Oh, Jean Claude Van Damme.
When he’s not spreading for Volvo he’s dolling out life lessons to rising stars.
Appearing on UFC announcer Bruce Buffer’s podcast, JCVD tried to explain what gives featherweight contender Conor McGregor his certain je ne sais quoi.
“A guy like McGregor, he’s got that type of thing,” said Van Damme. “He’s hungry. It’s new for him. He appreciates the money with a big smile. He’s saying it out loud. He’s living a very great adventure. This is the time when you go from nothing to being bored. I’m advising him to enjoy every second of the day.
“It’s going to be hard to beat [McGregor] because he’s fighting with this, plus the techniques and his height. Plus he’s got the Irish people behind him and he created a connection between him and the audience of his early fights and he wants to be loved.”
With Hollywood yearning for its next martial arts superstar to make the jump to film, Van Damme says McGregor could easily fill that void.
“McGregor is always going to be moving a step forward,” said Van Damme. “He likes to elevate himself in fighting, philosophy, he’s reading books, he’s trying to learn his way. He’s not stupid. He has to do what he has to do. He’s a good guy. He loves people. Him being a movie star is really a true warrior. He’ll make a film or two or three, for sure, because he wants to touch everything. In his heart he’s a true warrior.”
First, McGregor will have to solve featherweight champion Jose Aldo July 11 at UFC 189.
If McGregor should survive his challenge to Aldo, JCVD says he’d love to help the Irishman clean up some of his striking technique. If McGregor doesn’t, well, you’ll know why.
“McGregor is a great fighter if he can use his legs as good as his fists,” said Van Damme. What he has that not too many people have is the eye. [Fedor] Emelianenko was not really in shape, but his eye. He’s got that, but what McGregor has is hunger and he’s training every day.
“After this fight I would love to spend some time with him to elevate the knee even better and not make mistakes. Turning around like that, it’s fantastic. He’s got the speed but a guy like Aldo can get inside him. That’s dangerous.”
Van Damme isn’t making predictions, but sounds like he believes McGregor has what it takes to dethrone Aldo.
“To be honest with you, I love McGregor and I love Aldo. Those two guys, you’ve got a Lamborghini and a Ferrari. You’ve got the guy from the street. He’s strong, all over the place. Not in a bad way. Like a monkey. Bam bam, he’s all over the place. He’s fast. He goes forward. He’s imprevisible [unpredictable].
“McGregor has one thing nobody has in his division. He can go backwards as the same time he’s hitting. When a guy runs at him and he can go backwards and he’s hitting the guy. It’s very dangerous. He’s got the length to go forward and the technique to go backwards.”
McGregor faces Aldo July 11 in the main event at UFC 189 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Post Show. Ariel Helwani and Dave Doyle break down the top storylines coming out of UFC 188.
Aftermath. Dave Doyle asks where Fabricio Werdum rates among the greats.
‘Maybe that wasn’t enough.’ Cain Velasquez sounds like he regrets only having two weeks to adjust to Mexico’s high altitude. ‘Again, no excuses. Fabricio was the better guy tonight. He fought with great technique.’
‘Educated/tough crowd.’ Dana White says he ‘didn’t disagree with one f—ing boo that happened tonight’ at UFC 188 in Mexico.
Statement. The UFC is supporting featherweight champion Jose Aldo following last week’s controversial drug test ahead of his title defense against Conor McGregor at UFC 189.
MEDIA STEW
Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez’s Octagon interviews.
Dana White recaps UFC 188.
UFC 188 post-fight presser highlights. (full presser here)
Nate Diaz really doesn’t think Eddie Alvarez beat Gilbert Melendez.
Great new Ronda Rousey promo for UFC 190.
It’s gonna be a long month.
Long watches.
Submission Radio 14/6/15 Mark Hunt, Bobby Lashley, Gunnar Nelson, Dave Meltzer + UFC 188
TWEETS
See how the pros reacted to all the action from UFC 188.
Victory lap.
CHAMPION! PROUD TO BE BRAZILIAN AND GAUCHO!! THE BELT IS OUR!!!!! #VaiCavalo
É CAMPEÃO!! ORGULHO DE SER BRASILEIRO E GAÚCHO!! O CINTURÃO É NOSSO!!!!! #VaiCavalo
— Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) June 14, 2015
Respect @GilbertMelendez legend in the game ,was an honor to make it happen Fighter. , father , husband , Real people ,
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) June 14, 2015
#OnAmission4Gold , 1st all glory goes to God! Not just because I won, but because I lean on him in… https://t.co/YdEbNhg2PC
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) June 14, 2015
CN words does not reach pra thank for your support, Mexican public truth thank you d to hug me d this way and this Warrior @CharlesRosaMMA
Cn palabras no alcanza pra agradecer su apoyo,d verdad gracias público mexicano por abrazarme d este modo y a este guerrero @CharlesRosaMMA
— Yair Rodriguez P (@chilitoufc) June 14, 2015
Weighed in 114. Fought 118. Home 119. I need lots of cheesecake!!! ??
— Tecia Torres (@TeciaTorres) June 14, 2015
We made it happen last night wanna give special thanks to each of my teammates and great corner who… https://t.co/kJk0Il2u2G
— Efrain Escudero (@effyescudero) June 14, 2015
Patrick Williams The Animal making UFC history UFC on FOX UFC 188 http://t.co/jXMLJ2D1EQ
— Patrick Williams (@IAMTHEANIMAL) June 14, 2015
The hospital all night after the win wasn’t fun, but sure feels good to see all the love and support! Thank u all! pic.twitter.com/vbNRABiKAc
— Johnny Hollywod Case (@HollywoodCase) June 14, 2015
Disappointed. Thanks to everyone for the support. The result I wanted, just not the performance. I’m not hurt & ready to go whenever needed.
— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) June 14, 2015
Muchísimas gracias a las personas que apostaron a mi favor y a los que no tmb por que así hicieron ganar a la… http://t.co/p8qpMx6i5v
— Moggly Benitez (@Moggly_Benitez) June 14, 2015
Better luck next time.
Sorry to everyone I’ve let down.
— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) June 14, 2015
@Ealvarezfight respect to use as well Eddie good fight.
— Gilbert Melendez (@GilbertMelendez) June 15, 2015
I came to Mexico to fight. Learning from my mistakes and moving forward, thank you all for your… https://t.co/4YVO9yYZtO
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) June 15, 2015
What do I fear? I fear stagnation and lack of progress. I fear never reaching my potential and being… https://t.co/xlm05rq67K
— Chico Camus (@KOMCamus) June 15, 2015
I was 100% and extremely ready. Made a mistake and Efrain took the win. Well deserved. Broken hearted but I have… http://t.co/Adbt9euN87
— Drew Dober (@DrewDober) June 14, 2015
Rough night.
We all have ups and downs, the days always seem darkest right before there is sunshine. We will hear… https://t.co/zXNQrNz62o
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 14, 2015
Credit to Werdum, he fought a great flight and had a smart camp. He is the real champ now. Cain will be back.
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) June 14, 2015
I just want to wish the best for Cain. You are the best fighter for me anyway ! @cainmma @akajav @AKA_HQ
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) June 14, 2015
#brothersofthesword #warzone #warfare #neverendingrobberies #issallgoodthough #100… https://t.co/UDcg4GFeaY
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) June 14, 2015
Gilbert did the damage and walked out looking good, Alvarez had to go to the hospital afte… https://t.co/sxPyOMIAGu pic.twitter.com/voldDy3wzZ
— Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF) June 14, 2015
Get well soon.
Broken nose and orbital fr an elbow in rnd 1 forced me to make adjustments, gauging distance was a bitch, found a way regardless ,TU guys,
— Edward Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) June 14, 2015
Motivated.
I’m gonna go to bed and dream about that belt. Then I’m going to wake up and train my ass off and wait for that phone call.
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) June 14, 2015
More reactions.
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) June 14, 2015
Jus got back to hotel. Crazy main event. Cain will always be one of my favorite fighters but huge congrats to the new champ Werdum! Amazing!
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) June 14, 2015
Alvarez won rounds 2 and 3. Lots of heart! RT @Om44r: @MikeChandlerMMA who do you think won the Melendez-Alvarez fight?!
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 14, 2015
Was really surprised that some of the sea level fighters on last nights card were not prepared for the thin air .. & Eddies cycling #paidoff
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) June 14, 2015
Bright.
The future!! alexa_grasso and @irenealdana_ #ufcmexico @ufc https://t.co/ayAsxbspCi
— Dana White (@danawhite) June 14, 2015
Yikes.
I love Mexico City, and the people there were cool as fuck. Amazing crowd for the @ufc They were so… https://t.co/Hl6InIe8z7
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) June 15, 2015
Not a fan of the translating.
I’d slap that mic right out of his hand and head butt him. Repeat that. http://t.co/zrYtbqVyNe
— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) June 14, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced this weekend (June 12-14 2015)
cancelled Alan Omer vs. Mike Wilkinson at UFC Fight Night: Jedrzejczyk vs. Penne
Mickael Lebout vs. Jake Matthews at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites
Konstantin Erokhin vs. Daniel Omielanczuk at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via ProtectYaNeck.
Am I the only one who is tired of people underestimating fighters? Its happened numerous times. From Chris Weidman vs Anderson Silva to now Fabricio Werdum vs Cain Velasquez.
One rule I go into every MMA fight with is. Never underestimate your opponent. I’ve seen it happen far to often in MMA, really great fighters are getting counted out and its pathetic. Mixed Martial Arts is a sport where Anything can happen at anytime. One kick, one punch or one takedown can decide a fight. People need to realize no one in this sport is invincible, take in to consideration every aspect of a fight before you Spew out a silly prediction. Don’t get me wrong, There is nothing wrong with predicting fights, its just when you predict those fight with guaranteed certainty that makes me and others like me want to laugh in your face.
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Check out the rest of the post here.
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