UFC
Conor McGregor warns Chad Mendes to "have a backup plan" at UFC 189
Jul 7, 2015 - 1:00:40 PM Conor McGregor warns Chad Mendes to "have a backup plan" at UFC 189

DISCUSS ALL THIS IN OUR NEW MMATORCH FORUM

...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Conor McGregor knows Chad Mendes will be trying to take him down on Saturday at UFC 189, but he thinks the two-time challenger will need more than that to get the job done in Las Vegas.

In the latest episode of "UFC 189 Embedded," McGregor offers some advice to his opponent, saying Mendes needs to focus on more than his wrestling game if he hopes to beat him.

"He can plan his takedowns. Their approach to the game is singular, like many people in the game," he commented (transcribed by FoxSports.com). "They have the same set of movements, the same set of positions that they must succeed in, otherwise they will fail. When you come to me with a singular approach, it's not enough."

"If I was to give him some advice, it would be to have a backup plan."

Penick's Analysis: Mendes can't rely solely on takedowns, but he's not the type to do just one thing anyway. He fought with Jose Aldo toe to toe in their last fight, delivering more damage to the Champ than any challenger before, and he's not going to be afraid to strike with McGregor, either. He may be focusing on the ground game given short notice and the stylistic matchup, but it's certainly not all he's capable of doing in the cage.