01-03-2020, 06:51 AM
Will the critics finally be silenced? Whats next? Heres what we learned after Conor McGregor created history by adding Eddie Alvarezs lightweight title to his existing featherweight prize. McGregor KOs Alvarez Second world title win on New York City debut How does McGregors achievement compare?A legion of cage legends have not even attempted to make the gargantuan leap into a second weight category, much less challenge the No 1 fighter from the division above. In rolling the dice and staggeringly hitting the jackpot, McGregor has gone above and beyond the landmark achievements of Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva or Jon Jones. McGregor has not defended either of his belts, unlike that esteemed trio of UFC greats, so that must be taken into consideration. But equally, in measuring McGregors bravery to jump up by 10lbs, it must be noted that St-Pierre, Silva and Jones never considered it wise to embark on a meaningful run outside of the safe-haven divisions that they owned.BJ Penn and Randy Couture held UFC titles in two weight divisions at separate times but McGregor has even trumped them by wearing gold on each shoulder. To have done so within the space of a year (and finding time to fit in a double-header against Nate Diaz at welterweight, a third weight division) is an accomplishment at the forefront of anything that any UFC fighter could boast.Isnt McGregor supposed to struggle against wrestlers?The perceived method of defeating McGregor (take him down, hold him down) received another slap in the face as Alvarezs accomplished wrestling credentials failed to impose themselves. Its not the first time McGregor has beaten a wrestler so will this theory crumble, as Alvarez did? The first time the Irishman overcame the grappling acumen of an American opponent, his victim was Chad Mendes in the summer of 2015, yet critics refused to shy away. Mendes was a last-ditch replacement for the injured Jose Aldo and, although he successfully dragged McGregor to the canvas for extended periods, eventually succumbed to a knockout.The short-notice arrangement of that fight meant McGregor was castigated in some quarters for benefiting from Mendes lack of fitness. This time around, nullifying Alvarezs take-downs must carry more weight. Alvarez enjoyed a full training camp of planning how to put McGregor on his back yet never came close to doing so.The snake-hips and constant threat of a counter-punch from the featherweight champion means he is becoming an increasingly difficult target to wrestle to the ground.Why has nobody found an answer for his trademark punch?The vicious left fist of McGregor - the same weapon that yielded his first UFC title, and previously dragged him up the ladder of contenders - accounted for the durable Alvarez. They know its coming, but they cant get out of the way. A skilled puncher who stands southpaw is a rare commodity in the world of MMA so McGregors stance has a uniqueness that is even more pronounced than it would be inside a boxing ring. The left hand is almost always delivered perfectly straight (he doesnt often throw hooks or uppercuts) and comes from an angle that opponent after opponent has found too difficult to suss. It possesses a power which means that one strike can befuddle the victim - Alvarez was never the same after surviving the first knock-down - meaning a repeat becomes likelier and likelier. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract. But the real key behind McGregors punching style, honed in Irish boxing gyms before he ever removed his shoes to step into a cage, is his unrivalled accuracy. Alvarez has made a career of throwing wide, powerful hooks (thats how he dethroned Rafael dos Anjos to become champion) but they are energy-sapping efforts that infrequently find the perfect home. McGregor throws short and straight, and nobody yet has found an escape route. Can McGregor box? Exclusive investigation into his boxing credentials Is McGregor the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world?The official rankings before Saturday night had McGregor fourth - behind No 3 Daniel Cormier, second-placed Dominick Cruz and top dog Demetrious Mighty Mouse Johnson. Can any of that trio claim to be better than McGregor now that he is a two-weight champion?McGregors sole UFC defeat to Nate Diaz must come into play here, because it represents an imperfect resume. However, light-heavyweight champion Cormier has also lost to Jon Jones so McGregor must automatically leapfrog him, at the very least. Cruz and Johnson, the bantamweight and flyweight champions respectively, are a sensational duo who arent automatically demoted due to McGregors increasing brilliance. They have fought each other, with Cruz winning, so Johnson also has one UFC blemish on his record. The pair are masters of their craft who blend all aspects of the sport seamlessly while rarely taking damage, but neither have put a run together that compares to McGregors.The looming return of Jones, the exiled former light-heavyweight champion, adds to the competition for the fantasy No 1 spot but he cant be considered until his suspension ends. As it stands, the argument for keeping McGregor off the top spot has dwindled to sheer bias.When will he be back?Another fascinating layer of intrigue surrounding the Irishmans story is how frequently we see him inside the cage. He has managed to fit 10 fights into a mere three-and-a-half year UFC stint, including turning around from his Diaz defeat within five short months. He still rushed back, the prospect of creating history in New York City proving too tempting.Yet a post-fight announcement that his girlfriend is expecting their first child (imagine the ferocity of a mini-McGregor running around in a couple of decades) implies that Conor Sr is approaching his first major break since his remarkable takeover began. Watch Conor McGregors post-fight press conference He has already indicated that a potential return could be as far more than a mere fighter. McGregor, fully aware of his status as the UFCs most popular star, has indicated that the companys new owners must invite him into the boardroom if they want to appease his ambition. People have shares in the company, celebrities. Conan OBrien owns the UFC nowadays, so where is my share? Where is my equity? If Im the one thats bringing this. I mean, theyve got to come talk to me now, thats all I know. McGregor: I want my UFC stake Star has demanded a share of the UFC ownership Ive got both belts, a chunk of money, a little family on the way. If you want me to stick around and you want me to keep doing what Im doing, lets talk.But I want ownership, I want equal share, I want what I deserve, I want what Ive earned.His grand plan would represent a breakthrough in what any sportsperson has ever been capable of, yet is remains a pipe-dream. His last pipe-dream? Three years ago, he claimed hed become a UFC two-weight world champion… Also See: McGregor KOs Alvarez Can McGregor box? 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The fourth-year guard from Carleton University kicked off his varsity career with rookie of the year honours in 2011, before racking up three straight Mike Moser Memorial Trophies for outstanding player.The status of Mike Reilly and three other quarterbacks are making for some very interesting storylines heading into the CFL playoffs.The 12-6 Eskimos host the 10-8 Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Division semifinal Sunday with the winner to visit Calgary in the division final Nov. 23. But there is uncertainty regarding wholl be under centre for Edmonton.Reilly was the starter for all 12 of Edmontons victories this season but there are reports he suffered a broken bone in his foot during the Eskimos 37-3 win over the B.C. Lions on Nov. 1.Reilly didnt play in Edmontons 24-17 loss to Saskatchewan on Saturday as the club had already clinched second place in the West. Third-stringer Pat White suffered a head injury in the game and is also questionable for this weekend.If the six-foot-three 230-pound Reilly cant play, Matt Nichols will start for Edmonton. Nichols is a five-year CFL veteran but 0-3 as a starter this season.Eskimos GM Ed Hervey was unavailable for comment Tuesday. On Monday, he told Edmonton radio station 630 CHED that the club was still gathering medical information on Reilly but, We do have reason to be concerned.The Eskimos were off Monday and Tuesday and are scheduled to resume practising Wednesday.Matt Scott was Edmontons third-string quarterback against Saskatchewan. If neither Reilly nor White can play Sunday, the Eskimos will have to find a new No. 3 behind Scott.Reilly threw for 3,327 yards and 16 TDs this season, completing 64.6 per cent of his attempts with 11 interceptions. Reilly was also the leagues top-rushing quarterback with 616 yards (7.8-yard average) and eight touchdowns.Nichols had a 62.3 per cent completion average (94-of-151) for 1,014 yards but threw more interceptions (five) than TDs (four). He also ran for just 41 yards on 16 attempts (2.6-yard average) with two touchdowns.Edmonton isnt the only team with quarterback issues.The Saskatchewan Roughriders have begun their playoff preparations unsure whether incumbent Darian Durant or veteran Kerry Joseph will start in Edmonton. Durant hasnt played since Sept. 7 after suffering an elbow injury in a 30-24 win over Winnipeg.Saskatchewan was 8-2 with Durant in the lineup but just 2-6 without him as Joseph was the starter in Saturdays win. Durant was recently cleared to return to practice.Head coach Corey Chamblin expects the star pivot to be on the Riders 46-man roster but will wait until Thursday to decide Durants status for the playoff game. Chamblin said a best-case scenario would be too have both Durant and Joseph available to play against Edmonton.dddddddddddd.I think having those guys in either order is good, Chamblin told reporters. And if one of the guys starts to struggle a bit then we have something to go from there.Thats the thought right now. Hopefully it gets to that point because theyre our two strongest quarterbacks and theyre both starting quarterbacks and have a lot of experience.Experience would certainly be an asset for the Riders, who face the Eskimos for the third time since Oct. 19. Edmonton won two of the meetings but the defending Grey Cup champions halted a five-game losing streak Saturday.I think it comes down to how your roster is set, Chamblin said. Whats your personnel, who is playing, who is not playing?Both teams will come with (new) wrinkles and if you can survive their wrinkles and be stout (against their attack), then that team will win.Theres also quarterback news in the East Division semifinal involving B.C. and the Montreal Alouettes. The Lions have placed veteran Travis Lulay on their 46-man roster, allowing him to resume practising.Lulay, who guided B.C. to the 11 Grey Cup title, re-injured his right shoulder Sept. 5 in a win over Ottawa. It was Lulays first start in almost a year after returning from a right shoulder injury that sidelined him last season.Lulays status for Sundays game will be determined on how he practises but the expectation is Kevin Glenn, who started the Lions other 17 games, will take the snaps in Montreal.Glenn was the CFLs second-leading passer this season with 3,918 yards — Ricky Ray of the Toronto Argonauts led with 4,595 yards — and completed 63 per cent of his attempts. He threw 17 touchdowns but also a league-high 17 interceptions.The Lions head into the playoffs having dropped two straight games. Theyve been outscored 70-19 and allowed 1,028 combined yards over that span.B.C. (9-9) finished fourth in the West Division but assumed the third playoff seed in the East after posting a better record than Toronto (8-10), the third-place finisher. Montreal (9-9) finished tied atop the division with Hamilton (9-9) and although the teams split a pair of games, the Ticats secured first place based on scoring more points against the Als in their head-to-head series.Montreal is the only semifinalist without quarterback issues. Jonathan Crompton is 8-2 as a starter for the Alouettes, who are coming off a 29-15 road loss to Hamilton on Saturday that relegated them to second in the East. ' ' '