MMA: Dedication, hard work needed to produce a Singapore world champion, say insiders

MMA fighter Amir Khan trains his left arm swing with his coach, former UFC fighter Siyar Bahadurzada, on Dec 8, 2020. ST PHOTO: JOEL CHAN
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

SINGAPORE - Conor McGregor is infamous for his trash-talking but in 2015, right after the Irish superstar won the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight world title, he showed a rare contemplative side.

"There's no talent here, this is hard work," said McGregor in the 'Power of Sports' documentary. "This is an obsession. Talent doesn't exist, we all are equals as human beings.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.