Trash talk is common in combat sports, but UFC lightweight Jared Gordon has never really had much use for it, especially after he spent some time behind bars.
Gordon, who has spoken openly about his past battles with drug addiction and a stint in jail, learned firsthand through those experiences that words really do matter. It was through those harsh lessons that he was able to put his life back together. He never forgot that education he was given during these difficult years.
“I’m not trying to sound crazy but a lot of guys say certain things and they use certain words, which where I’m from you don’t fight in a legal, UFC bout when you’re using those words,” Gordon, who faced charges that came with a possible sentence of 25 years to life, explained an interview with MMA Fighting before UFC 282. These words have real consequences.
“Some things that I hear are, such as, “I would stab your for this,” or “I know someone who would stab him for those things .”
While pre-fight banter between opponents builds interest and promotes an event, Gordon knows there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed. He hears these kinds of insults all the time. He quickly realises that the fighters are probably not in an area where one wrong move can lead to your death.
“Some things I do not want to fight with you in a legal battle for saying certain words, such as when you aren’t looking. I want you to be stabbed in the back, Gordon stated. That’s my home. I’ve heard people call each other motherless dogs and say suck my you-know-what, and that’s something that where I’m from, it’s something you get really hurt for, or maybe killed.
“In prison, you can call anyone a **** and tell them to sue your [d***], Those are murderous words. When I hear certain things, we’re not gangsters. All of us are professional athletes. We’re on the main stage, we’re in the UFC.”
Perhaps the best example is UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who is often been praised for his mental warfare. It’s a huge part of his arsenal, and he often dismantles opponents prior to a fight.
” Although I understand the need to talk trash, get involved in fights, and say whatever you want, certain things shouldn’t be said,” Gordon explained. “That’s just how I grew up and where I’m from. Conor has never been to jail. It’s obvious. You can tell.
” You can tell just by his talk and the manner in which other men speak. Because if I were there, it would be hard to tell if you have. You’d hold yourself differently, conduct yourself differently. You would worry about somebody trying to harm you
Pimblett is McGregor’s opponent. His magnetic personality and gift for gab have led to him being compared with McGregor. Gordon said Pimblett had been respectful thus far, and that he does not expect this to change during the fight.
It’s difficult to not bring up this subject due to Pimblett’s fast tongue and propensity to engage in verbal war. If the British star crosses the line, Gordon promises he won’t back down. He also promises to not change his demeanor if the British star crosses that line.
” If you said certain things, Gordon replied. “I am not going to just sit down and do nothing, but I will be doing something.
” I don’t want to make it into prison talk. But press conferences remind me of times when I was like, “You shouldn’t speak that.” It’s funny to me.”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/8/23498874/jared-gordon-ufc-fighters-never-been-jail-using-trash-talk-would-get-them-really-hurt-maybe-killed?rand=96749
