Apparently movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme thinks “The Notorious” Conor McGregor could use some work on his striking technique, and Van Damme feels he’s the guy to help him.
JCVD appeared on Bruce Buffer’s podcast to talk about McGregor’s potential, as well as his upcoming title fight against Jose Aldo next month.
“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.”
Van Damme also feels “The Notorious” McGregor has a bright future in Hollywood, if he chooses to go that route some day.
“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.”
While Van Damme recognizes McGregor’s talents, he still feels the Irishman could use some work on his striking technique.
“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.”
Finally, the movie star gave his take on the upcoming UFC 189 main event between McGregor and Jose 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 [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.”
Conor McGregor challenges Jose Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 189 on Saturday, July 11, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
