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Love Shaq, baby: Dana White ready to get former NBA star 'involved' with the UFC

Photo via Entmoney.com

Kazaam!

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White has been acquiring additional talent from the merger of Strikeforce and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and has now set his sights on another talent pool for which he can pillage and plunder.

The National Basketball Association (NBA).

And who better to join the ranks of the Zuffa elite than Shaquille O'Neal, the recently-retired center who spent 19 seasons as one of the league's most dominant big men.

While "Diesel" isn't going to be lighting up the cage with his patented "Shaq Fu," the former hoop star is expected to "get involved" with the UFC in some capacity.

White elaborates to ESPN's First Take (via 5th Round):

Star-divide

"Actually, a week before he retired, Shaq called me and [said] he wants to be involved in the UFC somehow. He’s always been a good friend to us and I’m sure you’re going to see Shaq around the UFC a lot. He said, ‘Listen, I’m gonna have a lot of free time on my hands. I love this sport, I want to get involved. I want to be a part of it.’ He’s not just coming in [at the last-minute], he’s been a part of it for a long time. Shaq helped us launch the first season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ He’s always supported us and has always been a good friend. So now that he wants to be involved, I’m more than happy to get him."

But will UFC fans be happy to have him?

It's hard to imagine any scenario where O'Neal's presence is detrimental to a sport that is still struggling for mainstream acceptance. If anything, having Shaq on the front lines could further the UFC's stranglehold on the coveted male demographics of 18-34 and 18-49.

So let's hear it Maniacs, if you were in White's position, how would you use Shaq to help better the UFC?

If at all?

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Shaq will have a positive imapact for sure!

But, I don’t see it being that big of a deal!

Signature? How in the hell am I supposed to sign a computer screen?

by Danas A Crossdresser on Jun 10, 2011 7:03 PM EDT reply actions  

I also think it could have a possitive impact

I really wish he would step in the cage with HOn man Choi. lol. But seriously , welcome to the ufc shaq!

by #1 piggy on Jun 10, 2011 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

SHAQ 'FU' INTO THE CAGE""""

it’s the only way…

"This is Bob. Bob had bitch tits."

by THORAZINE on Jun 10, 2011 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Impact!

Signature? How in the hell am I supposed to sign a computer screen?

by Danas A Crossdresser on Jun 10, 2011 7:03 PM EDT reply actions  

I don’t think Shaq has been south of 265 since junior high school.

Our lives change like the weather, but a legend never dies.

by P-Dub on Jun 10, 2011 7:07 PM EDT reply actions  

kindergarden.....

he was born 5 foot tall and ten stone, from the womb of an elephant, in a military experiment……………the same one that created danago…..

you idiots have turned me into a troll, i hope your fucking happy...........

by freedomthrtyfve on Jun 10, 2011 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Can someone help me out with this 'stone' stuff.

what unit of measurement is that? and is it used outside on the UK?

Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
Hey, hey what can I do?---I got a little woman and she won't be true.

by RolloTomasi on Jun 10, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

one stone = 14 pound = 14/2.2 = kilo's

unless its in a bakers dozen, then it makes 13, but if your weighing fish and its a friday then it makes 16, unless your in ireland, then it makes 7.

i hope this has cleared things up rollo.

you idiots have turned me into a troll, i hope your fucking happy...........

by freedomthrtyfve on Jun 10, 2011 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

don't forget about the density of the testicle sack

and how a stretched bag allows more room for the marbles to play bumpercars at happy hour time shares

You can't rape the willing.

by arm.bar.bandit on Jun 10, 2011 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

I hate you all.

Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
Hey, hey what can I do?---I got a little woman and she won't be true.

by RolloTomasi on Jun 10, 2011 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

let's fuck. animal style.

Tom Tucker: A bit of breaking news. A local family is forced out of their home by ghosts. Who are they gonna call?
Diane Simmons (sighs): Ghostbusters, Tom.
Tom Tucker: No, Diane. Their insurance company. That’s just stupid what you said.

*I was unaware that a sig goes to the loser in the pool. I'm not one to duck a sig bet so I will wear this for 2 weeks?

by arm.bar.bandit on Jun 10, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well when you sweet talk me like that....

Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
Hey, hey what can I do?---I got a little woman and she won't be true.

by RolloTomasi on Jun 10, 2011 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

rollo

its easy……

just think of your weight, divide it by 2.2, or multiply it by 2.2, depending upon where you are, if you are thinking in kilo’s multiply by 2.2 and you get pounds, then divide by14 to get stone;s. do it the other way to get kilos.

if you work out you are 700lb, you are either breally fat, or doing it wrong

you idiots have turned me into a troll, i hope your fucking happy...........

by freedomthrtyfve on Jun 10, 2011 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

as the tale goes...

… and from that day forth an apprehensive Rollo never spoke the phrase “what is that” on Mania again.

… dont worry RT I’ve never been to a happy hour time share either.

"This is Bob. Bob had bitch tits."

by THORAZINE on Jun 11, 2011 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions  

What is Thorazine

is that like Zoloft?

Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
Hey, hey what can I do?---I got a little woman and she won't be true.

by RolloTomasi on Jun 11, 2011 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

As long as he doesn't make us watch Kazaam or Steel or play Shaq Fu then its okay that he is involved.

I've got something to say; it better to burn out than to fade away!!!
Walking on the beach and cleaning my sandles of all that excess Bisping.
PS3 Network is OFF. Have you checked your Credit Card today?

by dandeman on Jun 10, 2011 7:11 PM EDT reply actions  

holy shit FJBAR

I haven’t seen that album cover since 1992 (or something).

by Bigger Zino on Jun 10, 2011 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Shaq is coo'

I like the dude.

Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
Hey, hey what can I do?---I got a little woman and she won't be true.

by RolloTomasi on Jun 10, 2011 7:14 PM EDT reply actions  

I'm a Shaq fan

but who cares? Seriously.

@fjbar75 on twitter...formerly El Mexicutioner

by _Felix_ on Jun 10, 2011 7:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Well, if Shaq takes on a role of advocacy of the sport, even if it’s a sporadic thing, it’s a very good thing. He’s certainly one of the most popular athletes alive today, and looooooved by the old school media types, so as silly of a thought as it is that the opinion of an athlete in another sport matters, in terms of validating the sport in the mind of the general public it would certainly be a newsworthy thing if Shaq was involved in some way.

Just Blog Guy - http://JustBlogGuy.wordpress.com/

by JustBlogGuy on Jun 10, 2011 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

it shows our age.........

bring your juke box money……………

you idiots have turned me into a troll, i hope your fucking happy...........

by freedomthrtyfve on Jun 10, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

AK is probably still staring at it “love, Shaq …wait, what?”

It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.

by Jesse Holland on Jun 10, 2011 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

rock lobster.....

you idiots have turned me into a troll, i hope your fucking happy...........

by freedomthrtyfve on Jun 10, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

You can "Roam If You Want To..."

In your Own “Private Idaho”.

@fjbar75 on twitter...formerly El Mexicutioner

by _Felix_ on Jun 10, 2011 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

shit.......

the next comment will probably say……….“my parents liked that band, and they had it on vynal”………..see its that old i’ve forgotten how to spell it

you idiots have turned me into a troll, i hope your fucking happy...........

by freedomthrtyfve on Jun 10, 2011 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

roam was there best song...

it almost made up for them singing on shiney happy people by rem……

you idiots have turned me into a troll, i hope your fucking happy...........

by freedomthrtyfve on Jun 10, 2011 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

i'm not ashamed to admit

that i’ve been known to rock their cover of the flintstones’ theme while driving. The guitar rift around the minute mark can rock anyone’s socks off!

if it helps for something, i also rock the ghostbusters’ theme on ocassion

fedor, bitches!

by vhw_ on Jun 10, 2011 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't know

I could listen to Kate Pierson sing just about anything.

"Dak is going to punch you with sunshine and rainbows for saying that. ." - TheGreg

by Dakatak on Jun 10, 2011 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like that band and do own it on vinyl.

I’m 24. Minds blown?

by hexbreaker on Jun 10, 2011 8:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

but your called hexbreaker..........

and you can spell vynil, and your 24, so you were 2 when it was released……..
minds blown? i could see a seven legged dragon eating its own head serving me at the mcdonalds drive through, and i’d still make it check my fucking order, so mind blown no, if you tell me you haven’t been born yet, and your typing this through the ether, i may raise an eyebrow, but otherwise no, i’m not mind blown…..

you idiots have turned me into a troll, i hope your fucking happy...........

by freedomthrtyfve on Jun 10, 2011 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

So you’re denying I own it or am 24? Or just really hard to impress.

My minds confused.

by hexbreaker on Jun 10, 2011 10:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Shit, love shack was on Cosmic Thing? That late in their career eh… I jumped the gun, I own that CD…I have the self titled album in vinyl.

by hexbreaker on Jun 10, 2011 10:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Lol poor AK

And not only did I get the interest I’m going to have that cheesy song stuck in my head for the rest of the day so thanks for that lol. I may be young but I love the 80s.

I will never be silly enough to ever think that a mere mortal will defeat Rampage Jackson. Maybe it was too many balls to the chin, but I will never make such a horrible choice again. War to Rampage getting back his title and me getting dick slapped if I ever go against him again.

by David W-S on Jun 10, 2011 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s Friday so I’ll cut you some slack

It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.

by Jesse Holland on Jun 10, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Did any1 see when shaq got punked back in the day.

Funny stuff sum dude slashed his tires ( so shaq thot) wanted 2 kill the dude.

Where do we go when we just don't know
& how do we relight the flame when it's cold?

Why do we dream when our thoughts mean nothing
And when will we learn to control?...

I need serenity
In a place where I can hide...
I need serenity
Nothing changes, days go by...

by d*locc on Jun 10, 2011 7:40 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

yes, that was a funny episode

He would’ve smashed that guy if Ashton hadn’t come out to make the save.

"Dak is going to punch you with sunshine and rainbows for saying that. ." - TheGreg

by Dakatak on Jun 10, 2011 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

he needs to leave dana alone and holla at dream

Shaq vs Hong man choi

It`s good for everyone to understand that they are to love their enemies, simply because your enemies show you things about yourself you need to change. So in actuality enemies are friends in reverse.
-gary busy

by cnevius26 on Jun 10, 2011 8:08 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

Ha, didn’t he “call him out” after the Canseco thing? Shaq rules.

by woooburn on Jun 10, 2011 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Excellent

I only came here for the Shaq Fu reference and it delivered in droves. The Kazaam was the cherry on top.

by Bigger Zino on Jun 10, 2011 8:23 PM EDT reply actions  

As long as he doesn't fight getting Shaq involved is a good thing for MMA

Even if he sold his name to a really shit video game. Shaq’s a household name and one of the very few basketball players that I can name. WWE want him to have a match with Big Show at Mania so it’ll be interesting to see whether the UFC can beat them to Shaq’s signature and if they do what they’ll actually have him do.

I will never be silly enough to ever think that a mere mortal will defeat Rampage Jackson. Maybe it was too many balls to the chin, but I will never make such a horrible choice again. War to Rampage getting back his title and me getting dick slapped if I ever go against him again.

by David W-S on Jun 10, 2011 10:16 PM EDT reply actions  

About All He'll Be Good For is...

Going around to various media outlets and promoting MMA and the UFC. Not that it wont be great for the sport, but how much will it actually do and how long will it keep him entertained? Great guy though.

by G Squat on Jun 10, 2011 10:45 PM EDT reply actions  

Shaq seems like a funny guy. He's been going to the UFC events for hella days too

and I would love to see him get involved. He’s a real fan, who happens to be real popular.

Tito Ortiz sucks...

by i_am_awesome_o on Jun 10, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Even though I like Shaq he’ll never get any MMA respect unless he goes in there and gets his ass whup at least once…. "he talked Big about coming into mma not to long ago… he’s been doing MMA for 7 yrs… he’s HUGE!

"This is Bob. Bob had bitch tits."

by THORAZINE on Jun 10, 2011 11:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Shaq is a marketing machine

The media will always love him even though he isn’t an active NBA player. Can’t hurt to have the guy around, right?

by ian247 on Jun 11, 2011 2:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Shaq is smart enough to know it’s too late in the day to fight. But if the UFC are going to have their own channel then having Shaq host a show of some kind would be cool.

by El_MUERkO on Jun 11, 2011 11:31 AM EDT reply actions  

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