He's always been tough to rate on an objective level. His power didn't carry up in weight at all, and he was huge for the Bantamweight division he ruled. Also, the level of competition he faced at his primary weight class leaves something to be desired (though his opponents during his title reign can be underrated). The proof is in the footage, though. One of the best all-round punchers to study. Not sure about a number he'd fall at on a list of raw power, though. His technique and method as a puncher round by round was what made him such a great, consistent finisher.
I don't disagree with anything Bujia said tbh. I tend to think that his kayo percentage probably overstates his pure one- punch power and raw force. A bit like Gomez, Olivares to a point, Trinidad maybe. Clearly more than a Chavez type accumulation puncher but visibly not a Jackson/Little Red/Avelar esque punch either. The more impressive thing about him was his accuracy, range of shots, timing, ruthlessness and the fact that he didn't fall in love with his power like his conqueror Gomez and allow his method and application to decline. Just very consistent over the rounds, patient and not requiring too many clean shots to get an opponent going.
Gomez looked like the man moving-up in that fight. I agree Zarate liked easy targets. He was definitely talented, but confined to an arguably inferior division.
Beautiful post. I do believe that supports what Bujia said about him having a size advantage over his opponents. McGregor floored Diaz multiple times at Ww and stopped Cerrone, but you can't say that he's been the KO artist he was since leaving Featherweight. His only win at Lightweight was against the shorter Alavarez. A helluva lot more impressive than what Poirier was able to pull off, or what the hardest hitting Lightweight I have seen: Melvin Guillard could ever dream of mustering. But still shows McGregor is less about power and more about accuracy and timing, and having the right target for his style. That might be a good analogy for Zarate as a puncher.