UFC 246 preview: Can Conor McGregor beat Donald Cerrone for first win in three years?

(Editor’s note: This story originally published in Friday’s print edition of USA TODAY.)

LAS VEGAS – Conor McGregor is the biggest star in the history of mixed martial arts, and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. But is he still capable of performing at the incredibly high levels he displayed on his way to the pinnacle of the UFC?

That question will be answered Saturday at UFC 246.

McGregor (21-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC), a former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, seeks his first win in more than three years, moving up to 170 pounds to take on Donald Cerrone, a grizzled veteran of the sport whose name is found throughout the promotion’s record book.

“Conor McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the history of combat sports, period,” UFC president Dana White told USA TODAY Sports. “When you mention Conor McGregor’s name, you’re talking (Mike) Tyson, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, (Floyd) Mayweather. He’s on that list. He has some of the biggest, and the biggest, pay-per-views of all-time.”

White said Saturday’s event at T-Mobile Arena will be another massive financial success, estimating a $10.6 million live gate and suggesting the event is “trending off the charts for pay-per-view.”

There is no title on the line, though White has suggested McGregor would earn a crack at regaining the lightweight belt should he beat Cerrone (36-13 MMA, 23-10 UFC). Still, the stakes are high for McGregor, who has battled through numerous personal issues in the 15 months since his last octagon appearance, facing charges of assault and criminal mischief and even finding himself in the center of two sexual assault investigations, according to New York Times reports.

 

But in the days leading up to UFC 246, McGregor appears to be a bit of a changed man, approaching fight week with an air of charisma and charm that has been missing in recent years.

“Conor took some much-needed time off to get his personal life together,” White said. “He is the classic story of super rich and super famous really fast. It takes a toll on people, and it looks and sounds to me like he’s got it all under control now.”

But the real test – at least inside the cage – comes Saturday night. A perennial fan favorite, Cerrone has the most wins in UFC history, the most knockdowns in UFC history, the most finishes in UFC history, and the list goes on. In short, Cerrone is not simply a fighter brought in to give McGregor a guaranteed victory.

Even McGregor, with his famed quick wit, has shied away from trying to minimize Cerrone’s chances.

“You’ve seen him compete so many times, it’s hard not to respect Donald,” McGregor said. “He has my respect, and although there will be blood spilled on Jan. 18, it will not be bad blood.”

Win or lose, McGregor will remain a sellable commodity following UFC 246. But “The Notorious” has visions of retiring as one of the greatest to ever set foot in the cage. While his rise was historic, McGregor now looks to show sustainability in this next chapter of his career.