Chuck Liddell Says Floyd Mayweather Has to KO Conor McGregor to Make Statement

Former UFC superstar Chuck Liddell expressed his belief Wednesday that Floyd Mayweather Jr. needs to score an early knockout of Conor McGregor in their Aug. 26 fight to make a statement.

In an interview with TMZ Sports, Liddell also said he doesn't anticipate Mayweather pressing the issue: "I don't think Floyd will come after him. Floyd will be happy making the money and running around."

The 47-year-old Liddell had a career MMA record of 21-8, and he is a former UFC light heavyweight champion.

He also has some level of experience when it comes to McGregor's transition from MMA to boxing, as Liddell was a kickboxer who went 20-2 in 22 professional bouts.

McGregor is set to face arguably one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the history of the sport, however, and a man who owns a perfect 49-0 record.

To Liddell's point, Mayweather has largely relied on winning by decision in recent years, as his last knockout victory came over Victor Ortiz in 2011.

Due to his quickness and defensive ability, Mayweather's best strategy against McGregor may be to simply avoid big power punches and pick the Irishman apart with counters.

Per OddsShark, Mayweather is a 7-50 favorite, while McGregor is listed as a 5-1 underdog.