UFC Fight Night 59: Conor McGregor vs. Dennis Siver Date: January 18, 2015 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Venue: TD Garden Broadcast: FS1 UFC Featherweight Contender Conor McGregor A character who backs up his trash talking with vicious knockouts inside the cage, Conor McGregor (16-2) has taken the MMA world by storm and is a bonafide star now. After winning the 145lb and 155lb titles in Cage Warriors, McGregor was signed to the UFC and has since gone 4-0 with knockout wins over Dustin Poirier, Marcus Brimage and Diego Brandao and a decision win over Max Holloway. He has shown tremendous boxing skills in all of his fights, but he’s also shown some solid wrestling and it really does look like he’s a complete fighter. After talking his way into the top 10, McGregor finally fought a dance partner amongst the contenders in the form of Dustin Poirier, and he knocked him out in round one. Fans are calling for a title shot, and he could be next in line for Jose Aldo with a win over Dennis Siver at UFC Fight Night 59. UFC Featherweight Contender Dennis Siver Dennis Siver (22-9, 1 NC) is a grizzled veteran of the fight game, starting his career back in 2004 and signing with the UFC in 2007. During his time in the Octagon, Siver has gone 10-5 overall following a rough 1-3 start. The 35-year-old German spent the vast majority of his time at lightweight, but after losing somewhat consistently to opponents in the top tier of that deep division, he successfully made the move to featherweight, where he has looked much better, going 3-1, 1 NC at 145lbs with wins over Charles Rosa, Nam Phan and Diego Nunes, a loss to Cub Swanson, and a No Contest against Manny Gamburyan. Siver is best-known for his stand-up, but he also uses his striking to set up submissions on the ground. With seven post-fight bonuses to his credit, including two for Knockout of the Night, four for Fight of the Night, and one for Submission of The Night, Siver remains a fun guy to watch who is always ready to put on a show. He is getting a huge opportunity against Conor McGregor at UFC Fight Night 59, and if he wins this fight, he will be on the shortlist of featherweight contenders for Jose Aldo. Opening UFC Fight Night 59 Main Event Analysis: Several Bookmakers made McGregor a -600 favorite (bet $600 to win $100) while Siver opened as a +400 underdog (bet $100 to win $400). McGregor has been a sensation so far in the UFC, going 4-0 with wins over Dustin Poirier, Diego Brandao, Max Holloway, and Marcus Brimage. He talks a great game, and his mouth and his fighting skills combined have vaulted him into stardom. As for Siver, the always-dependable veteran recently returned from a drug suspension to pick up a win over Aaron Rosa by decision in a Fight of the Night performance. Siver is a very good fighter and has fought a higher level of opposition than McGregor, but he also seems to be on the decline while McGregor is clearly on the way up. McGregor has vicious knockout power and Siver’s chin is questionable, and in a fight that likely will remain on the feet, it makes sense McGregor opens up as such a big favorite.
