1. What inspired you to pursue a career in mixed martial arts and join Fight Academy Ireland?
They say do what you love so that’s what I’m doing, and I may as well do it at the best gym which is FAI.
It’s the coaching that sets this place apart from the rest.
2. How has training at Fight Academy Ireland helped shape you as a fighter and contributed to your growth in the sport?
FAI lay the bricks for you to become the best fighter you can be and all you must do is follow the path. They’ve set the way for me to mature and develop as a fighter and shown me what it takes to become a world champion.
3. Who are your role models or sources of inspiration in the world of MMA?
Like most here it was Conor Mc that first got me wanting to get on the mats.
Another inspiration to get me into fighting was watching Paul Hughes back in the ammy days when he was a teenager and younger than me becoming a champ on the regional scene.
Today it’s Liam & Pat
4. What is the most challenging aspect of being a professional fighter, and how do you overcome those challenges?
It’s all challenging. The training, the time, the sacrifices, the weight cut, the disappointments and the bad days when you are by yourself and you question why on earth you fight a stranger in a cage but this is what us fighters do, overcome adversity.
5. How do you balance your training schedule with other aspects of your life, such as work or family?
Never went into full time work and made sure I could get to training whatever part time job I was in.
I’ve now turned my passion into my full-time job by coaching the sport and building my own team of fighters.
Seeing my family & friends has defiantly been affected due to the lifestyle of a fighter but these days most of my family and friends are with me on the mat.
6. Are there any rituals or superstitions you follow before a fight?
Always needing a piss, the instant, I get my hands wrapped but other than that no
7. How do you stay motivated and driven during tough times or setbacks in your career?
Having the right people in your life is key, and always knowing things will happen but it’s not what happens that alters the direction of your life, it’s how you react to it.
