How Shaquille O’Neal Became a Lifetime Fan of MMA
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “The Big Aristotle”, is not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but also a huge fan of MMA. His love for the sport started back in 2000 when he began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. He even became an unlockable character in the popular video game, UFC Undisputed 2010. But how did this NBA legend become such a passionate fan of MMA?
According to Shaq, it all started with a chance encounter with MMA fighter Vitor Belfort. In an interview on the Kosport Magazine podcast, Shaq recalls the moment when Belfort grabbed him on the street in Hawaii. “I’m thinking, ‘Oh shit, it’s about to go down.’ And I turn around and we square up, and Vitor Belfort goes like this [raises hands] ‘No, no, no, man! I’m a fan of yours.’” Shaq was surprised and intrigued by this encounter and Belfort ended up giving him tickets to his fight.
Although Shaq mistakenly thought it was UFC 1, the fight in question was actually Belfort’s first professional contest at SuperBrawl 2 in 1996. At that time, MMA was still in its early stages and Shaq was one of the earliest fans of the sport. From that moment on, Shaq maintained a friendship with Belfort and even witnessed his skills in action when Belfort knocked out someone who was talking trash to Shaq.
While Shaq never ended up competing in MMA himself, he did express interest in trying it out at one point. However, he ultimately focused on his successful basketball career and other business ventures. But his love for MMA never wavered and he continues to be a regular attendee at UFC events.
Summary:
Shaquille O’Neal’s love for MMA started with a chance encounter with Vitor Belfort in 2000. Belfort gave Shaq tickets to his fight and from that moment on, Shaq became a passionate fan of the sport. He even maintained a friendship with Belfort and witnessed his skills in action. Although Shaq never competed in MMA himself, his love for the sport remains strong.
