FILE—Mixed martial artist Chuck Liddell appears with his wax figure after it was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
UFC legend Chuck Liddell is not a fan of Conor McGregor’s trash-talking.
Speaking to Yahoo Sports, “The Iceman” was honest in saying he doesn’t like the way McGregor talks. “I’m not a fan of that.”
“I get it. I understand it. It’s his way of intimidating guys and getting into their head,” Liddell, who retired from the sports five years ago, said.”Everyone has their way of trying to get into the other guy’s head before a fight, and talking is his way.”
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But even Liddell admits that as long as McGregor keeps on producing fireworks in the Octagon, it’s easy to look past all “crazy things” that come out of his mouth.
“I don’t like it, but I can put up with all the loudmouth, crazy things he says when he goes out and fights like he does and gives you those kinds of finishes.”
McGregor has earned notoriety in the UFC as one of the promotion’s most outspoken performers, and so far, he has backed it up quite well.
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“The Notorious” has talked his way to a 19-2 career record (7-0 in UFC), including taking home the UFC Featherweight Championship against Brazilian Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194 in early December.
That aspect of McGregor’s game has earned Liddell’s respect.
“I love the way Conor fights,” he said. “How can you not? I mean, the guy delivers. I’ve been an Aldo fan for years, and he’s been such a great fighter, and Conor went out there and did what he said he was going to do.”