To celebrate the release of EA SPORTS' UFC 2 on March 17, we've put together a list of Irish sports people we'd love to see inside the Octagon.
They're all tough as nails, although some of them might need some work on their technique.
Who wouldn’t love to see this lot verbally and physically sparring with the UFC’s finest?
With the latest installment of EA SPORTS' MMA masterclass, you have the option to sculpt your own GameFace uploads to perfection, so this could be our chance!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKierl6BxNU
So without further ado, here are the 5 Irish sports stars we'd choose for the UFC.
Paul O'Connell
Rumour has it, it was actually Paul O'Connell who killed the Dead Sea.
He's simply that tough.
If the former Munster second-row put his mind to it, we've no doubt he could take the heavyweight division UFC storm.
Just watch the video below, as he brings his UFC 2 style ground game to life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQsermgwdfw
Clip via officialdanielbury
Philly McMahon
The Dublin footballer already has a great base in the sport; he trained in boxing as a youngster and he has been practicing MMA for around seven years now. McMahon would be very well suited to UFC2 where you can unleash a fast, fun flurry of punches, kicks, knees and elbows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mCrvSNuAM8
Clip via Pat Kelly
He's tough as nails on the pitch and we'd love to see him take a crack at the lightweight division; as long as he could avoid those infamous eye gouges.
Katie Taylor
The Bray native almost took on former UFC Champion Holly Holm in the boxing ring during 2013. We'd simply love to see the pair clash in the octagon.
Taylor would need extensive training, but we have no doubt she'd be able to compete... should we start our Taylor for the cover of EA SPORTS UFC 3 campaign now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDgAjUHnvM
Clip via officialdanielbury
Diarmuid O'Sullivan
"When you hit him with a shoulder, you better hit him properly."
O'Sullivan was one of the toughest full-backs to ever play the game of hurling and we're pretty sure this toughness could translate to inside the octagon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHbGYbl608g&ebc=ANyPxKqZ9Vp4XN3CE-qhIFrOWrZ18lkisJT58eNPDfUc6rP9c9epmsu1rkvJvga8lVrXoTAU0ktbkcxjE0ttGmrUVF_M7c6XnQ
Clip via Conor Ryan
Roy Keane
If his leg kick on Alf-Inge Håland is anything to go on, then Roy Keane knows exactly how to KO his opponents.
We're certain he'd never turn down a fight either. Although trying to add some subtlety to his technique could be a stumbling block.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_st29mlQwU
Clip via Stephen McLoughlin
EA SPORTS™ UFC® 2 innovates with stunning character likeness and animation, adds an all new Knockout Physics System and authentic gameplay features, and invites all fighters to step back into the Octagon™ to experience the thrill of finishing the fight. From the walkout to the knockout, EA SPORTS UFC 2 delivers a deep, authentic, and exciting experience.
UFC 2 is in shops from March 17.
