shaq pink tie reuters
Shaquille O'Neal laughs while telling a story during his announcement of his retirement from the National Basketball Association (NBA) at a news conference at his home in Windermere, Florida Reuters/File

Another athlete believes that he can last 45 seconds in the Octagon against Ronda Rousey. During an “Inside the NBA” episode on TNT in the end of May 2015, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal called out undefeated women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey at one segment covering the upcoming film “Entourage,” which Rousey will be appearing in. The NBA show hosts were with some of the characters in the upcoming movie to talk about the story and some of the people who will be guest starring.

"I can last 45 seconds with Ronda Rousey. Set it up!" Shaq predicted. "That's not a joke. I can last 45 seconds... Oh ... (laughs) ... actually, it probably wouldn't even be that long!" Shaq added in a report by MMA Mania. Fellow hosts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith and the rest of the cast of “Entourage” laughed at the thought.

In the weekend following Shaq’s challenge, TMZ Sports asked for Rousey to comment on the former Laker’s statement. “If a chick can last 45 seconds, yeah, Shaq probably can too.”

Sporting News said that there might be some truth in Rousey’s response, considering that Shaq stands 7’11” and weighs 325 pounds. Rousey is 5’7” and 135 pounds. Shaq used to be one of the most dominant players in the NBA during his time. Rousey, on the other hand, remains undefeated with an 11-0 record. She finished five of her opponents in less than 45 seconds and only fought past the first round once. Shaq may be able to hold on for 45 seconds, but not further than the first round.

However, fans only have their imagination to determine how a Shaq versus Rousey fight will actually play out. Rousey is currently training to face Bethe Correia in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Aug. 1, 2015 at UFC 190.

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