Conor McGregor, a legend of mixed martial arts and one of the most influential figures in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), publicly praised the Cuban fighter Leonardo “El Zambo” Perdomo, whom he referred to as a “heavyweight superstar,” following his latest victory in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
“Cuba, Cuba, Cuba. They have their heavyweight superstar here. El Zambo, 7 and 0 in Bare Knuckle. All fights finished within the first minute of the first round. This man is the Mike Tyson of Bare Knuckle,” exclaimed McGregor during the post-event press conference, which took place on March 27 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Casino in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Irishman, a member of the BKFC board, did not hold back on his praise: “This man is a superstar... and those heavyweights need to see him,” he said, referring to the undefeated fighter from Cienfuegos, who has accumulated seven consecutive victories in this brutal discipline of bare-knuckle fighting.
The Zambo Perdomo Made History by knocking out former world champion boxer Steve Herelius in just 13 seconds, a precise blow that stunned the audience and was celebrated with excitement by both fans and his technical team.
The fight, broadcasted by DAZN and shared on BKFC's social media, began with a powerful right hook to Herelius' abdomen, followed by a lethal combination that sent the Frenchman to the canvas. The referee ruled an immediate technical knockout.
“With a KO in just 13 seconds, we broke the record in this sport. It has been a tough journey over these past months, and today it turned out just as promised. We’re going for more,” said coach Pedro Roque.
The significance of McGregor's recognition is considerable. Conor Anthony McGregor (Dublin, 1988) was the first fighter to simultaneously hold two titles in the UFC, in featherweight and lightweight. His fights are the biggest pay-per-view attraction in the history of MMA.
Its impact has been pivotal in the globalization of the UFC, and his persona transcends the realm of sports. In 2021, Forbes magazine named him the highest-paid athlete in the world. Moreover, he has headlined the best-selling PPV events in history, including his historic boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr..
Conor McGregor not only fights, he also sets trends, influences, and makes decisions. This time, he chose to highlight a Cuban.
Frequently Asked Questions about Conor McGregor's Recognition of El Zambo Perdomo
Who is Leonardo "El Zambo" Perdomo and why has he been praised by Conor McGregor?
Leonardo "El Zambo" Perdomo is a prominent Cuban boxer in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), who has achieved an impressive record of 7 wins without losses, all by knockout in the first minute. Conor McGregor, an influential figure in mixed martial arts, publicly praised him, calling him a "superstar" and comparing him to Mike Tyson in this ungloved fighting style.
How was El Zambo Perdomo's last fight in the BKFC?
El Zambo Perdomo knocked out former world boxing champion Steve Herelius in just 13 seconds during an event held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Casino in Fort Lauderdale. The fight started with a powerful right hook to Herelius's abdomen, followed by a combination that sent him to the canvas, prompting the referee to call an immediate technical knockout.
What does Conor McGregor's recognition mean for El Zambo Perdomo's career?
Conor McGregor's recognition is highly significant for El Zambo Perdomo's career, as McGregor is one of the most influential figures in mixed martial arts, and his praise can enhance visibility and opportunities for Perdomo in the international combat arena. McGregor's endorsement highlights the quality and potential of the Cuban in this sport.
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