Former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal is a Mixed Martial Arts fanatic and is often present at many UFC events. Lakers legend in an interview with renowned UFC journalist Megan Olivi, spoke about if the superstar will ever step in the octagon. His smooth answers displayed effortless wit and his respect for the combat sport.

A few years back, ‘Shaq’ helped UFC to arrange a press conference by offering his own house. The seven feet tall giant’s first love was basketball. Although, since getting introduced to MMA, ‘Shaq’ has been training regularly.

During the interview, Megan Olivi asked the basketball player, which heavyweight would he face if he ever had to step inside the octagon.

“They’re scary guys. When I fight? I’ll fight anybody, but you know you have to really stick to what you do. These guys do this every day. I would probably have to train two or three years. My time let’s be done, I’ll be 44, wouldn’t happen so I could just be like all the guys that sit on the couch and say I could do it. You know I’m just one of those guys,” answered Shaq.

On his initial liking for the sport, Shaq credits former UFC heavyweight Vitor Belfort. NBA legend witnessed Belfort in a fight where he took just five odd seconds to knock out his opponent. Since then, Shaq has become a devoted MMA practitioner. “During summer I train every day. We train with my good friend John Buck. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, down here in Orlando. I train every day,” added O’Neal.

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NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal meets UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou is arguably the strongest heavyweight fighter currently. ‘The Predator’ displayed an example of strength in his last outing against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. Recently, a video surfaced on the internet in which Ngannou is first seen posing with Shaq and in the next moment Ngannou lifts the 325 lbs heavy basketball legend.

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Shaq looked at the camera and said, “Yeah, that’s the first time I’ve ever been picked up”. Shaq perhaps seemed tired after being picked up by the world’s strongest heavyweight. After that, Shaq went on with his training regime.

Shaq is an athlete who, despite his age, still learns and regularly practices. It is evident that the athlete in him is still alive and the NBA legend wants to indeed stretch his capabilities.

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