Whichever strategy is implemented, we have no doubt that Amirkhani is right on one point – it will still be a war.
Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz fight at UFC 202 on August 20.