Conor McGregor Praises Zion Clark, Wrestler Born Without Legs
Clark was born with a rare condition, but still won in his MMA debut this past weekend.
Conor McGregor has become a new admirer of Zion Clark.
After winning his pro MMA debut this past Saturday, Clark, a wrestler born without legs, received a shout-out from the former two-division UFC champion.
McGregor praised Clark as a singular strategic challenge and commended the 25-year-old Columbus, Ohio native in a comment on a video of Clark’s debut battle.
Absolutely fascinating to hear about this man’s debut and now see it. Lighting entry on the low single. Wow! You should not connect to him in any shape or form. Frames only. Frame to strike. Fascinating! Congrats and so much respect to that man Zion Clark! Mma is the best sport! https://t.co/XHOCEpRm5r
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 21, 2022
“Absolutely fascinating to hear about this man’s debut and now see it,” McGregor wrote on Twitter. “Lighting entry on the low single. Wow! You should not connect to him in any shape or form. Frames only. Frame to strike. Fascinating! Congrats and so much respect to that man Zion Clark! Mma is the best sport!
Can’t kick as he is grounded opponent. The only way to stop him is to develop ko ending shots mid transitions in grappling. Very few on the planet possess this skill. And to 3/4 way downward punch a jab there is just no power. Look at opponents attempt before the shot. Wild! https://t.co/Ox4OpzpT1n
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 21, 2022
“Can’t kick as he is grounded opponent,” McGregor continued. “The only way to stop him is to develop [knockout] ending shots mid transitions in grappling. Very few on the planet possess this skill. And to [three-quarter] way downward punch a jab there is just no power. Look at opponents attempt before the shot. Wild!”
At a Gladiator Challenge competition south of San Diego that was staged on tribal property, Clark fought the physically fit 0-4 pro MMA fighter Eugene Murray.
The contest was exempt from the oversight of the California State Athletic Commission. In three rounds, he prevailed by unanimous decision. Murray now stands at 0-5.
Due to a rare birth condition, Clark was born without legs. He competed in wrestling at Kent State University and and has two distinct Guinness records, including the highest box leap on two hands and the fastest 20-meter sprint in 4.78 seconds.
Will a significant state athletic commission ever approve his fights under a more well-known, established promotion? Clark is considered a grounded opponent and is ineligible for knee or head kicks. Usually, a fighter who is missing a limb is not permitted to compete.
On Twitter, Clark praised McGregor.
Absolutely legendary! @ufc https://t.co/1HnMkVdT1S
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 21, 2022
“Appreciate the love and respect @TheNotoriousMMA,” he wrote. “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.”
McGregor sustained a broken leg during his UFC 264 duel versus Dustin Poirier and seems to be fully rehabilitated. The former two-division champion continues to get intensive physical therapy as he recovers from surgery to repair a fractured tibula and fibula.
He was momentarily restricted to a wheelchair during the procedure. It is unclear when he will return.
“Absolutely legendary!” McGregor tweeted back to Clark.