Prior to meeting Conor McGregor, Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes weren’t prone to knockouts. That’s a fact that sticks out for UFC Hall of Fame member Urijah Faber, and why he’s picking McGregor to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Faber, who once was under consideration to fight the Irish star at UFC 196 before hanging up his gloves, opined that McGregor’s (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) fists are an equalizer against Nurmagomedov (26-0 MMA, 10-0 UFC).

In a matchup already framed as grappler vs. striker, the rivals’ time on their feet makes all the difference.

“I think odds are in Conor’s favor, because it starts standing every round, and unless Khabib can take him down over and over again, right off the bat, the power’s a little much,” Faber told TMZ Sports.

While Faber can’t discount the possibility of seeing McGregor repeatedly grounded by the undefeated Nurmagomedov, who’s made a career of doing just that.

But Faber also factors in McGregor’s ability to call his shot.

“Chad Mendes, Jose Aldo, those guys don’t get knocked out often,” he said. “I think (I’m betting against McGregor).”

When McGregor and Nurmagomedov meet at UFC 229, which takes place Oct. 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and airs live on pay-per-view, Faber will get a chance to put his money where his mouth is. A lot of folks are already doing that. According to current betting lines, Nurmagomedov is a slight favorite over McGregor, topping out at -185 to McGregor’s +165.

For more on UFC 229, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.