1. What inspired you to pursue a career in mixed martial arts and join Fight Academy Ireland?
I joined fight academy Ireland in my early teens just as a hobby but quickly fell in love with the sport and the team, being around Irelands top fighters and coaches and seeing the level they have reached has motivated me and showed me the potential of myself and the team around me.
2. How has training at Fight Academy Ireland helped shape you as a fighter and contributed to your growth in the sport?
Before joining Fight Academy Ireland, I had no prior martial arts experience, my coaches took me in as a day one beginner and helped me develop every aspect of my game. I’m fighting as one of Irelands top amateur fighters, so without my coaches at Fight Academy Ireland I would be nowhere near the level I am today.
3. Who are your role models or sources of inspiration in the world of MMA?
My main inspirations are my teammates at Fight Academy Ireland, watching fighters like Paul Hughes winning a world title after all the adversity he’s faces in his career or seeing someone like Paddy Mccorry who was just starting his amateur career get highlight reel KOs on one of Europes biggest promotion shows me that I’m in the right place and on the same track as them.
4. What is the most challenging aspect of being a professional fighter, and how do you overcome those challenges?
The hardest part about being a fighter for me is the mental part of it, I tend to get nervous before fights and get in my head a bit, the main way I overcome this is by reminding myself I’m with the best team there is, a gym full of world champions and the highest-level coaches, and I remind myself how much work I’ve put in.
5. How do you balance your training schedule with other aspects of your life, such as work or family?
Training is like a full-time job itself and a lot of people may not realise that, as well as training I have a job so fitting in time with family and friends is hard but with good planning it is manageable.
6. Are there any rituals or superstitions you follow before a fight?
The only ritual I really have is one week before each fight my coaches put me through a fight simulation circuit as my last hard session, doing this gives me the confidence that it’s been a good camp and all the hard work is done.
7. How do you stay motivated and driven during tough times or setbacks in your career?
After my last fight I had a bad injury which stopped me from fighting and training, the main thing that motivated me during this time was seeing my teammates fight and win, this lit a fire in me seeing them do well and made me itch to get back even more.
