Karate World Champion hails Conor McGregor's signature fighting style
Conor McGregor is a frightening presence inside the octagon when he's on his game. His iconic fighting style has now been analyzed and praised by Karate World Champion, Jordan Thomas.
Born in Luton, England, the karate expert has represented his country and won gold at both the World Championships in 2016 and the European Championships in 2014. Despite losing in the final, Thomas is the first British World Games finalist since Jason Ledgister battled his way to second place back in 2001.
While watching Conor McGregor's movement during his fight against Dennis Siver, Jordan Thomas praised the Irishman. He harped McGregor's ability to set traps and manage distance like a seasoned veteran, saying:
"The way he goes in and out, he puts himself there and then takes it away, relentless. And the spins, he dominates the center, comes back into that danger zone, makes him miss, takes away his confidence, uses the front leg to take the ground, forces him back with the impact. He's obviously developed his understanding of the fight game. The overwhelming with the combinations of the kicks, which forces him back even more, especially the power that's going into them. When it is the time for somebody else to react, he's not there."
Throughout his last couple of fights inside the octagon, 'The Notorious' adopted a new style, primarily focusing on his boxing stance and leaning heavily on the front leg. After his supporters pleaded with the lightweight to return to his old ways, the Dublin native fought in his old karate stance against Dustin Poirier last time out.
Check out what World Champion Jordan Thomas had to say about Conor McGregor's well-known style in the video below (1:23 mark).
Conor McGregor's imminent return to the octagon
Having spent some time working on his upcoming debut on the big screen, Conor McGregor is finally starting to make noise regarding a potential return to the octagon.
No timeline for his comeback has been put into place. However, the former two-division UFC champion has been mentioned in the same breath as other top contenders, all of which could be fantastic matchups for the sport.
Eyeing a move to welterweight, McGregor could see himself matched up against the gritty Michael Chandler, an athlete that's dedicated to one day facing the 34-year-old superstar. 'Iron' has announced his interest in having the bout at 170lbs as he wants to face the fan-favorite fighter at his very best.