HOUSTON – Folks see the gold chains, gold bracelets, gold rings, gold watches, the solar glasses with gold frames, and Bobby Inexperienced is aware of they make assumptions about him.
However don’t get it twisted. The nine-year UFC veteran went via hell rising up. He’s been homeless earlier than. And his youthful brother was killed in 2014 in a drive-by taking pictures of their hometown of San Bernardino, Calif.
The wrestle has been actual for Inexperienced, and his life has been nothing like what it might sound based mostly on his look immediately.
“Lots of people suppose that I’m some dude that’s simply acquired cash, cocky, and … nah, I used to be you,” Inexperienced stated Wednesday at UFC 271 media day. “I used to be poor. I used to be homeless. I handled loss of life. I handled wrestle. That’s what I’m actually right here for, is to indicate those that I may be that very same individual identical to you who might be depressed. I might be that person who might be identical to you who’s been via some struggles and may rise up and alter their complete life. You possibly can change your stars. Someday you may be this, and at some point you could possibly simply put your thoughts, put your head down, and have a aim. And simply hit your aim. After that, folks will acknowledge and would possibly encourage another person to hit their aim, inspire any person else.”
That’s the power Inexperienced (28-12-1 MMA, 9-7-1 UFC) is carrying with him heading into Saturday evening’s pay-per-view matchup in opposition to Nasrat Haqparast (13-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) at Toyota Heart. Inexperienced is coming off one of many greatest victories of his profession, a first-round TKO of former light-weight title challenger Al Iaquinta final November at UFC 268, which snapped a two-fight dropping streak.
When you would possibly suppose Inexperienced is concentrated on sustaining his momentum heading into the Haqparast battle, nothing might be farther from the reality.
“Chael Sonnen stated it finest: I simply begin throughout. I don’t listen. No matter occurred yesterday is yesterday. At the moment is immediately,” Inexperienced stated. “I don’t listen. You’ve gotta pull that power; it’s a brand new begin each time. You don’t know what’s in entrance of you. That was yesterday. At the moment is immediately. Get it poppin’ proper now immediately. So no matter occurred yesterday, I’m not likely paying consideration, solely trying forward.”
Inexperienced, 35, additionally isn’t overly involved with critics who’ve identified the Iaquinta victory was his first TKO in precisely eight years – all of the whereas Inexperienced carried a status for being a big-time trash talker, which he stated he’s toned down fairly a bit lately.
Folks saying no matter they need about him doesn’t actually trouble Inexperienced at this stage of his profession.
“Bro, I gotta be sincere with you. That sh*t’s for the birds, you recognize?” Inexperienced stated. “I acquired to some extent the place I’m too grown now, and I cease type of paying consideration a lot. I do care about what my critics say as a result of I do wanna offer you an excellent package deal, offer you an excellent present and really be certain I’m entertaining. I’m listening to what y’all say in order that I can provide you what you need. However on the identical time, a few of that sh*t is for the birds. You simply go away it, and it’s what it’s. You simply hold staying in your path, which is entertaining, inspiring, motivating. That’s what I do.”
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