At 2-0 in the tournament and with Team U.S.A. still in control, some improvements were needed from Conor McGregor.
It emerged last week that The Notorious was only attending evening training sessions for Team Europe and leaving the morning practices to his assistant coaches.
But McGregor clearly upped his involvement in the technical coaching of his fighters on episode four of TUF 22 as he offered up some expertise in both the striking and grappling realms.
“Always keep that fist fully closed as well when you’re shadow boxing.
“Don’t get into the habit of doing that. You’re never going to punch somebody with an open hand, especially in MMA.”
“If he goes against me and throws a one-two-high kick, even that goes above my head.
“Everybody, when (their opponent) throws the right hand, leans out of the way or pulls back.
“If I lean out of the way, it (the high kick) is there every time.”
“You’re always going to get there, even if he tries to step into mount.
“Trust that grip!! Trust it because it will always save you in these positions. You’ll always end up in top position with it.”
“He swims under, goes below the hip. And even if I try to mount here, as long as that grip is there, you’ll never get caught!”
“Get those mechanics where your head is up and your back is flat. Get that gorilla posture.
“Find comfort in this lower centre of gravity so when it’s time to let it go fully, it’ll be like nothing and he’ll go through the air.”
To find out if these technical touch-ups worked for Team Europe in their third fight of the season, come right this way for a spoiler.
The Ultimate Fighter is on BT Sport (part of the Setanta pack in Ireland) every Thursday at 3am (repeated at 10pm on Thursdays).
