Aldo vs. McGregor: Who Are the UFC's Big Stars Picking?

In just two short days, the mixed martial arts fight of the year is set to take place as UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo squares off against interim-belt holder Conor McGregor in a unification match at UFC 194.

The match is one of the most anticipated in history with both combatants boasting of impressive resumes.

Aldo, a striking expert from the MMA mecca of Brazil, is the sport's current pound-for-pound king and is the only man to hold the belt since it was introduced to the UFC in 2010.

His opponent McGregor is a brash, trash-talking Irishman who has proven his worth against all newcomers so far; taking out notable names like Chad Mendes, Dustin Poirier, and Max Holloway en route to the title fight.

However, Aldo is a totally different animal entirely, and, as a recent ESPN survey shows, many of the UFC's big names are picking him to retain the belt come Saturday night.

Chad Mendes, a fellow featherweight who has squared off against both men, told ESPN that Aldo's mental toughness gives him the edge.

"I don't see Conor mentally breaking Aldo. Hopefully his emotions don't gas him out. As far as fighter to fighter, skill set to skill set, athleticism to athleticism, I'm choosing Aldo."

Ronda Rousey says that had the fight been fought in July as previously intended, she would give the edge to Aldo. But now she feels that the extended lay-off he's had may work against him.

"The thing that is different with this, once you've become a champion, you have a different level of confidence now. Conor is going to be better than he ever was before with that champion's confidence. Aldo is dealing with ring rust. It's a tough fight to call. I'm trying to be safe and neutral on that one."

Overall 14 of those polled picked Aldo while 6 selected McGregor. The other respondents were neutral. To see the rest of the predictions, check out ESPN.

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