Conor McGregor is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). With an impressive record and a history of defeating top contenders in various weight classes, McGregor has solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with inside the octagon. However, one potential matchup that many fans have been curious about is a showdown between McGregor and Dricus Du Plessis. While Du Plessis may not be a household name to casual fans, his skill set and achievements in the sport cannot be overlooked.
In a hypothetical scenario where McGregor faces Du Plessis, many may immediately count McGregor out due to Du Plessis' victory over Garreth McLellan. However, a closer look at the fighters that McGregor and Du Plessis have faced in the past reveals a path to victory for the Irish superstar.
McGregor's journey to a potential matchup with Du Plessis would start with his impressive victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205. McGregor showcased his striking prowess and ended the fight in the second round by TKO. This victory over Alvarez, a seasoned veteran in the lightweight division, demonstrated McGregor's ability to overcome adversity and come out on top against elite competition.
Alvarez, in turn, had defeated Daisuke Hanazawa at Euphoria - USA vs. Japan before facing McGregor. Hanazawa, a skilled fighter in his own right, fell to Alvarez via TKO in the first round. This chain of victories showcases the level of competition that McGregor has conquered on his way to the top of the MMA world.
Hanazawa's path led him to a win over Gerald Meerschaert at FCC 29, where he secured a submission victory in the first round. Meerschaert, a talented middleweight fighter, fell victim to Hanazawa's grappling skills, highlighting the diverse range of opponents that McGregor's opponents have faced in their careers.
Meerschaert, in a surprising turn of events, managed to defeat Bartosz Fabinski at UFC on ESPN 22 with a technical submission in the first round. Fabinski, known for his grappling prowess, was unable to overcome Meerschaert's well-rounded skill set, leading to a quick finish in their middleweight bout.
Fabinski's journey took him to a victory over Garreth McLellan at UFC Fight Night 64, where he secured a unanimous decision after three hard-fought rounds. McLellan, a tough competitor, showcased his resilience throughout the fight but ultimately fell short against Fabinski's strategic approach.
McLellan's defeat at the hands of Fabinski provides an interesting point of reference in the potential matchup between McGregor and Du Plessis. Despite his loss to Fabinski, McLellan had previously defeated Du Plessis at EFC 33 by submission in the third round. This outcome may lead some to believe that Du Plessis holds the advantage over McGregor based on this shared opponent.
However, MMA math does not always paint an accurate picture of how a fight will unfold. McGregor's skill set, precision striking, and ability to dictate the pace of a fight could pose significant challenges for Du Plessis. While Du Plessis has shown his grappling abilities and resilience in the cage, McGregor's experience at the highest levels of the sport could give him the edge in a potential matchup.
In conclusion, while Du Plessis may have a victory over a common opponent in Garreth McLellan, McGregor's track record of defeating elite competition and his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes fights cannot be discounted. A potential clash between McGregor and Du Plessis would undoubtedly generate excitement among MMA fans, and the outcome of such a matchup would be difficult to predict. McGregor's path to victory over Du Plessis may not be straightforward, but based on his past performances and accomplishments, it is certainly within the realm of possibility for the former two-division champion.