Knicks Player Kristaps Porzingis Practicing His Stand-Up Grappling

New York Knicks power forward and center Kristaps Porzingis has apparently been bitten by the combat sports bug.

In a video posted yesterday, the 7’3″ Latvian is seen practicing his takedown skills against a coach from Ground Control Academy.

Practice 👊 pic.twitter.com/BfQS23mS0C

— Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) August 23, 2017

Porzingis has not explained his new love of grappling, but it may have something to do with his admiration for Conor McGregor. Speaking of the UFC Lightweight Champion — who is scheduled to meet Floyd Mayweather this Saturday in a boxing match — Kristaps said on NBA.com:

I’m still 22 and still really young but I’m trying to learn as much as I can on the court, and trying to learn as much as I can off the court as well. I want to improve the mental side. I’m actually amazed by Conor McGregor. I’ve been watching so many of his videos, trash talking, how mentally strong he is. I’ve been really interested in that kind of stuff.

Kristaps is also working his striking game:

learning from the best 🙌🏼

A post shared by Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) on May 15, 2017 at 8:42am PDT

Porzingis isn’t the first NBA player to be drawn to the dangerous world of combat sports, either.  Denver Nuggets center Roy Hibbert is BJJ blue belt.

Did You Know NBA Star Roy Hibbert Is A Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt?

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