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Paulie Malignaggi, after sparring with Conor McGregor, says he has newfound respect for the Irishman. Via BloodyElbow.com:
“It makes me respect McGregor to see his work ethic that he’s put into the training camp,” Malignaggi told Sky Sports. “Seeing him work hard every day and see that he’s really determined to upset the odds.”
“When you talk to Conor, at first I started thinking this guy doesn’t really think he’s going to win this, it’s just a $100 million fight for him,” he continued. “Then when you really start to talk to him, you start to realize that this guy really believes it down deep inside his heart and he’s got every reason to, because every time he’s been doubted in his life he has been able to overcome those odds and win, no matter what it is.”
That authenticity of belief is at the core of McGregor’s drug-free efforts for this fight, and as Malignaggi sees it, is a result of McGregor’s background and story.
“Come out of poverty, become a UFC champion, become a two-time two-weight UFC champion,” Malignaggi said. “Whatever it’s been, he’s done it. He has no reason to ever doubt himself, because he is yet to be proven wrong.”
“From the outside, we’re going to doubt him again, but Conor McGregor doesn’t have any doubts in his mind.”
And even if McGregor doesn’t have “Oh my god” power, Malignaggi says he does have some unique tools he brings to the table.
“Timing wise it makes it a little bit different to time. I’m not going to say difficult to time, because you can get a timing on him, but at first glance you are not going to get a look that you’re accustomed to and then depending on him, his aggression, his non-aggression, because Conor has different methods of executing his little game-plans that he has,” Malignaggi explained.
“It’s going to be up to Conor to throw those little curve balls here and there and throw things a bit out of line for Floyd, and see if he can get Floyd’s respect.”
While Malignaggi clearly joins most, including Mike Tyson, in believing Conor will be a huge underdog, he has come to respect that McGregor is not trying to scam anyone, outlandish press tour aside. He has a deep sense of self-efficacy built on accomplishment that tells him he can do anything he sets out to accomplish. While Floyd beating Conor is as outcome is as sure as anything has ever been in combat sports, that belief is enough to give one that tiny, ephemeral seed of doubt- who knows? Perhaps McGregor could really pull off the impossible.
Insomnia
You knew Meisha Tate throwing axes like she stepped out of Sherwood Forest would make it into Midnight Mania.
You better watch your Axes!! https://t.co/aWddcuuveM
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) August 1, 2017
That reminded my aged editor of this old classic:
Jon Jones having fun in the sun. For the G.O.A.T., life is good.
Soaking in every moment of family time after all the hard work and grueling camp. Thanks @SeaWorld for having us. pic.twitter.com/PjU3yDh17P
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 1, 2017
I call sexism!
Conor McGregor after party announced. $35 for women, $45 for men. Expedited entry: $45 for women, $75 for men. pic.twitter.com/gPeuIbJtXW
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 1, 2017
This is an awesome poster, especially for an electronic pad and pencil …
I took a stab at creating a Lesnar vs. Jones poster using my Apple Pencil and iPad Pro. pic.twitter.com/RScAAzp3Nu
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) August 1, 2017
Cat Zingano is salty that Cyborg blocked her. Could she be Cris’ next opponent? White hinted that Holly Holm might be up next
If Cris Cyborg hadn’t blocked my on social media, I’d remind her that she declined fighting me for the first 145 belt @ufc #keeptalkinfocker pic.twitter.com/fhjsUxHnsX
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) July 31, 2017
One way to celebrate a UFC win for Alexandra Albu:
Extremely chill vibes if you really do have insomnia …
Genki Sudo update – XTREME CHILL BEACH VIBEShttps://t.co/KnVWH5jv7z
— Jessica Hudnall (@LegKickTKO) August 1, 2017
This week in combat sports
Live Combat Sport Schedule: 8/1 – 8/6https://t.co/8j86IQj7le
Fight cards and streams updated all week pic.twitter.com/DGYrJjdNdS
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 1, 2017
Slips, Rips, and KO Clips
Do you watch the Tuesday Night Contender series on Fight Pass? If so, you just might be a hardcore fan
Huge head kick finish on #ContenderSeries #DWTNCS pic.twitter.com/ZMdDye6TT4
— Daniel McCarthy (@dmccarthy_ny) August 2, 2017
How can you tell he’s been in a fight?
— Jolassanda (@Jolassanda) August 2, 2017
James Gray puts Brazilian prospect Lucas Moraes to sleep in the iXFC tournament. They brought in the oxygen to revive him. #ContenderSeries pic.twitter.com/UNgeXZJCQj
— Bestrafer7 (@Bestrafer7) August 1, 2017
Chingiz Allazov fights Dzhabar Askerov this Saturday at WLF. Fresh off his K-1 WGP 70kg tourney win. pic.twitter.com/FKDtLyyXar
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 1, 2017
ONE has a great card this Saturday. Bibiano/Leone, Akhmetov/Moraes, Boku, Burns, Wiratchai, Ataides, Prachnio & the return of Tim Nasty. pic.twitter.com/eZzGa0Al3m
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 1, 2017
Quick Hits
- UFC 214’s “Prelims” did mediocre ratings, but everything else about UFC 214 indicate that it was a smashing success.
- If Jon Jones vs Brock Lesnar happens, it will likely be next summer.
- Dana White says Woodley didn’t really mean it when Woodley threatened to air White’s dirty laundry. Colby Covington, meanwhile, told Dana no worries, he can blackmail Woodley if the welterweight champion gets out of line. So that’s your drama for the day.
- Aldo vs. Swanson 2? Yes please, says Aldo
Podcasts and Video
Live stream of the pre-UFC fights of McGregor, Max Holloway and Cody Garbrandt
Dominick Cruz puts on his analyst hat for McGregor-Mayweather:
What does Conor McGregor have to do to defeat Floyd Mayweather? @UFCONFOX @DominickCruz breaks down next month’s anticipated mega-fight. pic.twitter.com/jok3YKOG9q
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) July 30, 2017
Mayweather is everywhere, it seems …
.@FloydMayweather interrupts @UrijahFaber‘s interview on #TLTS @lthomasnews https://t.co/AdDLjjxIXu
— MMA on SiriusXM (@MMAonSiriusXM) August 2, 2017
Random Land
Hold my beer while I grab that last musical chair pic.twitter.com/2vHkUXL3yx
— Hold My Beer (@HoldThisBeer) August 1, 2017
Stay woke, Maniacs! Follow me on Twitter @Vorpality