McGregor inspires teens out of poverty

Two orphaned teens in China are being inspired by McGregor and their love of mixed martial arts to lift themselves out of poverty. Xiao Long and Xiao Wu, both 14, are trying to follow in McGregor’s footsteps, believing his motto that “hard work” always wins over talent alone. They train at China’s Enbo Fight Club – a MMA gym in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan. The gym has taken in 400 orphaned or poverty-stricken children over the years, and several have risen in the ranks to become well-respected members of China’s underground fighting scene. The gym’s founder, En Bo, said that the children are sent to them willingly by their families back home. But the road to the top is a difficult one, and some return home after failing to make it. Xiao Long says his goal is to take part in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but for now:

What do I do here? I train, shower, sleep and repeat. I want to join the UFC and win every fight.