Tim Welch is known as the coach of UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley. He recently shared an intriguing update during an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.
Welch disclosed that he’s been providing private Jiu-Jitsu lessons to Evan Longoria, a prominent figure in American baseball.
During the interview, Tim Welch expressed his enthusiasm about coaching the baseball icon. Longoria is a free agent known for his exceptional skills as a third baseman, and approached Welch for Jiu-Jitsu lessons. Welch commended Longoria’s performance during their first session, highlighting his natural aptitude for the sport.
Welch said: “I actually gave a private to a guy named Evan Longoria, I don’t know if you know him. Yesterday he contacted me to get some Jiu-Jitsu and he had his first Jiu-Jitsu lesson and he did really good.”
Ariel Helwani was astounded by Tim Welch’s revelation. Helwani stated stating that it was a major name-drop. Welch replied that until he uploaded an Instagram story featuring Longoria, he had no idea how famous the baseball player was.
Helwani informed him that Longoria was among the greatest third basemen of all time. As of the now, Longoria is a free agent. He was a player with the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, and Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB). In addition, he has won a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove Award three times.
The mention of Evan Longoria’s interest in Jiu-Jitsu sparked curiosity among MMA enthusiasts. Welch was humbled by Longoria’s humility and eagerness to learn and shared his admiration for the baseball star’s dedication.
Despite Longoria’s busy schedule, Welch revealed that the baseball star resides just a short distance from him. Longoria’s receptiveness to learning Jiu-Jitsu impressed Welch, who plans to gradually integrate him into training with amateur practitioners. Welch also emphasized Longoria’s commitment to attending classes twice a week.
