TOPIC: Rank the top three relatively big name talkers in MMA today in terms of their effectiveness at boosting the drawing power of their fights and increasing fan interest. Then, on the flip side, who are the worst three relatively big name fighters (who speak English) when it comes to selling their fights?
MICHAEL GROCKE, MMATorch contributor
The Best starts with… 1. Chael Sonnen. He took trash talking to an all new level and created the blueprint for Conor McGregor to follow. He talked his way into a title fight against Anderson Silva and through his trash talking made a fight no one really cared about “must see.” The verbal onslaught he unleashed on Silva, the country of Brazil, and its people made him the true bad guy of MMA. His pro wrestling-like promos, not his fighting skills, are what made him the attraction that he became.
2. Conor McGregor. The flashy Irishman isn’t just the best talker currently in the UFC, he’s one of the best in all of sports. His quick wit is second to none. McGregor’s trash talking is what got him noticed in the first place. His constant badgering of then Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo landed him a shot at the title. He then backed up his talk with a 13 second knockout to capture the Featherweight Championship. His verbal battle against Nate Diaz leading up to their fights were must see, as was his now legendary promo at the UFC 205 press conference.
3. Nick Diaz: His trash talking isn’t rehearsed or written for him. Nick’s verbal warfare comes from the heart while speaking his mind. Let’s just say Nick Diaz views the world and life in a very unique way, and it comes out in his talking.
The Worst: This could be a long, long list. Choosing the top three is next to impossible. Obviously names such as Jose Aldo and Demetrious Johnson immediately come to mind due to their inability to draw PPV buys. There are other guys who are just considered “nice guys” and don’t have trash talking in them. There are many fighters who fall into this category, Junior dos Santos immediately comes to mind as do countless others. Some of the greatest fighters in MMA history can’t sell water in the desert, but it doesn’t affect my excitement when it comes to watching them compete in the Octagon.
MATT ECOCHARD, MMATorch contributor
I don’t believe that it is completely necessary to talk much to set up an exciting fight, but here are my list of best and worst talkers when trying to sell
Best Talkers:
(1) Connor Mcgregor
(2) Chael Sonnen
(3) Nick Diaz
Worst Talkers:
(1) Rashad Evans
(2) George St. Pierre
(3) (Cheat answer) The majority of the roster who just don’t speak up enough to hype up their fights.
CHRIS KING, MMATorch contributor
NOW CHECK OUT PART ONE OF THIS ROUNDTABLE TOPIC: ROUNDTABLE: Who are the top three talkers and worse three talkers when it comes to hyping their fights?
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