Pre-fight trash talk is a staple in MMA – it puts butts in seats and thus money in the pocket. In-fight trash talk is less common, but can be compelling.
I’ve reffed 100s of fights and the in-fight back and forth banter in a noisy arena is beyond the ability of cameras to catch – you can’t mic up a fighter while he or she is fighting. But it’s not uncommon, and can be pretty entertaining. I once heard a guy say, “Ouch” after taking a good shot. There are regularly expressions of respect, and even banter between a fighter and his opponent’s corner.
But UFC lightweight Bobby Green was next level at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 31, provided something like a running commentary in the rematch with Lando Vanatta. As it was in an empty arena, it was impossible to miss. Green talked about it at the post-fight press conference.
Man, you have to be a crazy person because the more you talk the more you take out of yourself, said Green. I’m just that crazy. Emotions are high, your heart rate is high, he’s like, ‘There’s no way you’re talking and still into the fight.’ Yes, I’m still in the fight and I felt every punch. I went, ‘A little bit here,’ or, ‘Oh, no, you touched me here.’ I’m just telling him and letting him know I’m right in the fight there with you.
Don’t think that I’m disrespectful in any way because some people see my talking as s*** talking, but no it’s just communication. It’s just fun. I’m just letting him know I’m right there with you, buddy. ‘No that didn’t hit my face, it kind of graced my forehead, but I wouldn’t count that as shot.’ Or then I let you know, ‘Oh, oh, ok, that was in. Ok.
No animosity, no animosity. I’m just letting him know this is serious business because he said I hadn’t changed and oh boy, oh boy. He learned today.
It’s no animosity to anybody I fight. I just bring the energy, that’s what you want to see. You want to see us come, you want a show, I’m going to give you that. That’s just what it is.
h/t Danny Segura for MMA Junkie
