The UFC, in its 30-year tenure, has united billions of fans worldwide. However, despite a plethora of fans with their undying love for the sport, there are others who are not so keen on it. As such, Hollywood megastar Liam Neeson has made his thoughts known on UFC’s biggest superstar Conor McGregor, and the UFC.
For those unaware, Liam Neeson is one of Hollywood’s biggest superstars and a well-reputed one. Notably, Neeson’s most famous works include the “Taken series,” “Schindler’s List,” “The Grey,” and many many more. Surprisingly, despite being in a whole host of action movies, he does not approve of fellow Irishman and UFC superstar, “The Notorious One”.
From Men's Health, Liam Neeson on the UFC (and Conor McGregor): pic.twitter.com/gsFt2IRtZQ
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 4, 2023
In an episode of Don’t Read The Comments, Neeson was asked about the UFC and McGregor. “That little leprechaun, Conor McGregor. Oh, please, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he’s fit and I admire him for that, but I can’t take it.” Although some may feel that the response was in poor taste, Conor is known to divide public opinion with his antics.
However, some pointed out a hint of sarcasm in Neeson’s words, indicating that the pair could actually be friends. Moreover, Neeson follows up his comments on McGregor with a spotless impression of the fighter as well. For the most part, we know from previous footage that McGregor respects Neeson a lot. In the buildup to his fight against Jose Aldo at UFC 194, Conor was asked if he was bigger than Neeson in Ireland.
At the time, McGregor responded by saying, “Don’t ever f**k with Liam Neeson yeah, that mother****** will come get you and your family. F**k you all up.” Currently awaiting his own movie, Road House, it was very evident that McGregor has a lot of respect for the Hollywood star.
What did Liam Neeson say about the UFC?
However, the 70-year-old’s comments about the UFC were perhaps a bit more serious. As such, Neeson compares the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) to brawling with beer bottles. Moreover, he anticipates bar fights to be the next evolution of the UFC.
Speaking about the MMA promotion, Liam has his say.”UFC, I can’t stand. That, to me, is like a bar fight. And I know all the practitioners say, ‘No, you’re wrong. The months of training we do.’ Why don’t you just grab a beer bottle and hit the other guy over there? That’s the next stage from UFC. I hate it.”
Having been a part of numerous action blockbusters over the years, Neeson is no stranger to combat sequences. Speaking of his training regime, Neeson does not reveal much either. Although he gets up to some pretty gory action against the bad guys in his movies, he seems averse to it in real life. Understandably, the brawling and battering that UFC fans have grown to know and love is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Notably, Neeson mentions how hitting people with a beer bottle might become the next stage of the UFC. However, the next stage of the UFC appears to be Dana White’s brainchild, the Power Slap league. The UFC President’s outrageous new venture has seen a lot of criticism online for various reasons. With that said, there is always another wacky, out-of-the-box idea always waiting to happen in combat sports.
What are your thoughts on Liam Neeson’s comments? Do you believe he genuinely dislikes Conor McGregor? What is the next stage of the UFC for you? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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