4 reasons why Conor McGregor will beat Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone at UFC 246

3. ‘Cowboy’ doesn’t respond well in emotional situations

Cerrone struggled to control his emotions in his fight with Nate Diaz

Donald Cerrone often comes across like a stone-cold killer inside the Octagon, staring at his opponent with a steely gaze before destroying them once the fight begins. However, we’ve also seen him wilt at times in a surprising fashion – most notably when he’s been involved in a high-pressured, emotional situations.

When faced with the trash-talking Nate Diaz at UFC 141, for instance, Cerrone didn’t seem himself from the off, despite attempting to get into Diaz’s head by flipping him off as the fight began. And during the fight, he attempted to trade punches with the Stockton native – a sharper boxer – and found himself on the wrong end of a decision because of that.

Some fans have accused Cerrone of being a “choker” as he’s lost numerous big fights in his career, but I don’t think that’s the case – it may be more likely that he simply lets his emotions get the best of him in a high-pressured situation against an opponent that gets under his skin. And despite the fact that he hasn’t yet talked too much trash, if anyone knows how to get under an opponent’s skin, it’s Conor McGregor.

Cerrone has fought in numerous main events over the years and has even challenged for the UFC Lightweight title, but this will undoubtedly be the biggest fight he’s ever competed in, with the most eyeballs on him, too. For McGregor on the other hand, it’s just another fight.

Assuming ‘The Notorious One’ ramps up his trash talk in the next few weeks, it’s easy to see a situation in which he gets under Cerrone’s skin – causing ‘Cowboy’ to lose focus and become easy pickings for the Irishman.