The key to MMA is constantly evolving. It is all about furthering your skill set to allow you to have more weapons for when the cage door shuts. Each fighter aims to be as well-rounded as possible. It is because no matter where the fight goes, they are comfortable. Conor McGregor is a megastar in the sport, but he is improving his game by becoming a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. McGregor looks to be building on his repertoire for his UFC return against Michael Chandler.
The Relationship Between MMA and BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has an intriguing relationship with the sport of MMA as it is one of the foundations of MMA. Royce Gracia was a pioneer for BJJ in MMA. He had a successful run in the UFC, and his fights with Ken Shamrock were legendary. Fast forward to today, and there are some top athletes with BJJ backgrounds. These fighters include the former lightweight champion Charles Oliveria, Gilbert Burns, and Paul Craig. High-level Jiu-Jitsu is an essential skill to have in the sport today. It allows competitors to fight off their backs, whether they’re looking for a submission or getting to their feet. BJJ is significant because it gives fighters a strong grappling foundation to give them confidence.
Conor McGregor VS Michael Chandler
McGregor is a legend of the sport, he propelled its popularity for a mainstream audience. He is known for his incredible striking and charismatic personality. His success is his ability to put his opponent’s lights out. The Irishman has won both of his titles by knockout. However, he has never looked threatening on the ground. It seems that could change now that he has a black belt. As he may have more skills to submit his opponents.
It will be helpful in his upcoming fight against Chandler. Due to Chandler’s wrestling background, it is easy to see the battle going to the ground at a certain stage in the contest. If McGregor gets taken down, he can either utilise his BJJ skills to get to his feet or submit Chandler. It is important to note that McGregor has never submitted anyone in the UFC. However, he is working on it now that he has a black belt.
McGregor’s Reaction To Black Belt
A black is the highest belt you recive in BJJ. Which means it is a great honour to receive one. McGregor was awarded the belt by his long-time friend and coach, John Kavanagh. The Irishman took to Instagram to express his pride in achieving a black belt.
“Received my black belt tonight from my coach, friend, and mentor, John Kavanagh of SBG Ireland,” McGregor wrote on Instagram. “20 years of hard work! Thank you, John, for everything over the years and to all my teammates throughout this incredible jiu-jitsu journey! Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart! A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, wow! Praise be to God and then Helio. I promise I’ll be in the Gi in it tomorrow, Helio, and I cannot wait!! What a buzz.”
Quotes Via Fanside MMA
It shows that McGregor is working towards a return to the Octagon.
