UFC lightweight contender predicts Conor McGregor will knock out RDA inside two

The votes are piling up for Conor McGregor ahead of his first fight at lightweight in March.

The Dubliner takes on defending champion Rafael dos Anjos in his first fight in the 155 weight division, and the Notorious is looking in fine shape for the contest. McGregor is likely to face a totally different challenge and style of fight at the new weight class to what he has been used to over the last three years at featherweight. But at least one current lightweight contender, and a man who beat RDA in his most recent outing, feels the current featherweight champion will enjoy the spoils of victory after UFC 197. Speaking on the MMA hour, Khabib Nurmagomedov has backed McGregor to record a comprehensive win.

"In lightweight division, Conor McGregor the strongest guy because he doesn't need to cut so much weight. I think his takedown defence is good and he has more punching power and his kicking is good. "But RDA is a very tough guy and of the fight goes five rounds, my opinion is that Rafael will win. But first round or second round, I think Conor will win. "Prediction, I think Conor will beat him with knock-out."

The 'Eagle' who is still recovering from along term rib injury, admits that RDA could be win, but only if he uses a strong ground game against the Irishman.

Chad is a better wrestler than RDA and but Rafael has better top control than Chad. If dos Anjos can take him(McGregor) down and keep him on the ground, he can be beaten."