What could Conor McGregor and his oratory skills mean for TUF - Jon Anik explains
Jon Anik recently praised Conor McGregor for his extraordinary oratory skills. He claimed that these abilities could make the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) a delight to the fans.
McGregor is set to make his highly anticipated return to the UFC this May. Dana White recently announced that McGregor and Michael Chandler will go up against each other as coaches in the upcoming season of TUF and will even fight each other in the octagon following the season's finale.
This would mark the Irishman's second stint as a coach on TUF, having previously played a part in season 22 of the show in 2015. 'The Notorious' coached a team of competitors against Uriah Faber and was often credited for his ability to weaponize trash talk.
On the latest episode of The Jon Anik and Kenny Florian Podcast (#386), Jon Anik spoke about the impact that the Irishman could have on the show and showered high praise on the Irish superstar.
"I have said he's a master orator, right? Puts me to shame when it comes to natural articulation skills. So, if Conor McGregor is willing to give people things on television alongside Michael Chandler, it could be absolutely electric."
Watch the full video below:
When Jon Anik revealed the "most elite ability" of Conor McGregor
The aforementioned podcast episode is not the first time that Jon Anik has praised Conor McGregor's unparalleled talking skills.
'The Notorious' remains one of the most popular and bankable athletes in the world and is undoubtedly the UFCโs biggest draw. Despite being forced to the sidelines for over a year due to a leg injury, the promotion will attempt to use his star power to inject some life back into TUF opposite Michael Chandler.
While the Irishman earned his flowers with his spectacular performances from 2013-2016, Anik once revealed that fighting isn't even the Irishman's best ability. In a previous interview with Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, Anik claimed:
"I was talking to someone recently who suggested that Conor McGregor is an amazing athlete. But his ability to articulate himself in the moment and say things that are not pre-rehearsed, that's probably the most elite ability that McGregor has. As an orator myself, I marvel at Conor McGregor."
Watch the full video below:
The Irishman has not fought since a July 2021 TKO loss to Dustin Poirier, which was his second straight knockout loss to 'The Diamond.' McGregor broke his leg in the fight and underwent extensive physical rehab. However, 'The Notorious' is ready to make his return to the octagon against 'Iron' later this year.