Brian Manning | Oktagon 89 Takeover, IUR FC Recap & Usyk Vs Rico Chaos | The Energized Show

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What is up and welcome to The Energized Show! On this episode MMA Cork's Brian Manning joins us to discuss his Oktagon 89 Takeover, IUR FC Recap & Usyk Vs Rico Chaos. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Hit the notification bell for more Energized Shows! Youtube : Energized Show…

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What do you think Pukak actually makes of you as well? Cuz like this is this is totally different from him, isn't it? >> I say, man, he's he I'd say he just thinks like this fell's just off the wall. I say he doesn't know how to he can't read me. He doesn't know what to what to expect or what I'm going to do next. You know what I mean? What I'm going to say. But like this is the thing. I'm all like I'm I'm barking. I'm barking. I'm barking. I'm talking. People are all like, "Oh, he's all talk." But man, at the end of the day, right, I work hard on [ __ ] everyone. I put I put a series of 12 a week camp in there. I work like a Trojan. I'm fully committed. I could fight. I can talk. I can do it all. Diana Joy show up the orish. >> Okay, here we go. It's time. Okay. What's going on, guys? and welcome to a brand new episode of Energized brought to you by OR Kings Competitions. Ross, >> are you intoxicated or something? >> Introduce the guest man. Today we have the man who's going to make the Bowsy Drowsy. The man who's going to put the sheeps to sleep. He is the uncrowned king of the Octagon MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION. IT IS THE ONE and only Brian Manning. Brian, welcome back to the show, my friend. >> It's good to be back, boys. It's great to be back. Great to be back. What's the [ __ ] story, >> man? Everyone's gonna ask for this episode, man. >> The Drowsy Boozy. That's a [ __ ] That's a lovely one though. I might I might steal that. I'm about to steal that when I go back to Bradlava. >> Ah, yeah. You You can have that one. That one's a gift. That one's a gift. >> Brilliant. Brilliant. >> Unbelievable stuff. Brian, you're only fresh back from Bradlava. You'll be going back there shortly enough, 6th of June. Massive fight coming up for yourself. Tell us this. What was it like going over there to do promotion for a fight? That's something that you were built and born to do and now you're actually getting the opportunity to do it. You seem to have relished it. >> Relished it. I loved it. And you know what? Now it's it's uh it's a bit of an eye opener as well as it's my second fight only in Octagon. >> So that just shows what they think of me and what they can do with me and how they can build me up and stuff. They fly me in and I'm all over the main way. Sometimes you start off on the promotion, you're on the kind of side pages and stuff. >> Maybe Octagon check, Octagon, Duchess Land, whatever. But now, now it's on the main page. And this is my second [ __ ] fight, man. And a big promotion. The biggest promotion in Europe. Let's be honest here. Like, it's it's above the rest of them. Be UFC. UFC is the only one in in the competition with it. But it's a great promotion. And to go over there and be able to do what I done and get it all [ __ ] documented. What a laugh, man. What a buzz. The Bratislava people [ __ ] love me clearly. You know what I mean? >> Did Did they ask you to come over or were you like here get me over and I'll hype this event up? >> I was like, get me over. I want cuz I was on to them and I was on a couple of media people and I said, you know, I was supposed to go over there. This is the plan, right? I was supposed to go to Libé. There was an event in Liber. You remember that one? It was about a month ago. >> Yeah. >> And it was all I was supposed to go over to the event face off, face to face, me and Pukak. I was all accepted in my side. Something happened on their side. And then I was like remember I'm like talk I tagged in the post I was give me a [ __ ] I want your address I'll come to brother SL and this and that and then it got clicking and stuff and then after what kind of me and they're like would you be actually be interested in maybe going over I was like no I will I jump on a [ __ ] flight and I'll jump over and then I went into his cafe I I got on the f and I knew I actually had his address to be honest I found his address but I said I won't I won't bother calling to his door. You know what I mean? I said I'll leave that one off. I'll I'll make noise and see what happens. Then not going to get on to me and they said, "Right, if if you're going to have a face off, we'll pop up and and we we'll get we'll get some footage and we get a face off going and you know what I mean." >> So it worked out. >> There must been there must been a swim meet on that day that he couldn't make what >> a swim meet that he couldn't make in that day. >> He was doing his lints. He was doing his lints, man. He was like, "What the [ __ ] is this guy doing in Mike City?" Yeah. my cafe couldn't even couldn't even get a swimming in like but Michael >> cappuccino for you >> what say again >> was there free cappuccino for you in the cafe >> uh free nothing they in their in their eyes I went up first by to the [ __ ] bar to the bar woman or or whatever the [ __ ] uh cashier and like she was looking at me like all right this fella now needs to go like but then I was like [ __ ] that I sat down I got like a a weird [ __ ] fancy drink off some fancy I it was like soda water with bits it was a load of [ __ ] you know and then I sat down I started talking [ __ ] wearing a mask and stuff and people were looking at me like what the [ __ ] people like what's this guy but I tell you what I tell you one thing I felt like a I felt like a famous man over there bro I was over there was people coming up to me you walked on fighter you walk on fighter can we get a picture we get a picture I was like yes boys come on we get a picture this is poo you know pukak your homeboy he's getting smashed to pieces in a few weeks. Yeah. >> Do you know Pukaka? >> Yeah. >> What? What? What did What does >> And his name >> I forgot to say like his like kak means shite in Irish. >> So I'm against Robert [ __ ] >> One thing I forgot to say when I was over there, but like poo cac you couldn't write it. You couldn't make it up. >> Come here. What what you think what do you think poo kak actually makes of you as well? cuz like this is this is totally different for him, isn't it? >> I say, man, he's he I'd say he just thinks like this fell's just off the wall. I say he doesn't know how to he can't read me. He doesn't know what the what to expect or what I'm going to do next. You know what I mean? What I'm going to say. But like this is the thing. I'm all like I'm I'm barking. I'm barking. I'm barking. I'm talking. People are all like he's all talk. But man, at the end of the day, right, I work hard on [ __ ] everyone. I put I put a series of 12 a week camp in there. I work like a Trojan. I'm fully committed. I could fight. I can talk. I can do it all. But like people get distracted. Leave them think I'm all talk. Leave them think I'm all this. But then when I get in the cage, I'm a different animal. I'm actually better off fighting than I am talking. >> Yeah. Well, the thing is >> which is a surprise. >> That is a surprise, man. But like obviously at the moment you're on a 10ight win streak. You're six and0 as a pro. You are fighting at Octagon 89 on June 6th, which everyone's looking forward to. But we hear we have to bring it back to January when you made your Octagon debut. like coming in with the on the bike with the mask. >> We didn't speak since then, boys, do we? >> No, no, we've been in touch, but like we just have to bring that back and just refresh people's memories as well, man. Like like what was the reaction like after that as well? Especially around the cork area like >> unbelievable reaction off off [ __ ] everyone. My phone blew up obviously followers went up and the promotion the promotion were blown away by it, you know, the the the owners and stuff like everything. What did I say in the pressor? Remember I said I know it's going to be a vicious violent performance. That was the most violent KO you probably see all year. One of the most violent KOs ever on Acton surely cuz like that was and like I was like you know afterwards when I when the rest stop then I done this thing like this. It looked like I was doing that to the tow but I wasn't. It was more to the ref like how many [ __ ] punches does he have to take? You know what I mean? >> He was five punches. >> Schwindy is Chinny. I told you that. But he was fighting punches away from being [ __ ] killed, man. Honestly, it was very it was a dangerous stoppage and like it was 21 or was it could it was a I think it was it was a lot of punches unanswered in it. They could have been stopped a lot sooner. I know he's given a bit of a chance because it's the homeboy. But Jesus Christ, they could have gave Rojo Hovan that chance, couldn't they? >> [ __ ] hell. >> Absolutely. and tell us this like obviously you know you do the big walk out you're fighting someone else in their home backyard I assume it's going to be something similar elk this time as well like that put that puts I know you might not feel it but that puts a lot of pressure on you you know what I mean like if you go out there and do the big walk out and you know what I mean and and you were on the receiving end of of finish like that well then like you know I mean like you become a viral meme you know what I mean like >> exactly yeah >> there's there's massive sort of pressure from that side of side of it to get to go in there boom people think so like yeah and you know sometimes it might come into into your head or whatever you might think all right so I have the way like I have all my people at home I have everyone betting on me I have everyone doing this everyone doing that and yeah it could it could crumble a lot of fell's mindset but for me man like the second I got like it's always like everyone gets nervous everyone gets anxious about things but the closer I get to the fight and the second I get to the walk out stage when I get to that walk stage I go into my character I do my stuff I'm just in my mind and my everything. I'm meant to be there and this is where I belong and all the pressure goes. Then I get to the cage. When I'm in the cage, then it's like everything is gone. You know what I mean? Every I'm I'm actually, as mad as a cliche as it sounds, I feel free. I'm supposed to do this. This what I'm supposed to do. Why? What pressure? No [ __ ] pressure on me. As I said, when I get to the ball, I feel like I'm supposed to be there. Everything's right. Everything's clicked. Weights off my shoulders. Let's go. Everything's in my control. And my right hand is there. So, I'm all good. >> Yeah. Well, like >> and that's what happened. I jumped into the cage, pressure on me, just didn't give a [ __ ] man. Jumped in. Had a good fight. He he put up a good fight for four minutes. And then eventually the right hand got to him. And even though I felt it wasn't my cleanest performance, you know, it wasn't it was a lot of single shots. Wasn't much combinations, but I knew I was going to get him, man. I was like, you can't avoid the right hand. He he nullified my jab. Fair play at him. He nullified my calf kick by going south so paw, but he couldn't nullify the right hand. >> Brian, it's it's hard to believe that that fight actually happened in January. Seems like it was ages ago like and like you're you're out. You had to get the surgery on the eyes. Like how are the eyes now? How well are you seeing these? >> Yeah. Yeah. Eyes are perfect. Eyes are perfect now, man. Wolverine. I'm a Wolverine healer and I come back from things fairly handy, you know? And I I was worried like cuz I was thinking this is my second time. I had the same detached retina years ago in a [ __ ] in a nightclub. an old scrap and got this detached and uh now it's the same one again. So I was thinking [ __ ] hell, am I going to have more problems now going forward? Is it going to not recover? What if I get smacked again and it detaches again? Am I going to be on the bisping route? But uh no, everything healed perfect. I got checked. I was actually healed quicker than the last one. So I got checked a month later after recovery. I took the month off, went back and it's reattached. So everything's perfect. It's like it didn't even [ __ ] happen, you know? Cuz I took a that fight was in January, right? >> Yeah. January 31st does feel ago, but it's only what are we in May. January 31st was really like February. It's only three months, man. >> It's It's almost like a normal break to an X fight. Whereas I was thinking I'm going to be out to [ __ ] September or something or out for half the year, but I'm back fairly quick. >> No, that's great. >> I'm healthy. >> Absolutely. That's what we want. A healthy Brian Manning and active Brian Manning. That's what we want. >> Healthy Brian Manning is a dangerous Brian Manning. Yeah, >> we we want the chaos to ensue you like you know what I mean? Like that's what happens when we get a Brian Manning fight week. That's that's that's what that's why everyone loves you and that's why you're an absolute enigma. You know what I mean? You really are like you're you're in some regard like a once in a lifetime fighter. Like you won't meet another person the creativity in there and like I actually do think people haven't caught up with your fight skills if that makes sense. as in they're not giving you enough credit because because the the walkouts and the absolute like >> epic sort of pre- press conference, post press conference, you know what I mean? You can sort of do it all and like we're we're definitely here for it and I can't wait for it. And one thing that you asked for which the narrative can change come the weekend is you ask for for a ranked opponent. You're fighting number five in the middleweight rankings. >> Yeah. win like this. This this is this is a this feels like sort of old school McGregor UFC hype that like I mean this guy this guy is one maybe two fights away from being in a world title fight. Do do you feel like that's that's where you're at? >> It's Yeah, that's where I'm at right now, bro. That's where I'm at right now. So, and that's is getting very close and I like as you said number five in the rankings. This fell has been like no he's 2014 14 losses whatever 20 wins is is a is a good achievement in professional MMA getting 20 wins. I'm not overlooking him. That's why I put in a 12week camp. But I be him and especially right this fell. He's durable, but I don't think he's faced a puncher like me. You know what I mean? So, my plan is to knock him out and knock him out as quick as I can. And if I don't, I think he'll have an open up face, honestly. I think he'll be very hurt. It'll be worse for him if he goes on for three rounds, but I'm ready for three rounds if need be. Obviously, I'll go for the kill early, but I knock him out, make a statement, and then I'm looking at something huge. I'm looking at either tit world title fight now the boys are fighting in July is it um in ZG and JO right they're fighting in July so >> no it's June it's June 20th >> June is it >> so they're fighting very close to me which they could might maybe they won't be ready for when I'll be ready again I don't know but if I maybe get into a number one contender fight so I I have a plan of a name I'm going to call out and he's German and Frankfurt worth 60,000 in a stadium in September. 60 fucking,000. Call for that. Get a fight against a higher ranked opponent and whoever wins that gets the title shot, which will be me, of course. >> Fair. Fair. You don't want >> And then and then I'm that close to being a world [ __ ] champion. And then who knows after that? You obviously know my plans and what I want to do. And you know, the sky's is the limit honestly because like I people forget. They think I'm all a talker, but I can really fight and I have the promotional skills. I have everything else going for me. And it's not just me making things up or like trying to play be a Colby Coington. This is just who I am. You know, I've had plenty of these conflicts outside of fighting for years on end, you know. >> What sort of feedback are you getting back? Cuz you seem to be getting some negativity as well. Are you? >> Yeah. Yeah. Some some pricks, you know, some [ __ ] >> What are they saying, man? What's wrong with you? >> Just who does this fellow think he is? And even some Irish constant saying that. [ __ ] them. Do you know what I mean? It's it's mostly just insecurity on their end and they're jealous bastards and probably a bunch of Nancy boys. So, [ __ ] them. >> Well, they say it doesn't matter. It's all fueled to me. As I said, the same with the octagon comments and oh, he's no respect. He's no this, he's no that. And [ __ ] you. That's what I say to them. >> Keep doing what I'm doing. Keep doing what I'm doing. >> Will they be invited to your your big birthday that's coming up very soon as well? >> You know what? Now, maybe some of those little shitty comment boys, keyboard warriors can [ __ ] off, but everyone else, my big [ __ ] party, right? There's one thing I know to do as well. I know how to fight and I know how to [ __ ] party. And my party is Saturday the 13th of June, the weekend after my fight up in the Fox and Hounds Bar. DJ food session online [ __ ] on it. Into the shade afterwards, on it the next day. Let's go. >> Sorry. It's my 31st. It's my It's my 30th. It's my 30th. >> The only person in Enjoy history to put a promo for their own birthday party and we're here for >> And as well as I'm the only man to have a 30 and a 31st. >> Yeah. Fair. I'm actually so looking forward to seeing you go to work and like I'm looking forward to seeing you fight all these other middleweights. Like I'm looking at fella here. Dominic hburgger like humbburger the hamburger like I can see it already. Or Patrick King. It's too easy. Lick hockey [ __ ] hamburg hamburg hamburger. We've h whole rat you know the list goes on. Their names they're like they've already lost with those names. You know what I mean? >> Oh my god. >> But as well and the fox and hounds shout out to the fox hounds. They will be showing my fight on the 6th of June. So they'll be they'll be streaming my fight up in the pub, Fox News pub. And the weekend after is my birthday there. My 31st we'll say. But really the 30 my 30th that I never had last year because I was so busy with activity. But now I'm free. Time to fight. Time to party. Let's go. >> I know you like to smash your opponents Brian, but I also know you love to smash the bookies as well. What what's what's the bet that people are putting on for this fight, >> man? Just lump on me. Lump on me to win. You know, I was looking at price. I was actually I was thinking I was very short, two to five, but I'm have to find out today. I'm going through with the old um the old [ __ ] live ads and I think I'll be around 8 to 11, which is the favorites. Likely he'll be about 11 to 10. So, it's still not a bad price. Not a bad price. like two grand returns like four and a half do you know I'm nearly five grand so that's not too bad but I know people aren't going to lump that much maybe but [ __ ] I know I know a couple that will do that I know a couple that will win some money off me and win money off >> got loads of money don't mind him >> Callahan has loads of money >> he's loads of money because of me yeah over that last fight >> uh we Brian, we also can't let you go without giving a shout out to Elite Fighting Championships 9 that goes down on the 18th of July. What's it like now having like a elite fighting championships down around your neck of the woods like out area? >> Listen to this, right? You know, Elite is a big show and this is this is coming from me, right? And I'm I'm going to be humble there because like man, me be humble, right? Because I made I made a some of those shows, right? But the last show I was at was the best EFC I was ever at. Honestly, it was your man, the main event, Degan and my my buddy Maga, my team at MAGA. >> Yeah. >> I cut with a column, my other team at Cullum. We [ __ ] we all of our our teammates. Half our gym was on the [ __ ] thing. The buzz, it was electric in there. A fierce buzz, the crazy noise, a lot of the most crowd we've ever seen, right? AFC has ever seen. And it's all run. It's run by Urgent, but mainly Bario Call is the main man. Alpha Fighter Management, Bario Callen, Adam Skilly. They're doing a great job in that show. And they're only getting [ __ ] bigger, man. I'm looking forward to the next show. And I can drink it the next show at least. I was I was focused this one but like >> another one as well Brian just like another one as well who like who should people >> sorry one small as well and the fights were unbelievable at EFC last one it it wasn't like you know you know some some shows you could tippy top decisions there was [ __ ] KO after and the KO's happened the whole crowd ah it was crazy KO after KO after KO great co mains great main event submissions brilliant show like the sky's limit for EFC also it's going to be a very big show Yeah, I think the big cage definitely helps, but like Brian just another another one as well. Who should people keep an eye out for from MA Cork as well, >> man? All right, there's there's there there's two in mind for right now and what I've seen obviously with the camera amateur but a professional level MAGA Magazon as well after me soon after me. What a knockout. Two [ __ ] finishes in one fight. >> So the champ Mega He and then Kum [ __ ] man [ __ ] a war mongrel. Me and me and that man have spares and we go home and take panadol, you know. We have [ __ ] walls all the time in the gym. And we all knew how good he was. We all knew how good a striking was and he's showing it now. 3 and 0. And that was a vicious knockout. That was a vicious [ __ ] knockout. He's going to be a problem in the amateur scene and in title convention very soon. >> So yeah, keep an eye on those boys for sure. Keep an eye on those boys. >> Well, right. Well, people have to make sure they keep an eye on your you at octagon 89 in Slovakia. Uh Brian, anything else you want to say to people tuning in as well? >> Just do not miss do not miss it. Do not miss fight week. Do not even miss fight week, never mind the fight, right? So the fight fight week. I have things planned for the Wayne. There's a morning way. There's a public Wayne. I I have a I have a lot of things planning. It's going to be it's going to be some funny [ __ ] and I'm going to wind them up even more and I'm going to play out to the [ __ ] Slovakians in the crowd as a public win. Wait wait wait to see what I do for that one. And then the fight. Do not miss the Saturday, 6th of June. As as always, an unbelievable walk out, unbelievable performance, and let's go. >> An unbelievable session the following week down in. You better believe that >> an even better session out in Bratislava that night and then back to the fox numbers the week after. Let's go. >> Drinking every night all the way up to the birthday. >> Robo chop shitty ass. It's gone from swinny chinny to robo chop shitty ass. Let's [ __ ] go, boys. >> The drowsy boozy is going to get her. >> The drowsy's bozy. The drowsy boooseie is getting finished. Guaranteed. Look at that fist. Boom. Kale job. >> It's actually disappointing we have to end this, but Brian, thank you very much for your time and let you as always. Great interview as always. >> Good to speak. The energy is show up the Irish. >> So Ros, that was Brian Manning. Your favorite Manning man. >> As always, the lamb was very calm. You know what I mean? No, no banter out of him at all. Very dry. Bro, man. >> Very dry. >> What was off with him today, man? What was off of him? >> Yeah. Yeah. Zero crack as usual. Zero crack as usual. >> Oh, man. >> No, man. He's always great to have on. He is, isn't he, >> man? It must be this lovely weather we're getting in Ireland these days. It's uh it's really bringing the energy out, Brian Manning, man. >> Yeah, absolutely. Bring the best out of everyone, bud. Bring the best out of everyone. >> Exactly. So, uh, if you are new to the Energize Show, make sure to like and subscribe because we are here every week, aren't we, Ross? We are. We do not miss. We do not miss. And speaking of not missing, you're fighting Champions 18 went down over the weekend. Basmo, what you make of the What you make of the card? I know they suffered a lot of injuries in the buildup to it, but uh, they still had three title fights in the end and, uh, there were some great finishes. Bas. >> Yeah. Well, look, overall, I thought the card was good. Um, we covered the event, we put out some of the finishes, and I I think just seeing some of these rising stars getting wins against good names is just great for not only the hype for Irish MMA, but also like pushing these guys and girls on in their future potential careers. Like for instance, like obviously we'll get into it a bit more, but obviously like uh Shane Carney got his win. Then Ricky Daru Rujo as well got his win. they both left with titles and then even like your Daniel Clooney's as well >> like and then also the viral win from Taylor the Kors as well with the flying armbar as well like these wins >> and give these lads >> their social media media platforms like a big boost. So like the shows like this I know they're hard to run and with people falling off makes it very difficult but like it actually helps so much when you you push through and have these events for the fighters. Yeah, absolutely. It's a it's a huge one for um the fighters to get that social media push to have their their finish highlighted uh and to have those clips going forward. It helps them get booked for other shows, you know. >> Yeah. >> No, because when we put when we put out the clips as well, you just see so many people, their friends and family like all commenting and getting involved and like seeing all their hard work being paid off as well. So like like >> Yeah, 100%. That's what they train for. train for train to fight under the lights and then you know >> it's a shame if someone trains that hard to fight under the lights they get a finish win and it gets posted nowhere you that's that's not great for them especially if they plan to go pro in the future like they need the catalog of the results there for for promoters to see >> so look your was was a really exciting night we saw some some younger talent uh really get get to shine um great to see um a lot of women fighting on the night. Um, Faith O'Brien got a got a lovely uh first round finish. That was brilliant. See, she just comes across as if she's like the nicest fighter in all of Ireland. And >> can't be nicer than Brian Manning, man. Come on. >> Maybe maybe secondize that, Brian Manning. But, uh, look, the the shed is a a very unsung hero gym of Irish MMA. Troy Gibson and um, Gemma run a great gym there. And look, they really really look like they care about the fighters and it really really showed on the night. There was big celebrations when Faith won. Felt like the whole team won. Um Kyle Hiri is just someone who is an absolute phenom of a competitor. Got the submission win. He's if he's not competing in them maze on the jiu-jitsu mats and he's a real real problem for so many people there. Alish Nulan h another team tails winner. Um she seems to be getting active and active. Uh, obviously we had Brian Manning on so we can't not discuss Taylor Hefner. He got his hand raised as well. Um, Daniel Clooney with the submission of the night. He was probably probably one of the biggest underdogs going into that. Like Henry Lea is an absolute season veteran of the Irish amateur MMA scene. Uh, I'd say there isn't many amateurs left in the country who has more amateur fights than Henry Lea. And Daniel Clooney getting a flying triangle win. Unbelievable stuff. Taylor Dors, he's a name that's been on the scene for a very, very long time, but he's stepped into the amateur game and he looks like he is a problem. He's been training for years and years under the tutelage of team Rhino and Tim Rhino's on a Shane Carney. Another decision win um unbelievable from him. He he really is trying to cement himself as the best featherweight in the country at amateur. We'll see if he can continue to do so now as well. Yeah, exactly. You know what I mean? He's collecting all them. Rush George gone in 60 seconds. Got the job done in inside a minute. Um, looks very, very impressive. His striking is ever continuing. And Ricky Dearujo h another fighter who I think is very underrated. I think Ricky is definitely someone to watch out for. And look, he's a very very slick striker and that's that's what I'm looking forward to. >> Also, Brandon Shields. Brandon Shields is like no joke as well. Like no, Brandon Shields like last time out he's very very competitive. >> Yeah, Brandon Shields is no joke. Neither is Aiden Fagan. You know what I mean? Who lost to Rush George. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? Like these are these are top competitors in the country. Look, I will say, you know, Europe fighting championship 18. It did get marred by some injuries. It did lose out on some of its pro fights, but the fights that happened delivered. Ricky Dujo making a statement, making a name for himself as one of the best flyweights in the country. Russ George has got a phenomenal record and he's really really starting to put his game together at SPG Charlestown. He is definitely one to watch out. Shane Cardy, he can easily make the argument he is the best featherweight in the country right now. Someone's going to have to come and try and prove him wrong. Taylor Deors really making a statement on the amateur scene. Daniel Clooney submission of the night, maybe submission of the year against a season veteran, big underdog upset. Call here continuing to do bits. Faith Brian Naylor and doing it for the girls. Unbelievable night at Europe Fighting Championships 18. I can't wait to see Europe Fighting Championships 19. Basmo promo of the year, man. You're you're flat out with the promos these days. I just picture you at home writing them all down. I was like, "Yeah, that'll be all right." >> Well, what's called I'm barely literate so I don't write anything down. >> Yeah, but only you understand like incorrect spelling, man. Only do that. >> I'm the worst better of all time. Oh man, another another night in the books for Irish MMA there. Next Irish MMA that event that is coming up will be Clam Wars 55 on the 13th of June. So that's another one we're looking forward to. So >> big time. >> Yeah, exactly. Um, excuse me. Before we get into more of the action happened over the weekend and happening this weekend, we have to give a shout out to Marc from Fight Academy Ireland fighting on the 30th of May at FNC. And also SPG Ireland's D Begley is back in action fighting at 247 MMA on the 30th of May as well. And then also Nemesis Events goes down on the 31st of the 5th as well this weekend. Um Ross, we'll just we'll just like the UFC is back this weekend. It's going down in Macau and just in the main event, Sonia Dong is taking on Davidson Figaredo. Um, let us know what you think about this main event before we discuss what happened over the weekend over in Egypt. Yeah, look, Deon Cigaredo versus Sonia Dong. I feel like they're in that bracket where they're probably like two wins away from a title shot. If someone can get a string win together here, it's definitely there. there about Deonson Figaredo obviously former flyweight champion he he is a man who hits like a truck but son Dong is looking for that sort of elusive win to put him into that contender status so going to be very very interesting to see how this plays out I would favor Figeredo but just because it's in Macau and Sonia Dong is obviously an Asian fighter I feel like he'll have a a massive crowd advantage on his side and we'll see will that play a factor but I think it's a a real close fight I think it's a bit pick him to be honest. >> Is it my pick or pick your pick this week? >> I'm actually not too sure. >> Yeah. No, that's not You see the thing is some figuro you're always you're sort of like yeah he should win and then like sometimes he messes around with the weight. >> Yeah. >> So it's whereas like you don't you know he's making weight. That's never really going to be in question. No, we probably miss weight this weekend you know. >> Yeah. It's a it's a it's a bit of a funny one like you're you're never a thousand% sure one way or the other. I'm just looking up here. No. Songing dong's one to five to win. Like at that stage I'd be betting on Deon Figurado at 7 to2. >> There you go. >> Well, the thing is people have to realize we make we pick these like on a Monday and play is not until Saturday. So there's plenty. >> Yeah. Like I always recommend don't bet anyone until like they way in. >> Yeah. So >> you know you know yourself Ross. >> Yeah knows. Then uh Ross, obviously over the weekend weekend, Rico Verhovven was defeated by Alexander Usyk at the pyramids in uh in Egypt. Ross, first of all, what did you what did you make of the way this fight was even made? And like what did you make of the main event as well? >> Yeah, obviously sort of one of those super fights or I don't know, spectacle fights. >> Yeah, gimmicky fights maybe even you want to say. But like obviously they are two elite fighters. It's a bit like the Enanu versus Fury or the Inanu versus Joshua. And it's quite funny to see um is it a case where these professional boxers are used to fighting other professional boxers and when someone comes in with like a totally different and inept style, it's hard to read and break down. Like Verhovven kept on sort of coming forward. You had this like sort of high guard up and it it looked very it looked really awkward like there was nothing pretty about what really hunched over or something. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It was very slick. >> Yeah. It wasn't slick. Like he he was he was >> he was winning but via numbers effectively and that that's what he was want to do. And >> I sort of maybe I watched the first three or four rounds and I was like is just getting a read of him or what's he doing? Like Usyk didn't look like the Usyk we've seen before, but you can make the same argument when Tyson Fury fought in Ganu. You're like, "Oh, here comes round five, six or seven and like he's going to turn it on now, if you know what I mean." And then it just never happened. And I feel like that's what happened with Usyk. Maybe the Fury not take their opponents serious enough and not train to the extent they felt they had to, but uh look, Verhovven looked really, really good in the fight. um considering he was fighting the best heavyweight boxer in the world and you know I think he was on he was up on my scorecards anyway watching it I can't remember exactly what way I add it but I was like he's definitely won more rounds than he was going into the 10th I I think maybe I would have been at least 64 or 73 to fair and then obviously come the 11th there was the stoppage by the ref I think like could have at least done a standing count if you want to if you thought he was eating too many shots and gone again cuz that would at least give Verhovven the chance to change up what he was doing or like make sure he wasn't eating as many shots without firing back. But uh Usyk got the job done and look Usyk was supposed to fight >> I can't even think that fell's name the German geyser next but now I think there's far more money yeah I think there's far more money in the uh Verhovven rematch than there is in in that match. You see just looking at the finish right just beforehand Usyk dropped Verovven and Verhovven sort of was half out of the ring and his body went limp like like I was like is he out out and then he sort of just got himself back together. Now look, Rico is like a pure animal at kickboxing. Like everyone know if you know Rico and you know he's like the face of kickboxing and like he's been dropped a million time. Not a million times, sorry. But he's been dropped like a few times and he's gotten up >> like it seemed like because he he sort of I think like if you watch it back it looked like he went limp and then just got got himself back together. He spat his gum shield out and then they were like literally find trying to put the gum shield everywhere bar his mouth. >> So maybe the ref got a bit pissed off over that. >> Yeah. And then but look this is like the same thing in the UFC. Remember when like they they spilled over the bucket and there was ice everywhere and like they like or sitting on the stool too long. >> Yeah. They're not normal moments. >> Yeah. It's you're trying to get your man back to 100%. And in fairness he was winning the fight. So like closer to the Romero stool. >> Yeah. We left we left the steel behind. >> We left the cup back in the change room. Hold on. But uh like it was it seemed like the ref before he actually stopped the fight, he was already in trying to stop the fight before the bell went. >> And once he because these lads are big lads like and the ref is small like it's going to be very hard to get around. Rico is massive man like and a big guy as well. >> So like I think the way the ref didn't like fully stop it. He was like half stopped >> that then the bell went and then the ref was like no it's over. I think they that the ref made a balls and probably should have just let it go to the next round. Yeah. >> So like >> like but like it was just like >> I don't think anyone expected Rico to be winning that fight. Like you know what I mean? >> No. I I think that was the big thing. I think >> people were waiting for us just to like turn it on. And then when he did turn it on I think they wanted to see a decisive finish. Not a like a standing knockout is not really something that you want to see in heavyweight boxing. >> No. I think >> like unless like he wasn't being held up by the ropes knocked out if you know what I mean. >> You see the I think the ref sort of treated Rico as if he wasn't a real boxer. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? Like >> Yeah. As if he was saving him. >> Yeah. But Rico would have rather been absolutely cleaned out. Like it was it was a world title fight. Like if he had a win if he won that against Usyk. Usyk being >> the number one boxer in the world. >> You have like Usyk's beaten what? Tyson Fury what? Twice. Anthony Joshua twice. Um was it Dubis twice? >> No once but no twice actually. Yeah twice. Yeah, like I mean this guy's beating everyone. So like I don't know. I just felt like Rico is robbed of a moment there, man. Um like Okay, so if Yeah, but there we go. If they were to run it back, Usyk's going to be like, "Holy [ __ ] I need to start like pounding the pavement a bit more." Like, you know what I mean? That was the moment, man. You can only >> You saying B any chance a few 5ks? >> Jesus. Jump on the stra there a lot. But uh no, man. Oh, it was just one of them things where I was like, should have just let it happen. >> Should Rico fight Usyk next in the rematch or should he fighting Ganu next? Because I feel like that's a big scrap. >> Yeah. Should it be Inanu in kickboxing? >> I don't think that's going to be as big. >> Okay, here's another option then. If Netflix want to stay in the MMA game with MVP, what about Inanu versus Rico Verhovven MMA fight? Yeah, I would agree with that. But what would you what what would actually do more more would make them more money though? Would it make >> probably the boxing? But for me, I'd be more entertained by an MMA fight. >> I know. Yeah. I just feel like obviously Dana White wanted Rico to sign with the UFC. I feel like he'd be a big signing for the UFC now. I know. >> Yeah. But he's not he's defin paycheck. I don't know why I thought that fight was going to be on Netflix. >> Yeah, absolutely. No, because we said it there last week. >> Oh, did we? Maybe that's why I thought it was like I think it's on Netflix. It just seemed like a Netflix sort of fight. >> Yeah, it should have been. >> Yeah, but uh No, I look I I would rather watch them fight in MMA. >> Do you think Turkey Shake needs to have his own boxing promotion? >> It's like >> Yeah, but like as in he needs to take over. >> Yeah, but like he >> Yeah, but no Zupa fighters fight on his shows. like he just picked whoever he wants to point in the show. Anyway, >> hold up. Did you see Did you see that Dana White said he was going to be promoting um >> Yeah. Fury vers Joshua and then >> Fury versus Joshua. >> Yeah. And then and then Eddie Hearn and um Frank Warren were like, "No, it's in the contract that Dana White's not allowed to do that." And then Dana's like, "Oh, am I not?" >> It's like why would that be in the contract? >> Yeah. And like why is like why is he pointing out off like some random media person that he's not doing it man? >> I don't know. Boxing boxing's chaos at the moment >> man. Pure chaos. Also shout out to Steve McKenna who signed with boxing as well. He's going to be fighting soon in that as well. >> Yeah absely. And shout out well rather shout out to Phil Campbell who uh made his commentary debut for PFL. Unbelievable scenes. Great to see Irish people doing so well in the combat sports space. That is definitely earned, not given. Um, Energized Commentator of the Year. Good things happen when you win that award. >> The most coveted award in Irish MA history. >> Yeah. >> If Dave Harold won that, man, that could have been you, man. That could have been you. >> No, but um, >> there's always next year, lads. There's always next year. >> There is always next year, man. Look, we've never won any awards, so look, what can you do? Don't even think we've been nominated for award. >> No, we were nominated for like I think media person of the year from Clown Wars a couple of years ago. >> Oh, were we? Okay. >> Yeah, we didn't win a day forward to be asking him to vote for us. >> No, I think you I think I think you were busy that day, man. >> All right. Sorry, lads. >> Yeah, maybe next year, man. >> Maybe next year. Maybe next year. >> Maybe next year. >> Yeah, but look here. Look, if you're still tuned in, we want to thank you very much for tuning in. We're here every week as always. There's more events that we will be going to this year as well which are very exciting. So we'll keep you up to date with that. Ross, anything else you want to say before we wrap things up. >> Now just want to say thanks a million to Brian Manam for coming on today's show. Thanks a million for all you people at home listening. Make sure to jump on Spotify. Give us a five star review if you're if you're listening that over there. And look, make sure to like, share, subscribe, interact with the content on the Instagram. We love you all. And as always, stay energized. >> The energized show up the Irish. It's the face that runs the place, Chaos Cortis. I want to thank the Irish MMA community so much for getting behind me. Yep. The chaos cartel.