Conor McGregor shouts out ‘fascinating’ Zion Clark, who vows 1st MMA win is ‘just the start’

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!

“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!”

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 .”

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.

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