THE UFC HAS several former Olympians on its books, but Katie Taylor isn’t planning to join them.
Despite the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in Ireland, the Olympic gold medallist won’t be diverted from her preparations for next year in Rio.
However, Taylor has reiterated her admiration for Irish UFC star Conor McGregor, and says she wouldn’t be surprised to eventually see MMA in the Olympics.
“I’m a big fan of Conor McGregor,” said Taylor. “I don’t really watch MMA fights but I do love watching Conor McGregor. I love seeing Irish athletes doing well anyway and I think he’s a phenomenal athlete.
“He’s a great showman. I love watching him, the entertainer that he is and you never know what he’s going to come out with. He’s exciting to watch. I love the boxing part of MMA and I think he’s great on his feet.”
Katie Taylor has plenty in common with current UFC stars like Ronda Rousey and Sara McMann. Before switching to MMA, Rousey was a bronze medallist in judo at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, while McMann took silver in freestyle wrestling in Athens in 2004.
But that’s not on the agenda for Taylor. Having clinched her fifth World Championship title in November, the 28-year-old lightweight boxer remains focused on competing in another Olympics in Brazil in 2016
“If I went into an MMA ring, I’d probably break my two arms from someone getting me in a hold or whatever,” said Taylor, who was speaking in her role as an ambassador for the Sky Sports Living for Sport scheme.
“I don’t know why boxing and MMA are always pitted against each other. They’re two completely different sports. I have so much respect for those guys with the training they put in and the discipline it takes to get into that shape. It’s incredible.”
When asked if she could see MMA in the Olympics, Taylor said: “It’s getting that way, because it’s becoming more and more popular every year. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was an Olympic sport.
“There’s obviously a lot of people against MMA, as well, for whatever reason. I think the athletes are fantastic. I’ve never met Conor, I’d love to meet him. We have two completely different personalities but I think he’s absolutely brilliant. He’s taken the UFC by storm.”
Sky Sports Living for Sport, part of Sky Academy, announces 12 new Athlete Mentors with Ambassador Katie Taylor. To find out more and to get involved, visit www.skysports.com/livingforsport
