Firas Zahabi Says Rory MacDonald Trains Too Hard
Posted by Joseph Lee on 02.19.2013
That's why he's out of action...
Firas Zahabi told MMA Junkie that Rory MacDonald (14-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) trained too much, and that's why he suffered severe neck and back strain on February 13.
This will keep him from facing Carlos Condit (28-6 MMA, 5-2 UFC) at UFC 158 as he will be out for two-to-three weeks. Jonny Hendricks (14-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) will take his place in the co-main event on March 16.
On MacDonald's reaction: "Rory is very upset that he will not be able to face Carlos, but he's looking forward to getting back to training as soon as possible."
On his advice for him: "Now, I just want him to focus on rehabbing his injury, coming back slow and building up the pace. This is part of fighting. People get injured, but we have to try to keep it at an absolute minimum. It's a big challenge."
On the fact MacDonald trains too much: "He's too aggressive. I really try to hold the reigns. I tell him, 'OK Rory, we're going to do less today,' and we always end up doing more. Emotions get in the way, and he wants to spar more."
