Islam Makhachev‘s dominant title defense at UFC 302 sent shockwaves through the entire sports community. The effect of this was evident on the always outspoken NBA analyst, Stephen A Smith. He weighed in on a potential matchup between the reigning lightweight king and none other than Conor McGregor.
Smith didn’t mince words when assessing Conor McGregor‘s chances against the Dagestani grappling phenom on his ESPN show First Take. He gave props to Islam Makhachev and believed that Conor McGregor could not hold up in the Octagon against elite grapplers.
Conor McGregor has no business being in the octagon against a grappler, which is what Makhachev [is]. I mean, this brother right here, he’s something special and he’s not going to try to strike against Conor McGregor.
Stephen A Smith via First Take
The analyst recalled the dominant performance against McGregor by Islam Makhachev‘s good friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov back in 2018. He vividly recounted being in attendance for that event in Vegas. Smith revealed that it was one of the “greatest” he’d ever witnessed.
McGregor is known for his counterpunches and his left-hand power. But his ground game is not his strong suit. As such, Stephen A. Smith’s analysis is not a bad take. Joe Rogan has also beefed with Smith about his takes in the UFC. However, it is a fighting game. A single punch, a single kick, or just a small misstep could be the difference between a loss or a highlight reel finish.
Fight fans reacted to Stephen A. Smith’s take on Conor McGregor
MMA is not a sport that always makes sense. It is a game of styles and attrition. The grit and determination determine the outcome of fights. As such, a generalized take can land someone in hot water. This is the case with Stephen A. Smith. The ESPN personality’s recent comments about Conor McGregor have set the MMA world ablaze – for better or worse.
Fight fans reacted to Stephen A Smith’s take (via MMA Fighting)Fight fans took to social media to express their opinions on this take. Some fight fans agreed with the analysis, reflecting on McGregor’s past experiences with grapplers. Others believed that Smith had no business giving takes about UFC fighters. Smith’s definitive stance drew a fierce backlash from large swaths of McGregor’s notoriously loyal fanbase. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:
When did he become a ufc expert
— Garett Nelson (@garettnelson) June 3, 2024
This is like me giving relationship advice to my friend with a wife
— What A Bet (@What_a_Bets) June 3, 2024
He’s right but because it’s Stephen A Smith talking about MMA, my ears hear it as a terrible take
— KhyreLunar (@KhyreLunar) June 3, 2024
Will I watch it? Of course. Does Conor stand a chance? No way, imo.
— Cam (@MMADaysDigest) June 3, 2024
This is the only sport he should t chime in on. Islam would also out strike Conor at this stage of his career
— Conor McPegHer (@LeapDayBaby92) June 3, 2024
It’s a fairly moot point. Conor hasn’t even shown he can take on a Top 10 non-grappler. Conor vs. Islam would be a ridiculous fight to make, not saying the $$$ won’t make it happen regardless, but still not worth arguing for real.
— Lex Jurgen (@Lex_Jurgen) June 3, 2024
This is like me talking about quantum physics
— Jaqen (@JaqenJordan) June 3, 2024
The MMA world is engaged in a heated debate over Smith’s polarizing take. But at the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer to this debate. It is unlikely that the Irish superstar will face off against the Dagestani champion. He will face Michael Chandler at UFC 303. However, speculation continues about McGregor vs. Makhachev.
