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Jorge Masvidal Teaches Shaquille O’Neal A Lesson In Power

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UFC welterweight star Jorge Masvidal brought his technical expertise to the TNT docuseries ‘Shaq Life’ to put NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal through a rigorous striking masterclass.

The session, filmed for O’Neal’s docuseries, centered on the precision and physics behind Masvidal’s elite power. Following the encounter, O’Neal publicly endorsed the fighter’s skills during an April 16, 2020, interview with Ariel Helwani, expressing genuine surprise at the technical proficiency of the Miami-based fighter.

• Masvidal, the reigning “BMF” champion, holds the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history—a five-second flying knee against Ben Askren at UFC 239.
• The training segment focused on the mechanics of force generation, emphasizing that Masvidal’s striking prowess relies on hip rotation and timing rather than raw physical size.
• O’Neal admitted to Helwani that he “didn’t know [Masvidal] was as bad as he was” until he witnessed the fighter’s technical output firsthand.

The Physics of Power

During the session, the 5-foot-11 Masvidal worked with the 7-foot-1, 325-pound O’Neal to deconstruct the mechanics that have defined his rise from backyard fighting to global Boxing and MMA stardom. The instruction specifically highlighted how to maximize impact through professional discipline and precise kinetic movement. Combat sports analysts, including those from MindSmash, have frequently noted that Masvidal’s success stems from his ability to utilize hip rotation and timing to overcome larger opponents, a skill he showcased directly to the four-time NBA champion.

I didn’t know he was as bad as he was until I saw him in person; I was just in total awe of his capabilities.

A Collision of Athletic Worlds

The collaboration functioned as a high-profile crossover between two of the most recognizable names in sports. O’Neal used his platform on *Shaq Life* to explore his burgeoning interest in mixed martial arts, while Masvidal continued his streak of media visibility following a standout 2019 “Fighter of the Year” campaign. The session highlighted the stark contrast between O’Neal’s history of physical imposition in the paint and the technical, surgical approach required for professional striking.

Establishing Combat Dominance

Masvidal’s guidance underscored the mental and physical conditioning needed to sustain a run at the top of the UFC welterweight division. By moving O’Neal away from his traditional training habits, Masvidal reinforced the idea that elite power is a product of technical mastery rather than just frame. This instructional appearance occurred at the peak of Masvidal’s professional profile, maintaining his momentum as he sought to capitalize on his “BMF” title run and secure his place as the division’s premier contender. For more on his professional trajectory leading into 2020, see his UFC 251 post-fight remarks.

All eyes are now on when Masvidal will return to the cage to challenge for the undisputed welterweight belt, with talks surrounding a potential showdown against Kamaru Usman remaining the most anticipated pairing in the division.