Octagon interviews are probably the only few times you catch a UFC fighter in his element. The adrenaline of the competition and the adventure of the fans often lead to call calls and big moments.
While we had to change our senses without fans and social pace, top UFC stars have come up with big moments in such interviews in 2020. Here are the top five times of the year.
5. Conor McGregor
For the first time, Conor McGregor returned to the UFC from that famous fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he looked good as well.
The Irishman took just 40 seconds to beat Donald Cerrone at 170 lbs. After the fight, Conor was as usual accustomed to calling out everyone for his ‘season’.
Although the season has not gone well, he will return for a replay against Dustin Poirier in January.
Every little fool that mouth gets it!
4. Paul Felder
Paul Felder put back a regular concert in early 2020 against Dan Hooker of New Zealand in Auckland. The Kiwi led the UFC fight, picking up Felder from range with low kicks.
However, Felder took over in the next few rounds, showing his ability and skill. This recovery was not enough, however, when he missed a near-retirement decision during his UFC octagonal interview.
Maybe that’s for me, man, I had a four-year-old baby at home that misses me every time I go away like this. I do not know.
However, in return he came to a short-wage fight against vice-champion Rafael Dos Anjos. The 35-year-old came up short in battle but showed resilience despite the loss to continue fighting for the gold.
I can tell you for sure: I’m not going anywhere right now, “Felder told Michael Bisping in the interview after his UFC Vegas 14 fight.” I lost my commitment to this sport. very bad. I can tell you I haven’t done it. I may lose my ranking a bit, but what I have learned in this sport does not matter.
3. Israel Adesanya
UFC midfielder Israel Adesanya has returned to the octagon after the inconclusive win against Yoel Romero. Adesanya cut through Paulo Costa like a hot knife through butter, proving his amazing metal once again.
In his UFC octagonal interview, Adesanya reminded fans of a spot of reversals. Channeling his Roy Jones Jr. inside, the champion said:
You have to forget. It was slow, bro. Honestly. It was slower than I thought. With the main events – I’m faster on TV too. But in real life, I could feel it. It was slow.
When he loads up on his kick. It hit me on the ribs twice. Meh. Nothing, I ate that. He hasn’t spoken to me on the face once, still fine. I could see, I could see everything. I cut it and I was like, ‘You have a little something, a little place over here.’ My eyes, my tired eyes, sliced it open like a katana blade.
2. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva may be the first name ever on people’s lips when debating who is the best ever fighter in the UFC. The Brazilian finally announced a period on his UFC career after his loss to Uriah Hall.
Speaking to Michael Bisping, the octagonal general said:
You know, fighting is fighting, your chance of winning is 50-50. Today, Uriah was the best. He has come to win the fight, and I enjoy my moment, At times it is very difficult for us to stop, but today is the last day, and I am so happy to be here and doing my last show for my fans here in the UFC, for the UFC family.
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov
The year 2020 will go down as the historic UFC year for Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Russian surprise decided to hang up his gloves after an impressive win against Justin Gaethje.
Speaking to Joe Rogan after the fight, Khabib took off his gloves and called time on his 29-0 career, paying homage to his team, and his recently passed father.
Thank you for these boys, those people with me, who have been with my father for over 10 years. My whole team, AKA with coach Javier [Mendez], I love it so much, my whole team. Today, I want to say, was my last fight.
That’s how I’m going to come here without my dad. It was the first time, after what happened to my father, when the UFC contacted me about Justin. I talk to my mother three days, she doesn’t want me to fight without a father. I promised her, this will be my last fight, and if I take my word for it, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here.
Published 29 December 2020, 23:19 IST