Khabib Nurmagomedov (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Eddie Alvarez believes Conor McGregor could take out Khabib Nurmagomedov, if and when they ever fight, but, ultimately the former champ’s picking “The Eagle” to defeat the massive star.

Recently Alvarez spoke with ESNewsReporting.com, and he was asked to weigh-in on the expected fight between Nurmagomedov and McGregor. While doing so, Alvarez said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I feel like there will be takedowns, and Conor will not get up,” said Alvarez, who also noted that Nurmagmoedov needs to correct some issues with his striking defense. “And I don’t know if he has the spirit to stay in the fight with a ground fight, where Khabib is controlling 15 to 20 minutes of a 25-minute bout. I’d have to give the edge to Khabib.”

“I don’t feel like he (McGregor) has a strong spirit for fighting on the ground,” Alvarez said. “Some guys have a real strong spirit, they could stand up all day for five, 10 rounds, as long as they’re standing up.

“…But when it goes to the ground, their spirit weakens. I don’t think Conor has a strong enough spirit to withstand Khabib’s ground attack over and over and over.”

Nurmagomedov won the vacated lightweight title earlier this month at UFC 223, by earning a decision win over Al Iaquinta.