Conor McGregor's BJJ

Conor McGregor, the notorious MMA fighter known for his striking prowess and flamboyant persona, has captivated audiences worldwide. While his striking skills usually steal the spotlight, an often overlooked aspect of McGregor's game is his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this article, we'll take a closer look at McGregor's BJJ journey and the role it has played in his MMA career.

The Early Years: Ground Game Foundations

Conor McGregor began his martial arts journey as a boxer, but when he transitioned into MMA, he needed a well-rounded skill set. This led him to John Kavanagh's Straight Blast Gym (SBG), where he began to hone his grappling skills, under the tutelage of Kavanagh, a black belt in BJJ.

The Development of a Ground Game

Defensive Savvy

McGregor's ground game has often been showcased in a defensive capacity. For example, his ability to defend against takedowns and quickly return to his feet has been instrumental in many of his victories.

Offensive Moments

While not known as a submission artist, McGregor has shown glimpses of offensive BJJ capabilities. Notably, he submitted Dave Hill in 2012 to win the Cage Warriors Featherweight title via rear-naked choke.

The Notable Fights

vs. Chad Mendes: A Defensive Display

When McGregor fought Mendes at UFC 189, he showcased his ability to withstand ground pressure and eventually find a way back to his feet, where he dominated and won by TKO.

vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov: Lessons Learned

McGregor's fight with Khabib exposed limitations in his ground game. Despite his defensive skills, he was unable to deal with Khabib's elite grappling and eventually tapped to a neck crank.

The Importance of BJJ in McGregor's Career

Though not his primary strength, BJJ has been crucial in making McGregor a well-rounded fighter. His ground skills often serve as an insurance policy that allows him to strike more freely, knowing that he can defend himself if the fight goes to the mat.

What Lies Ahead?

As McGregor continues his MMA journey, the role of BJJ may become even more significant. The landscape of the sport is changing, with an increasing number of high-level grapplers entering the arena. To remain competitive, McGregor's ground game will likely need further refinement.

Final Thoughts

Conor McGregor's BJJ is an essential yet often understated component of his fighting arsenal. Though overshadowed by his striking, his ground game has played a pivotal role in his rise to stardom and will likely continue to be a critical aspect of his overall MMA game. Whether or not McGregor chooses to further invest in his BJJ skills could influence the latter stages of his remarkable career.