HE’S ONE OF the organisation’s most experienced fighters and even knows what it’s like to taste victory in an Ultimate Fighting Championship main event, but Rick Story is nevertheless being inspired by a fighter who’s a relative newcomer in comparison.
Story has tweeted Conor McGregor to express his support for the Irishman ahead of his UFC featherweight title bout against defending champion Jose Aldo at UFC 189 in Las Vegas on 11 July.
“I’m rooting for you in this fight,” Story said. “I want you to do what every fighter dreams of, get to the UFC and dominate in fashion.
“What you’re doing right now is inspiring for me as a fighter to better myself. Hard work pays off. UFC 189, get that belt!”
Story’s comments put the phenomenal impact being made by McGregor into perspective, given that the Dubliner had been fighting professionally for just over a year when the 30-year-old American first competed in the UFC in 2009.
Story is a veteran of 17 UFC bouts, in contrast to McGregor’s five. But McGregor is clearly leaving a significant impression on even the most experienced UFC athletes.
Story, who defeated McGregor’s SBG team-mate Gunnar Nelson back in October, was due to return to action this weekend against Erick Silva in Florida, but the bout was cancelled last week when his Brazilian opponent encountered visa issues.