Ever since the UFC went mainstream, the world has changed the way the engage in street fights. So has Hollywood, as we now see countless arm bar and triangle attempts during fight scenes in film.
The NBA is no different. And while basketball isn’t a combat sport, we’ve seen time and time again what MMA’s influence has done when two people need to throw down.
In a street fight, UFC champion Conor McGregor advises, “My top tips for winning a bar fight. Like most self defense situations, be aware of your surroundings. Obviously, if you can avoid the situation avoid it and leave. But, if you are forced, or there is no going back, I would advise, strike first, strike hard, and exit safely.”
“James Bond had a quote, saying, ‘You enter a room, be civil to everybody, but have a plan to kill each and every one of them. That’s a K.O. win”
And in last night’s Minnesota Wolverines vs. Orlando Magic NBA game one player took those words to heart.
ESPN breaks it down:
Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica were ejected with 7:58 left in the second quarter when they got into a fight while the game was being played.
Afflalo threw at least one punch in the fight, which came four minutes after both players had been assessed technical fouls.
“I don’t want to feel like a victim here, that’s part of the game,” Bjelica said. “But he took a swing at me, and I was just trying to protect myself, first of all, and to calm him down because he was wild.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with that guy, but at that point I have to protect myself and my family.”
Here’s the replay of their brief fight:
