UFC star Jimi Manuwa says Manchester City ace Nicolas Otamendi has a ‘really good left hook’ after training in California
London-born fighter taught the defender MMA techniques as the light heavyweight prepares for his fight at UFC 214
UFC star Jimi Manuwa trained with Nicolas Otamendi and the light-heavyweight says the Manchester City defender packs a punch!
The pair met at a UFC gym in California as Manuwa prepares for his fight against Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 214.
The Argentine was out in the US with Man City as Pep Guardiola put his players through their paces ahead of their challenge for the Premier League title.
Manuwa showed the defender a variety of MMA techniques and the No 3 ranked fighter was surprised by the £30million defender’s power.
The London-born fighter said: “When I got to California, Man City were there at the gym.
“They set it and they said he wanted to do some training, so I went and met him and he is a really nice guy.
“It was good, he’s got a really good left hook as well!
“He’s a fast learner as well so it was really interesting.
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“I took him through some techniques and stuff and he was a fast learner.”
Manuwa wasn’t convinced when asked if Otamendi would have what it takes to make the switch from a football pitch to the octagon.
He added: “Possibly but as a footballer I don’t think they’re cut out for it. They like to dive but I taught him a few good moves.“
Manuwa doesn’t follow football but claimed he used to be an Arsenal supporter as a kid.
This isn’t the first time a footballer has been enthusiastic about MMA and the 37-year-old said it is good for them to show an interest in UFC.
He said: “A lot of footballers actually show interest, I have done stuff with Carlton Cole before, Daniel Sturridge, they are always at the fights and everything.
“It’s good they are showing an interest.”
Watch Manuwa in action at UFC 214: Cormier vs. Jones 2 live on BT Sport 2 from 1am BST on the morning of Sunday, July 30th, or catch the Early Prelims from 11:30pm BST on Saturday, July 29th.