Conor McGregor is a world famous person after a profession within the UFC
Ever fancied your self as the subsequent Conor McGregor?
You could be attracted by the quick vehicles and snazzy clothes, however what in regards to the half the place you get flung a couple of cage like a rag doll?
Within the unlikely occasion you might be considering a drastic profession change to make it within the UFC, BBC Sport Scotland seems to be at what it takes to get to the octagon of the world’s greatest MMA organisation with the assistance of rising Scot Chris ‘The Drawback’ Duncan.
Serving your apprenticeship
The UFC meticulously handpicks the fortunate souls which have proved themselves sufficiently in MMA bouts to make it into its elite haven. Not simply anybody with a passion for combating can compete.
After all, it is sensible that you must work your approach as much as turning into knowledgeable.
There are numerous paths that may lead you to catching the attention of the UFC, however arguably the best route – and the trail Duncan took – goes proper to the stomach of the beast and contesting in UFC president Dana White’s ‘Contender Collection’.
“Dana White’s sequence is status in the direction of the UFC, as a result of not simply anybody can get a shot in it,” Duncan tells BBC Sport Scotland.
Yep, once more, you possibly can’t simply put your self ahead in entrance of the massive man, you might be rigorously chosen on the again of earlier performances.
“The UFC is absolutely targeted on finishes, knockouts, submissions, grappling – ensuring you end the combat,” provides the 29-year-old.
“I do not assume I’ve gone to a call since 2014-15, which is a very long time. So, when my supervisor contacted Sean Shelby of the UFC, he mentioned that he’d seen my document and that obtained me my shot.”
So, have a reasonably immaculate document within the bag, kick about with White’s posse after which hit the massive time? Maintain your horses – once more – that is simply your apprenticeship.
“Within the Contender Collection, should you win your combat, it doesn’t suggest you are instantly into the UFC,” says the Glaswegian.
“It’s a must to put in a efficiency to show to Dana White and Sean Shelby that you’re keen to place all of it on the road – I did that, and so they signed me there after which in Las Vegas.”
Vegas, child… or Stirling
Sin Metropolis – vivid lights, late nights and ferocious fights.
You have carried out your time on the a number of MMA circuits, utilized – and probably misplaced – quite a lot of blood, sweat and tears, nevertheless it’s all value it should you get to arrange store in sunny, glamourous Nevada, proper?
“I am based mostly in Stirling. I dwell in Alloa and have carried out since 2013-14,” says Duncan – so for him, which means quite a lot of travelling and sacrifices with a view to put together in first-class services.
“It’s fairly troublesome to juggle. Being a full-time athlete requires quite a lot of vitality and focus.
“So, I make the sacrifice to journey to Miami and practice at the perfect health club on this planet. They’ve made so many champions within the UFC and the standard of coaching companions is second to none.”
Las Vegas is seen as the house of the UFC
Luxurious way of life?
I feel it is honest to say this is not a ‘get in and put the ft up’ form of enterprise. The onerous work by no means stops… and neither does the day job; pay solely comes with performances within the UFC.
“Lots of people assume I receives a commission a wage, which is not the case. I receives a commission per combat, so till I get that combat, I nonetheless need to maintain working and hashing on, doing what I must do,” provides Duncan, who can be a private coach.
“I strive to not change an excessive amount of. I do take pleasure in my work, however my foremost focus is to be within the UFC and I’ve to guarantee that I keep there and dealing onerous is the way in which to try this.”
Duncan is definitely spinning three completely different plates – as an athlete, a private coach and a father to his younger daughter.
And talking of plates, should you nonetheless need to have a crack at this, there could be no cheeseburgers or chocolate on yours…
“I want eight to 10 weeks to arrange for a combat simply because I’m a bit heavier for my weight class,” notes Duncan, who competes within the light-weight division.
“I’ve to chop from about 83/84 kilos all the way in which right down to 70. Tailoring my food regimen again within the weeks main as much as a combat… it drastically adjustments.”
There you could have it. Residing the lifetime of Riley – or Conor McGregor – does not current itself to you in a single day. You are going to endure your justifiable share of punches and hardships with a view to dodge about in Prada gear whereas driving your Porsche.
So, do you continue to need to be a UFC fighter?
