HE WASN’T A fan of the trash-talking approach that was adopted by Chael Sonnen but when it comes to Conor McGregor, Chuck Liddell can make an exception.
The reason? While McGregor talks the talk, the UFC’s interim featherweight champion also backs it up when it’s time to get down to business.
McGregor has become the most colourful character in mixed martial arts over the last two years as a result of his spectacular skills in the octagon and his quick wit in interviews.
Former UFC star Chael Sonnen also entertained when in the media spotlight but he never reached the top of the game, coming up short in four separate world title bouts.
“You want to talk like that and you’re going to back it up by fighting like that? Fine,” Liddell told MMAjunkie Radio. “It’s not like Chael, where he talks all that before a fight and then tries to do the lay-and-pray thing.”
McGregor will aim to become the undisputed UFC featherweight champion in Las Vegas on 12 December when he takes on Jose Aldo in the main event at UFC 194.
“I’m actually really looking forward to that Aldo fight,” said Liddell, the former UFC light-heavyweight champion. “I’m a big Aldo fan. I’m not big with the trash-talking, but I do like Conor because he comes out and fights the way he talks.”
Liddell was impressed by McGregor’s performance and approach in Vegas on 11 July when he defeated Chad Mendes at UFC 189 to win the interim belt.
“[McGregor] came out right across the ring and started swinging. He wasn’t trying to dance around or not get taken down. He just came out swinging.”
H/T: MMAjunkie
