So few people have that “it factor.” Even fewer have the skills to back up their hype machine. “Uncle Creepy” Ian McCall (13-4-1 MMA, 2-2-1 UFC) one of those total package guys. He’s got the looks, the charisma and the skills that allow him to be one of the top flyweights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
However, McCall’s patience have worn thin. His usual upbeat personality has been pushed to the side as he’s come off two back-to-back training camps for John Lineker (24-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC), a competitor whom he was to fight at UFC Fight Night 56 back in November, 2014. Unfortunately, McCall was diagnosed with a viral infection on the day of the weigh-ins.
What’s most surprising is that this fight has been relegated to a preliminary bout on this Saturday’s UFC 183, Silva vs. Diaz fight card, which is an unfamiliar territory for this top featherweight contender.
“He’s probably a really nice guy, and he might think the same of me, but I don’t think we like each other that much. It’s hard to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak the same language. Honestly, I don’t think he knows his own language very well. It’s hard to have a conversation with someone who’s not that smart,” said McCall, in an interview with FanboyNation.
Uncle Creepy’s training regimen hasn’t really changed for Lineker. He’s a few more moves evasive moves and worked on more speed for his opponent, but has left the strategy to his coaches.
“The last five weeks has been all about speed and potting against someone that’s slow especially like John (Lineker). He’s a one dimensional fighter,” sniped McCall.
The life long Marvel Comics collector had his last heavy workout on Saturday morning; which consisted of sparring for about 10 rounds, stretching and followed by some coaching to keep him mentally sharp all before heading home to spend time with his daughter.
McCall’s priority is providing for his daughter and allowing her to have a normal upbringing. He says he would much rather have her be a ballerina instead of a fighter but will make sure she knows how to defend herself, she just doesn’t need to be in the gym where it’s dirty and violent.
Uncle Creepy’s prediction for Saturday’s fight is simple, “It will consist of some good quality violence, a lot of movement, a lot of running, a lot of me doing hot laps around John. Tune in if you want to watch me be the crap out of a guy who’s one denominational striker. I’m going to make him miss and make him pay. More so, I want to get it over with, get a finish, hang with your daughter and eat pizza.”
UFC 183 prelims begin at 5 p.m on Fox Sports 1 on Saturday, January, 31, 2015.