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Shaquille O’Neal to get involved in the UFC – White

ESPN staff

June 11, 2011 « Newcastle slam West Ham’s bid for Kevin Nolan | Man City & Chelsea target Pastore denies quit claims »

Shaquille O’Neal trains MMA © Getty Images

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UFC president Dana White believes MMA fans will see a lot of Shaquille O’Neal now that the legendary basketball star has retired.

O’Neal has always been a big MMA fan, having aided the UFC in its bid to get the first season of The Ultimate Fighter off the ground.

The NBA star even uses his spare time to hit the gym for MMA training and, while White does not expect O’Neal to compete, he believes he will become a major ambassadorial figure as the UFC attempts to break into new territories.

"Shaq loves [MMA], Shaq’s been training for a long time," White said on ESPN’s FirstTake. "Actually, a week before he retired, Shaq called me and he wants to be involved in the UFC somehow. He’s always been a good friend to us and I’m sure you’re going to see Shaq around the UFC a lot.

"He said, ‘Listen, I’m gonna have a lot of free time on my hands. I love this sport, I want to get involved. I want to be a part of it.’

"He’s not just coming in [at the last-minute], he’s been a part of it for a long time," White said. "Shaq helped us launch the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. He’s always supported us and has always been a good friend.

"So now that he wants to be involved, I’m more than happy to get him."

http://www.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/story/95778.html

 

 

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