Shaquille O’Neal made a surprise appearance at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony in Las Vegas, where he engaged with Spanish media about his thoughts on MMA, specifically addressing the upcoming fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. Despite his legendary status in basketball, O’Neal admitted he wasn’t well-versed in the current mixed martial arts scene. “I don’t know those fighters, I’m sorry. I’m usually familiar with everyone, but I’ve been working too hard and I’m a creature of habit,” he explained, noting that he typically follows fighters like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.
Interestingly, O’Neal expressed enthusiasm for rising star Tom Aspinall, the new heavyweight champion. “I’m interested in this guy, Tom Aspinall… so I’ll probably watch him. But may the best man win tomorrow,” he said, hinting at Aspinall’s potential impact on the sport, especially given Jon Jones’ recent retirement announcement.
When asked about athletes transitioning from basketball to MMA, O’Neal singled out James Johnson as a player he believes would excel in the octagon. He refrained from naming a singular best fighter in history, acknowledging the vast talent in MMA’s history, from Vitor Belfort to Chuck Liddell.
This interaction not only underscores O’Neal’s enduring charisma but also bridges the gap between different sports, showcasing the crossover appeal of MMA and the excitement it generates among sports legends. O’Neal’s openness to emerging talent like Aspinall reflects a hopeful perspective on the evolution of the sport.