Zion Clark has a new fan in Conor McGregor.
Clark was a former UFC champion in two divisions who gave him a shout out after he won his pro MMA debut on Saturday.
Commenting on a video of Clark’s first fight, McGregor lauded Clark as a unique strategic challenge and congratulated the 25-year-old from Columbus, Ohio.
“Absolutely fascinating to hear about this man’s debut and now see it,” McGregor wrote on Twitter. McGregor tweeted, “Lighting entry at the low single. Wow! You should not connect to him in any shape or form. Only frames. Frame to strike. Fascinating! Congratulations and much respect to Zion Clark The best sport is Mma!
Absolutely fascinating to hear about this man’s debut and now see it. Lighting entry on the low single. Wow! He should never be connected to you in any way. Frames only. Frame to strike. Fascinating! Congrats and so much respect to that man Zion Clark! The best sport is Mma! https://t.co/XHOCEpRm5r
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 21, 2022
“Can’t kick as he is grounded opponent,” McGregor continued. McGregor said, “The only way you can stop him is by learning [knockout] ending shots during transitions in grappling. This skill is rare on this planet. To [three-quarter] punch a jab downward there is no power. Look at opponents attempt before the shot. Wild!”
Can’t kick as he is grounded opponent. The only way to stop him is to develop ko ending shots mid transitions in grappling. This skill is rare on this planet. And to 3/4 way downward punch a jab there is just no power. Take a look at the opponents’ attempts before you make the shot. Wild! https://t.co/Ox4OpzpT1n
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 21, 2022
Clark faced Eugene Murray, an able-bodied 0-4 pro MMA fighter, at a Gladiator Challenge event held on tribal land outside San Diego, where the bout was not subject to the California State Athletic Commission. He won the bout via unanimous decision after three rounds. Murray dropped to 0-5.
Born with no legs because of a rare birth defect, Clark wrestled at Kent State University. He also set a Guinness World Record for fastest person to walk using their hands. He was the subject of a Netflix documentary Zion, which profiled his rise from a childhood in the foster care system.
Clark thanked McGregor for his support on Twitter.
“Appreciate the love and respect @TheNotoriousMMA,” he wrote. This is only the beginning for me. I am excited to see where my fighting game takes me. I proved the doubters wrong in wrestling becoming an All American and D1 Wrestler. Respect .”
Appreciate the love and respect @TheNotoriousMMA this is just the start for me I’m excited to see how far I can take my fight game! I proved the doubters wrong in wrestling becoming an All American and D1 Wrestler. All respect
— Zion Clark (@bigz97) December 21, 2022
McGregor is recovering from a broken leg suffered in his UFC 264 trilogy against Dustin Poirier. The former two-division champ was briefly confined to a wheelchair as he underwent surgery to repair a broken tibia and fibula, and he continues to undergo extensive physical therapy to rehabilitate his injury. His timetable for return is unknown.
“Absolutely legendary!” McGregor sent Clark a tweet.
Absolutely legendary! @ufc https://t.co/1HnMkVdT1S
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 21, 2022
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/20/23520045/conor-mcgregor-shouts-out-fascinating-zion-clark-who-vows-1st-mma-win-is-just-the-start?rand=96749
