Eoin Sheridan | AFC Fight, PFL Dubai Controversy & UFC 320 Recap | The Energized Show

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What is up and welcome to The Energized Show! On this episode SBG Ireland's Eoin Sheridan joins us to discuss his fight at AFC 1 in Spain, the PFL Dubai Controversy & we recap UFC 320. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Hit the notification bell for more Energized Shows! Youtube …

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Diana Joy the Here we go. It's time. >> Okay. What's going on, guys? Welcome to a brand new episode of Energized, brought to you by Orings Competitions. Russ, >> are you intoxicated or something? Introduce the guest man. Well, we have the one and only the king of Spain. It's Sh El Sharif, the one and only Sheridan own. We are going to see you fight in Pampalona October 18th. It is going to be an absolute epic venue. H tell us this. Will Felipe Maya, will he be running with a ball come Saturday night, fight night, 18th of October? >> That's a good question, but they call me the matador bro. So he will be the bull and I'll lead him on. >> You're you're here to slay the bull come fight night. We're absolutely buzzing the h you're always must see TV. Your performances today since turning pro have been absolutely scintillating. So we can't wait to see it again. Tell us how did this match up come about because obviously you're a PFL fighter and h you're fighting outside the PFL on this occasion. Yeah. So, uh, PFL allowed me to take a fight outside me contract h to stay busy to try improve me record. So, thanks to them for that. And yeah, Showtime got me a fight. Well, they were looking near and far for a fight for me. But, uh, thankfully they're on to a Spanish show here AFC. It's on next week. Not this Saturday, next Saturday over in Pamplona, Spain. And, uh, yeah, we had a few opponents on that card. Couple of them dropped out, but um we got a very experienced Brazilian here obviously to step in. So, it's going to be an interesting fight. >> Yeah, absolutely. Will obviously you're fighting someone who's got close to 10 times as much pro experience as you have. Um really, really uh great fight for you taking real good experience. Who's coming over with you come fight night? >> I know there's always a bit of a toss up who's in the corner. Everyone wants to be in my corner, lads. You know the crack. But for this time, for this time, we got the legend, the godfather of Irish MMA, Coach John K in the corner and the legend, the warrior Kane Cowi. >> That That is a a phenomenal corner for you to have over there with yourself. So, we're looking forward to How's Keen doing with his recovery, by the way, at the moment? >> Kane's going well. Obviously, he had a big knee knee reconstruction there. Um, but I tell you, there's no better man to to bounce back from it. So, uh, yeah, I can already see he's putting up a few videos. He's he's moving the leg around and I think he's on crutches now, so he's he's making a fast recovery. H I had a similar injury there like a couple of years ago, done a full, uh, shoulder reconstruction. So, I kind of I know all about it. Do you know what I mean? So, uh, just have to stay the course and, uh, be patient. >> Yeah, absolutely. I think one thing that we all know since you've turned pro is that you've struggled to get fights. How good is it to have a a fight booked in official? cuz normally uh from speaking to you, you run to about seven or eight opponents before you actually get one that's signed official and ready to rock. >> Yeah, it's it's a mad one to be honest. Like uh there was a as I said there was there was a few different lads for this fight. Um and yeah, this guy's 26 professional fights. He's been around a long time. He's in BKFC now. He's a lot of finishes as well, do you know what I mean? on the mat and and like few knockouts as well. So, yeah, it's it's definitely a tough fight, but no better man to get it done. >> Exactly. Sure. We're going to have to go back to your fight on May 10th up in Belfast at PFL. Like, you got a very, very impressive victory there against Maliki. Um, just looking back at that fight, like what was the reaction like and uh what can people expect from you as well on October 18th? >> Yeah, look, that was a a tough one. obviously a very big dangerous lad as well and thankfully I came out h fresh in that one and got him out there early. So yeah, like I'm going to be looking for that again in all me fights, you know what I mean? I'm not there I'm not getting paid over time. We want to get in, get out, stay fresh, and uh yeah, probably get get a little holiday in after it, you know, as I do. >> Where's that where you plan to go next? Listen, I think I'm more looking forward to going to Spain than I am the actual fight to answer your question. But, uh, yeah. No, it's got to be a bit of crack. Like, don't get me wrong, I do love a good tear up. I'm definitely looking forward to this one. I kind of like technically it is short notice. There has been a few different opponent changes and completely different styles, you know. So, I I haven't really been training for anyone in particular, just whoever really, which is kind of what I always have to do. Um, so yeah, I'm actually just looking forward to getting in and just seeing where the fight goes. The guy is quite wild. He kind of he does really whatever. So I'm h looking forward to the challenge. >> Yeah. And then also PFL have a card in Leon on December 13th. Is that a card you're looking to get on as well? >> Yeah, that's the plan. I'm hoping to get in h come out of this fight hopefully fresh enough and yeah, continue my camp then. I'll probably enjoy the week off obviously, but uh be straight back into camp. I'm looking to fight again in December. And Leon fought there last year and had a had a big win over there. The whole arena hated me, but I didn't mind. And uh yeah, they might like me a little bit more this time, but I don't mind either way. >> And then just looking into 2026 as well, Cheryl, like are you looking to get on one of these tournaments? Cuz like as you said, you're finding it difficult to get booked opponents. So at least if you're in the tournament, you're like, "Right, I have a date and like there there will be an opponent to come that date." >> Yeah. So, I've been asking for the European tournament next year. I h don't see why I wouldn't be in it, and I think I can cause problems for anyone that will be in it. 6'5 welterweight were hard to come by. And uh yeah, I'm coming for finishes. Hopefully, you know, get three fights in six months, God willing, and get the get a lot of blood and a bit of gold. >> Yeah, cuz like obviously PE from P the PFL people will be tuning in now. they saw the event over the weekend like how much when the Irish fighters are on the cards, people were really really invested, aren't they, Ross? >> Yeah, absolutely. I think uh you know there's no fans like the Irish and I think uh PFL has really really felt that with their trips to Dublin, with their trips to Belfast and uh Cheryl, you're you're obviously as you say 6'5 welterweight. You have a unique frame, unique look. You finish the fights, you know, I mean, you have a bit to you. You know, I mean, you can put a microphone in front of that man's mouth and he give you a few lines there. So, you're a talent that if I was the PFL, I definitely >> me in the commentary desk there recently, lad. I was on the commentary desk there not too long ago. >> Yeah. Well, look, no, no shocks there. No shocks there. >> Yeah. Funny are ever sick and you need a backup on the Energize Show. I'll jump in. No, >> you're the start of the show. You're the star of the show. Can you sing as well, Cheryl? What else? What can you not do? >> Well, you're a good dancer. >> After a few bevies now, but I don't know if you'd hire me for the night. >> Well, you're a good dancer as well, bud. Especially with doing them celebrations. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Well, well, well, uh, we'll see his cowboy skills, the sheriff, when it comes to town on October 18th. But tell us this. Is there anyone? >> The guy says he can't wait to have big Papa Sharief over there, so I'm looking forward to it myself. >> Yeah. Well, we can't wait to see you over there. the king of Spain. H tell tell us this. Is there anyone who you look at in that welterweight roster who you're like I wouldn't mind want to go off them. >> Um as I said I'm not really a man to be calling people out and stuff like that. Um and that's I think the good thing about the tournament. It's kind of just h it's like a draw isn't it? So whoever you get whoever you fight. So yeah, as I said, this this is a great fight for me in the next 12 13 days and then I'll be looking to get another kind of showcase bout in December and God willing that'll bring me to 5 and 0 as a pro and then yeah, looking at the tournament then next year. So >> I don't really mind I don't really mind how it is. I just want to get get a few fights together, do you know? And and that's kind of always been what I've been trying to do, getting me record up off the ground. And it's getting there slowly. Like it's still slower than I'd like it to be, but the level is improving, which is the main thing. >> Yeah, absolutely. And look, you you've looked phenomenal since going pro. Like that that uh finish over Malachi Edwards the last time out was absolutely phenomenal. And again like it was a a strange opponent for you because you know it's very rare you're fighting someone who's the same size if not taller than you ever. It's probably a one and only time probably ever do that. >> And now you're fighting someone with eight or nine times more experience than you. So like you're constantly leveling up and challenges. Is that what you relish about this game? Constantly challenge yourself against these new styles and different different types of opponents. Yeah, but look that's the thing like I've I've fought as I said the IMAFS and I've never had the had an easy fight like even to make the national team. Nobody in Ireland would even fight me anyway. So I had to get straight in with a Russian in me first MMA fight like a world champion. So uh yeah, I've I've been I've been in the trenches and that's why I'm at the level I'm at now. It's not from always winning. It's not from It's from actually going in and fighting the hardest people around and then still showing up regardless. That's that's why I can do what I can do. >> Just looking into 2026 as well, Cheryl, like how many times do you expect PFL to come to either at like Dublin or Belfast? >> Definitely think they'll do a Belfast card next year. Dublin, I'd like to think so because they didn't come this year, they came last year. >> And they do have we do have a few fires. know like it would be great to get them in Dublin and and a and a a big goal of mine is to fight in the tree arena which is definitely what I would love to do. It's great to do the SSC arena and get a first round knockout there. So I would love to do something similar here at home. >> Yeah, Ross, if you were to predict what what would you think for next year the PFL come to Arnold? >> Yeah, I could I could see them doing it twice. Um there's there's enough fighters on the roster there to do multiple shows. there's enough names on on the roster to do multiple shows. And I think the roster is continuing to to grow and develop and get bigger each time. Um I think even if you look at look at the weekend there like Ken Lockan wasn't on the roster the last time they were in Belfast or I think he actually signed when the last time they were in Belfast but he wasn't available to fight and now he will be. So like there's another fighter who h has a big name in the sport who will be on the PFL roster when they come back next Ireland. So, I think they probably should be looking at doing two European shows. I think one thing that PFL is doing definitely right is the European shows. I think the European shows look really good well on TV and the fighters get a great opportunity to fight on them and I think they get the broadcast right over here. I feel like they sell the tickets right over here and they promote the fighters right. I think the European franchise of PFL do a really really good job. >> Yeah. But something like the Bellator like they can they can fill it they can fill the arena like you know. So it'd be great to have them back >> 100%. Tickling as well is the ticket and pricing is is like really really fair to help them sell tickets. >> Yeah, they seem to be very focused in France. So like look >> more selling the arenas out fast over there as well. So you know >> Yeah, they won't be long selling the arenas out here uh once uh on Sheran goes out there and knocks out one of the Frenchies and then comes back. Yes, that's the plan. >> Yeah. Why don't Why don't we send Sher over there for Leon to knock out one of the Frenchies and then one of the Frenchies can come back over to Dublin to try and avenge the loss. How's that? >> Well, I I beat a French lad there last year. He was the only lad from Leon on the card, so they actually just did not like me at all in there. >> Or maybe they really didn't like him. >> No, I think they definitely liked him, but I won a few of them over by the end of it. Um, so yeah, I don't really mind where the person's from, but I definitely would like to fight just before the Christmas and then I'll s I'll sail into the sunset over to Thailand. Yeah, there is a fight that um I think would actually be a good fight for you over there on the Leon card. H Salvo Guided H also known as the Katty Kid. He actually beat that guy who you beat in France after after you. So like you both beaten that guy. So, I think that's that that that sounds like a good match up for h for my liking. >> Well, well, I tried to we tried to get that to happen, but I believe he's gone down to lightweight. So, yeah. So, >> scared him away. >> It's not It's not a runner. >> Fair. Fair. You know what I mean? Sher, you need to you need to stop scaring these people away. >> Well, listen, you know what I mean? You got to do what you got to do. So, I've been there. I've been ready to fight and unfortunately I can't make them fight. So, >> exactly. But the thing is you do have an opponent on October 18th and this is going to be AFC's first ever event. Sher, how can people tune in to the event on the 18th? >> Um, I believe there's a live stream. I haven't got it yet, but as soon as I get the details, I'll share it on the accounts, of course. And um, yeah, I I I don't really know too much. just in the Navara Arena which is a beautiful arena and uh they're also they're doing a crossover with Muay Thai as well. There's a there's a Thai champion coming over fighting the Spanish champion and Muay Thai. So, it's a good h good mix of uh ring fights and cage fights on the night and yeah, of course the the main the main attraction for the the cage is myself and the Brazilian. So, it's going to be an interesting fight. Of course, I don't want it to be in there for too long cuz I am continuing want to continue my rise and get another big win in December. But I'm willing to go all three rounds if I have to. >> 9,000 plus Cedar Stadium. So, we're expecting some atmosphere there. >> Yes. Yes. It's going to be nice, bro. I'm looking forward to it. And I think the Brazilian guy lives in Spain as well, so they might be more in his favor. But again, it is what it is. >> Exactly. Uh, in the middle of the fight, >> I'll have the cowboy hats come come the end of the fight night. >> I think I think I'll wear the cowboy hat in. Yes. >> Lovely. Is there is there anything like is there anything that AFC will be doing with you in the buildup to the fight? Will they be like doing more promotion like like because it's obviously their first ever event like what can we sort of expect from them? >> Um, yeah. I think I I think I have a I have an interview with one of their Spanish MMA guys, so that will be a bit of crack if I get him on. Erh, I think he's quite the character, this fella. So, keep your eyes peeled on that one. And yeah, just looking forward to going over, as I said, of a great corner. H, I've got I've got Keen and John there helping me as well. So, yeah, I'm just looking forward to hopefully progressing to 4 and0 as a pro. It's been coming coming for a while now. So, we're we're we're moving up and like like you say, you don't want to be in there for too long. So, will we expect we expect a quick finish in this one? I'm certainly going to be trying me best. You know what I mean? If I catch him nice, I hit like a horse. So, he'll feel it. >> Yeah, absolutely. We're definitely looking forward to seeing a chair. >> Undefeated kickboxing champion of Ireland. You know what I'm saying, lads? >> So, you know what I mean? >> Sheriff is in town. >> Well, there you have it. Make sure to check out Cheryl's Instagram page and the buildup to the 18th of October for AFC1. Uh we'll obviously be promote pro promoting it in the buildup as well. Sher, um is there anything else you want to say to the people that will be tuning in on the 18th? >> Just want to say lads, thank you very much h to everyone for the support. I get a lot of messages and I get a lot of uh I get a lot of support online. So yeah, thanks very much. I appreciate it all. And to the two boys with the glasses, I appreciate you too. Thanks for having me on. I still need a pair of them with the Irish flag on it, but you know, these aren't too far behind. Oh yeah, I'll be looking for a nice nice victory next week and yeah, I'm sure we'll be speaking again before the next one in Leon, please. God, >> definitely have a good one. >> Thank you very much for your time and we'll let you get on with the rest of your day, bud. >> Thanks very much, lads. Appreciate it. See you soon. >> Diana Joy show up the >> So Ross, that was on Sheran, your favorite Sharief, man. >> Yeah, great to great to have Sher on. Great to have him fighting again. And hopefully he gets on that uh PFL Leon card cuz uh it's important for those guys to be fighting on the PFL shows when they are signed there. So long may it happen but we are going to stick with the PFL. We are going to go to Dubai. We are going to go to Paul's versus Usman Nurmaga made off 2. It was the main event for the vacant PFL world title and it was not without it controversies. Fasno and first of all I want to ask you what do you make of PFL actually having a world champion now like none of the tournament stuff like this person who's Magdov obviously was victorious he is now the lightweight champion I think it's a smart move from the promotion you >> yeah well I think one of the issues was when everyone was looking in or people asking us they're like how come there's a belt here a belt there in every weight class almost like in boxing but not as bad as boxing put it that way but uh now that man is the champion everyone knows who is the champion. >> Yeah, I'm okay with the European champion still. And like if they want to do a world tournament, fine. But like it should be a world tournament, no belt at the end for the number one contendership for the title. >> Um I think that's that's the best way to go about it. >> The only thing is I can see in long term is like you have there Alfie Davis is now like the number one contender. He's supposed to be fighting uh for the belt next. But you also have, you know, a Paul's trilogy is obviously a much more lucrative matchup. So like where do you actually go from there? So look, they have they have that that'll be their own issues going forward. But uh I suppose we'll talk at the about the Paul's matchup. Um I suppose we both watched it. It was a very very close fight. No denying it. Like all five rounds are close. There was there was like yes, I thought there were certain rounds where I thought Usman definitely won. I thought Paul definitely won. But there was no round that if someone gave it to the other side there like there's not an argument for it to put it that way. Um I think one of the things talking points that I want to touch on first pass was um there was quite a few fails in this fight from Usmanov and there was a low kick in the first round a second low kick which the ref didn't allow in round number one as well and then a low kick in round number four. Now, funny enough, the rounds where Usman kicked Paul in the bollocks, um they're the rounds that everyone undisputedly say Usman won. So, do you think that was a a game plan from Mooseman to kick him in the bollocks a few times? Cuz we see it all the time in MMA that it's very rare you actually get penalized for cheating. >> Yeah. Well, this guy like Jon Jones is well known for eye pokes as well. like everyone get it's like you get a free eye poke per fight and you also get a free kick in the bollocks as well >> and a free fence grab as well. >> Yeah. And and a free headbutt supposedly now these days as well. But um >> no I I don't think man thought that kicking Paul in the balls was uh the plan. Um it was it like obviously he kicked him the first time then he kicked him again in the same round and Kevin Peterson said that the second one wasn't didn't actually land in the in the balls. See like like I had to totally disagree that the second one in the first round like it definitely did hit him the balls because it wasn't actually that big of a kick and then Paul was like oh me bollocks. So like I don't think he would have actually said that. >> Yeah. And it looked like a very natural like reaction be like oh cuz he was like  sake. H So yeah like I I thought when Paul went down in the fourth round after getting another kick to the bottom I thought you should have taken the point off. >> Oh yeah 100%. I can't I I wouldn't like look supposedly the rule is you get one free kick in the balls, right? But like when Paul went down in the fourth, it was like here look how many times are you going to like allow this to happen? Yeah, 100%. And I also think that could have totally changed the dynamic of the fight if Paul knew that Usman had a point taken off like would that have changed the rest of the fourth round? Would that have totally changed the fifth round? Will we've seen more panic and Usman thinking like oh am I ahead here now? Am I not? Like very very interesting h to see for for me when I was scoring the fight like I was watching it and I was I was like I thought the rounds were really really close and I I actually text B and I was like I was like oh the Dub boy like this could be 4-0 to Eastman. Uh B like cuz I didn't trust the judges at all and uh >> especially because fight early. >> Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. Yeah, that was in reference to the the John Mitchell fight. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So uh for we'll touch on John Mitchell in a minute, but John Mitchell lost 29 28 on two chest score cards and then 30 26 in the last uh which is absolutely shocking. But um yeah, and I I actually sort of called that that I was like I was like jeez he was 4-0 up on the judges scorecards and he was actually 4-0 up on two of the judges scorecards. H now did I think he lost four rounds? No. But it was one of those ones where I was like these are sort of close enough and I feel like the judges weren't judging the same scoring criteria h on like effective striking damage. I felt like they put a lot of weight into us sort of getting enough takedowns and sort of peppering the shots from the back. Uh but look, it was a very very close fight. Like am I seriously agrieved that won the fight? No. Like I think if you wanted to give the score the fight 4847 for Usman like that that's that's a title of totally fine scorecard as well. Like if some people want to argue 4847 to use I think like that's also completely fine. Like the rounds were very very close. It was two really, really elite fighters. I don't think the two of them are capable of having a bad fight. First of all, I just want to say it was unbelievable fight. It was brilliant to watch it. You're on the edge of your seat for the entire thing. Uh Paul gave a really really good account of himself and I I think it was just when the final bell went, I wasn't too sure and then you sort of saw Usman accelerating. Paul looked a bit jacked and I was like I I don't know whether I was convinced that Paul had won the fight at that stage or I was just like you know what I think was going to get the nod here and so he did in the end. You see, looking back and after the first fight they had, I thought Paul won that. And then watching the fight over the weekend, I actually thought won it. And then um I felt like going into the final round, Paul definitely had to win that. And I felt like Usman took it as well. And then look, I think the proof was in the pudding after the after the fight. The way as you said there, Usuzman like was celebrating, Paul didn't, and then Usman went over and like lifted Paul's hand in the air >> like like it I just I wasn't surprised that Usman was given the nod. Yes, the scorecards of 5045 were a bit like what? Um I think everyone can agree on that. >> But then uh what actually really really pissed me off was the end the way they weren't going to give Paul an interview post fight as well. So they allowed like in the cage they allowed they gave us man a pose fight like victory like interview and then they went to Kabib and then uh Paul had to like run over and be like they weren't going to let me talk and uh like that is actually the way they've treated Paul in the buildup to this the way they like marketed the  out of it being like Ireland versus Dagstan 2 getting Conor McGregor involved even getting bringing Artham out of retirement to get Artham on the card against Dubarov to bring back the Dolly incident, the the whole story of Ireland versus Dagistan too, like Ireland versus Dagistan. >> The origins, >> the origin story, they were get they were like jumping on that again and then >> Paul Mitchell as well fight Dagistani as well. >> Yeah, true. And then the way they weren't going to give Paul an interview, the way they've like made Paul the poster boy of the European scene, definitely um like if Paul had won, there would have been a trilogy on the card as well. I just found that really really really strange. Um I like knowing Paul like that's definitely not going to rub him up the right way. Um how are they going to salvage this though is the real question cuz like what like where like what where where do PFL go with this now? Obviously the champ is probably going to fight Alphie Davis next. Um I don't think anyone in Ireland is really going to be pushed on tuning into that. They're going to be be like a lot of people left with a sour taste in their mouth is the point. like looking at the all the reaction from like Errol Hwani um saying how the judging scorecard was terrible. I think they even added up some of the scores incorrectly as well. Um where where does Paul Hughes actually go from here because that's what a lot of people want to know. >> Yeah. Well, I think um just a a point that I sort of forgot that I want to touch on is that I know we sort of get we're giving referee Keith Peterson a tough time in that fight, but he was also the judge that gave 3026 against John Mitchell. So I wonder does Keith Peterson have a a thing against the Irish or for the Dagistanis? Because to score John Mitchell's fight 30-26 and then to have Paul use uh dick kick three times and no point taken off him and one not to be acknowledged is um yeah very very strange behavior. So yeah, the PFL brass not giving Paul an interview after another fight of the year contender. Very very bizarre behavior for me. You pull Paul Hughes back in Belfast. Um you do it in early 2026, maybe February 2026. Uh maybe fights Archie Kan um who who also fall on the card. Uh I think that's probably the fight to make the winner of those two. Then fights the winner of Alfie Davis versus Usmanov. I imagine Usmanov is exclusively gonna uh fight in the Middle East for PFL. H he's obviously a massive draw there. Obviously, he's comfortable fighting there. Um, team Nurmagamov seem very well set up over there. So, I wouldn't be surprised to see if that's where that goes down. And I think it'd be a very large ass for Alfie Davis to go over there and get his hand raised. H it looks like you're going to have to stop on a magma made off to to get the win over there. >> No, I agree. I I think PFL are definitely going to notice the number drop as well for man versus Alfie Davis compared to like how how much stock Paul brought with him especially with the fans as well. That's why like it just that really rubbed me up the wrong way. >> Also PFL unblocked me off your Instagram. I can't believe they blocked me off my personal Instagram. Can't view PFL. Shocking behavior. >> Very very PFL man. >> Didn't even do anything. I wouldn't blame I wouldn't blame him normally but like I actually didn't do anything [Laughter] Ross. So we were very disappointed with that. Um then >> it wasn't it wasn't a great night at all for the Irish on the card. Ross no h Kran also he he lost the decision to Jack Cartright on a short night. Jack Cartright very good on the feed for the first two rounds. Ken came back more back into his own in the third but it wasn't enough. This is the I think the third time Kayan Lran has taken a short notice opponent and come out the worst for it. Do you think he needs to be more careful about doing this in the future? I know he's probably game. He wants the he wants the paycheck. Um but do you think he has to be a little bit smarter going forward? Uh obviously massive differences in style between uh Car and McGrelin as well. So do you think that's something that he needs to take into account going forward? Look, Kenan was looking for a fight. Like he he signed what back in May in Belfast and then he was booked for this card. Like this is going to be one of the biggest cards. >> I I think there was talks of a PFL in Manchester in September as well at certain now. I don't know whether it got into fruition, but like that's what the that's what the fans were looking for for that McGrillin versus Lam fight. >> Do you think that's still the fight to make as well? By the way, lockown versus McGrill >> could be like I know Gittens is now after signing now and he's fighting Lapololis. >> Yeah. >> So I think I think the McGrill one has a lot of spark. That could be a main event. That could be like McGrillin fought in Alan Philpot in Belfast. He's fought in Dublin as well. Like he has he he has um relatives who are from >> is not the perfect homemade event for a huge main event in Belfast. But do you know what? It it they could actually make Lran versus McGrill the main event in in Belfast. And like if Paul wasn't going to fight in Belfast. >> Yeah. But if Paul's not on the card Yeah. But Paul's on the card like he has to be the main event. >> Oh, 100%. Yeah. 100%. Yeah. Look, everyone like McGrillin is like a star with the PFL. So, uh, >> yeah, but like that's look just going back to does should have Ken not taking the fight? No, I think he was right to take the fight. He was he had that date booked. He he was meant to have the pro potentially the people's main event. Uh the the the >> the main actual event Paul versus Usman was PFL's fight of the year last year even though like it would have been it was very close between uh Uman versus Hughes compared to McGrillin versus >> Garnett. >> So uh it was a big card. Sometimes you just have to find >> I think floating around that bantom white division as well. Like there's there's another person who like >> that that banttom white division across the Europe is is quite sexy. >> Yeah. So look >> full of household names. >> So um no look K will be back. Um don't forget that he that his previous fight he'd won in the UFC against Nathan Fletcher as well. So >> yeah big big win like big win like like look I wouldn't I wouldn't write him off. I just think a victim of circumstances on this occasion. So, uh, look also looking forward to seeing him get back in there because he didn't look to to be too relatively beat up as well. So, hopefully we see him sooner rather than later. Um, other fights from the weekend, we saw uh, unfortunately Richie Smallen did not get his hand raised um, against Ivan Buninger over in Octagon, I think 77 in Bratislava. Uh throughout that fight, Bunchinger was constantly grabbing the cage and I don't think he got any points take Oh, he did get I think he did get a point taken off him. So, uh yeah, again, more cheating in MMA to try and not lose. Um and it worked out in his favor, but uh shout out to Richie Small uh real OG the Irish game. He will be back. That's his first loss in the Octagon banner. Uh Amy Scully uh unfortunately lost her uh belt over in Chenov for a decision, but she will continue to get 1% better every day and she's definitely one of the best pound-for-pound amateurs that we have in this country. Win, >> win or learn. Alex O Sullivan went over to Rome, moved up away class, fought the opponent on short notice and mama mia, what a performance. 3027 across all three draw scorecards. some unbelievable striking and I'm sure the pasta in Rome tasted extra good that night. Um, fair play to Alex Alex and Hugh totally changed his fight schedule around to coach the guys in Dublin and then uh fight over in October. Uh, a really really good leader and it was great to see when he won he's one of those people who um his personality and his respect is resonates all across the the country. He gets like well wishes from everyone with all the work he's done with IMAS and stuff like that. It's h really really cool to see h a real win for the good guys with Alex Sullivan getting getting his hand raised. >> Exactly. Quick question on that one. >> Do you think Keith Ko was happier that Alex Sullivan won or that Kiko got a free all you can eat buffet for breakfast the next morning? >> No. After watching to the corner I think he was happier that he won. H Kiko was coming for everything Chris Fields ever worked for. Uh he he's loud and proud in that corner. H also shout out to Armand Herkig who is the F SFC new bantamweight champion. He won that in ways h over the weekend. So uh shout out to Arand bringing a belt back to Manchester. Great to see him h in the cage and hopefully we see him back in a big promotion soon. I I think him and cage warriors would be a good show. Arman, I be definitely here for it. >> Yeah. Well, they've they they put a lot of English shows on, so you should definitely try and get on that. >> And then shout out to uh Far Fighting Championship, which went down in Cork this weekend, and the main event saw Brian Draper get a decision win over Kyle O'Brien. And h big Brian Draper had a a lovely uh promo post uh post fight calling out Cage Warriors asked for his pro debut. Um, who gave that man a mic? I don't know. But, uh, he could have got promo bad. Were you impressed with that promo? >> Yeah, man. He was definitely practicing at home. >> Yeah. >> Were you giving him tips in team Rhino? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I was like, make sure to point the cage where he's on the map, bud. The point the point. >> Yeah. So, like, look, it it was a it was a big week for Irish MMA. Um, look, obviously myself and Ross, like we do this and we support all the Irish MMA fighters. So, sometimes it's a big week like and other times the fighters lose, but like no matter what, we will always be there supporting them no matter what. So, that's why you have to make sure to like and subscribe and make sure to get onto the Energize Shows Instagram page because uh we'll keep you up to date on everyone fighting each week. Um Ross, before we get into this week's action, we have to look at what happened over the weekend at UFC 320 as Alex Praer knocked out Magamemed and Kive and is the new UFC light heavyweight champion. Ross, what you make of Pereira's performance and where does he go from here? Alex Pereira went in there and he haunted his prey. He stalked Ank live in this fight and he went in and he smashed him. I actually rewatched the fight with Adisagna as a watch along and it's a brilliant watch. It was really really good. Adosna it was it was like he was in there himself as Ankol. He's like I've seen those eyes before. I know what's coming next and he went in there got the kill. It was outrageously impressive. I'm sure Dana White is absolutely delighted that he he's got Chama's back baby. Um massive win. The thing with Alex Praer now is now that he's back and he once over the sight of the overank live, I feel like the opportunities are there and then some. I feel like there's three potential options um that four actually four potential options that you go with Pereira and they're all juicy. So you could go Alex Pereira versus Carlos Bberg. Hberg's on a tear right now in lightweight division. least name recognition but probably the rightful number one contender at light heavyweight. Other option, a massive blockbuster fight at light heavyweight, Alexander Pereira versus Yuri Prohaska. H they've done it before, but two very exciting styles. You know you're getting a finish. You know you're getting a knockout. Um two absolutely polarizing characters going toe-to-toe again. Absolutely weird and wonderful both in their own right. Then we have what I think would be the fight of the year. Alex Pereira takes his light heavyweight belt, moves up to heavyweight, takes on Tom Aspenol uh as an undisputed champion. I'm going to assume Aspenol is going to be uh Zero Gan. And I think that is a massive fight. Or the one outlier is a fight that we would have all asked for a long time ago. The White House is looming. Jon Jones wants to be on that card. And if there's ever someone who is reliable to show up on fight night, it is Poan, Alex Pereira. Alex Pereira, Jon Jones, main event, the White House. I think it would be absolutely phenomenal. >> Do you think that would be a main event over Conor McGregor versus Michael Turner? >> Probably. Yeah, because it' be a belt on the line, I think. >> Yeah. The thing is there is one more option, Ross. >> Who have we got? Alex Pereira against >> Hamza Shimoyv. >> Yes, there you go, man. >> I just feel like Hamza has to I feel like Hamza has to get another win at middleweight first to be honest. I feel like has to defend his belt once before that fight happens. >> Look, as you said, options are always good. And the thing is the UFC didn't like an as champion and they love Pereira as champion and like even the people interacting with our content, they're like they want Pereira. >> Yeah. >> Give the fans what they want. >> People want to say Sharma, baby. Yeah. What? Why did you do it three times? Did the like the hand thing three times? That was ruthless, mate. >> Yeah. I I think I think it's cuz in the buildup in the press conference, Any told them uh Chama was dead and then he was like, "You think it's dead?" And then he said, "Charma." And that crowd erupted saying Chara back to him and it was it was insane. >> Three times like absolutely rubbing it in me. >> Uh but uh yeah, so options are always good and the thing is we are going to have some difficulties. If an Koya have won that, like none of those options are available. It's just like allber prohaska and that's it. And like that just seems so bland. >> Yeah. No, but the thing is now in the co- event, Morab, the bashy won by decision against Cory Sanhagen. Uh Ross, where does Morav go with this? Cuz Joe Rogan even said in the cage, he's like there's going to be issues now with you getting opponents. I think that was a bit of a silly thing for Rogan to say. No, >> I think it sort of means he's beaten most of the top guys. Like Pod Yan is an opponent that could get back in there. He's already beat Podian. H I know there's um you know Maro Batist is there or he's fight next like Batista very very good. Obviously he's beaten the likes of Joseé Alo and Patchy Mix but like not very sexy. Uh and then obviously you know the other side is you get uh Umar and Magamed back in there like very very close fight but again not that sexy of a style matchup. I think the Sanhagen match up, you know, people are always excited to see Sandhagen in there. Very, very interesting. Wouldn't be against seeing Pantosia move up to fight Morab. H I think Morab would win sort of handly enough, but I think it does make the fight somewhat intriguing. >> Do Do you think people really enjoy watching Morab fight though? >> I actually don't think they disen fight. I think the only thing is, you know, after the first round is if you're just going to see 20 more minutes of the first round again and again and again, if you know what I mean. I don't think it's necessarily bad cuz like he's also he's trying to break your wheel to get a submission victory or a TKO victory at times >> and some fighters record there over the weekend in a title fight having the most takedowns as well. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think I think I think he's got the overall record now, doesn't he? For most takedowns in UFC history. Yeah, but the thing is where like who do you think could beat Morabma? >> I actually think like his worst opponent would be the person he won't fight. Alain Sterling I think is is I know Aljo's commute featherweight but I think like that's maybe not a good match up for him if Aljo got his back. I think Umar is probably still the best chance of beating him. Um, but then like you're you're actually probably looking at the people he's already beaten like your Shawn Ali or Cory Sanden to actually like catch him with a you know an unorthodox strike that's that that that's fairly decisive, you know. Um, but again like he he's probably I don't know if I'm overshooting the marker, probably the hardest champion to beat uh at the moment, I would say. He's probably the most dominant if we're being honest. >> Right now, he's like >> Jon Jones. >> Well, Jon Jones isn't the champion anymore. >> Yeah. >> Uh Choy, like you could argue Choy, but the only thing is he hasn't defended his belt yet. >> I know. Yeah. I know. Yeah. >> So, I as it stands, I think, you know what I mean? If you're if you're looking at that pound-for-pound rankings, you know, I mean, if someone wants to say I I think it's Taporia and Makv who are at the top of that list at the moment, but again, Machev isn't a champion right now. Tap to you could argue is more dominant than Dash Philly. Wouldn't be totally against that, but like those three guys very tough to argue. The only one you could maybe argue is more dominant is uh Alejandro Pantoia. And I wouldn't be against seeing those two point next. Okay, here's another question for you, right? What is the biggest fight the UC can make that you would be most excited to see? Either Pereira Aspenol or Pereira Jones or also Islam versus Taporia. They're the ones that would like really get me going. I also think I'd love to see Izzy versus Hamza. I feel like UFC for the first time in a long time have a few super fights available that they could make that they don't seem to be doing. >> What about Toporia against Patty the Batty? >> Yeah, that'd be up there as well. >> I don't think it'll be necessarily I think that's a buildup I'd be most looking forward to watch. >> Yeah. Okay. Right now, who are your top three favorite UFC fighters? >> My top f my top three favorite UFC fighters >> right now? Uh I think I'll have to go Pereira and that's not just recency by it's just like he he's just really exciting to watch from buildup to actually in the cage. Uh I think Hamzach which is similar um he's definitely up there and then Tom Aspenol I think Tom Aspenol his ability to put away the heavyweights in very quick succession uh I think just make him really exciting to watch. As long as he doesn't do any more interviews with Nina Drama he should be good. [Laughter] right now. >> You know, you know. >> Yeah. Mine right now would be I think Toporia. Um the Aspen always a good show cuz like it's it's always fireworks and then TMV as well, man. >> Good thing no one asp [Laughter] here. But uh yeah. Well, then look, that was a nice little shot there about pretty big card to be honest cuz the it seemed like that card went sort of under the radar. Maybe it was just the fact that Paul Hughes and Kran and >> Yeah, I think maybe we had all our attention on PFL. >> Yeah. Well, that that's the thing >> which goes to show the the the the you know, the power of the Irish MMA scene that like that's where our attentions are despite the fact that the biggest superstars in the world are fighting on the on the UFC cards, you know. >> Yeah. Well, we put a a poll into the Energize Shows MMA WhatsApp group >> and the majority of the people were looking forward to PFL de boy. So, and so were we. But, uh, that was a great card. Uh, Ross, just looking at this weekend's event, UFC go back to Brazil as Charles Oliviera headlines the card against Matthews Gamro. Um, Ross, looking at this fight, originally Olivier was meant to take on FizzV, but Gamro's after stepping in on three weeks notice. Who are you thinking that is going to take the victory in this one? >> It's hard to look back past the Bronx Olivera. I think he'll probably get a submission win and I think he'll probably find the back with a rear naked choke at some stage. >> Yeah, look I'm going to be biased towards Charles Olivier. >> Yeah, Deon Figeros taking on Montel Jackson and Vicente Lucas taking on Joel Alvarez on this card as well. um Rough that obviously goes down on Saturday night. Um also we have Ireland's very own Andy Taz Young fighting on Bad Mofos on the 11th this Saturday as well. And then also another Irish professional is back in action at Elite Fighting Championships 5 in Cork this weekend as MMA Cork's very own Brian Manning returns to the cage. Ross Brian Manning, he's been looking for an opponent for god knows how long. Ever since he signed with Octagon, we've been on to him so much. What is the update? The Joker is back. The Joker is back. He's taking on Maxim Seroka at Elite Fighting Championship 5 down in Cork this weekend. It is not that you missed October 11th uh live from the Black Rockck GA uh call I think if I'm correct. Um yeah, so look uh Sroga has over 60 Pro MMA fights. Uh unfortunately he's lost 17 or I think he's lost 17 or 18 fights. I expect that to happen again. And I expect Brian Mann to win there and get a first round knockout. I won't be too critical. It's a short notice fight uh for both lads. And look, it's great to get Brian a run out. Um he just recently had a child there, so he probably could do with a few quid. Uh although he seems to be making all the money on betting on the fights as well. Uh but look, he's he's a top guy. H great to have Irish MMA on down there and I'm sure he's definitely boosted the ticket sales. Um Brian Manning is one of the most if not the most entertaining Irish fighter inside and outside the cage um at the moment. He is definitely must see TV. Uh some other great fights on the card. Uh Kyle Patton takes on uh Nick Revenue um for uh I think it's the welterweight title uh down there. So that that should be interesting to see. Reun the card as Johnny Dugen and a whole host of other uh um talent especially Shane Carney got a very impressive uh knee bar win on Akuma. So interesting to see can he top that submission this time out but some uh really really good scraps in this card. Definitely looking forward to uh watching this one. It's going to be a big night for Elite Fighting Championships and a big night for uh Brian Manning. Uh may the may the chaos ensue down in Cork for the Purge 5. Well said. Um, just before we wrap things up as well, next week we've already got a very special guest booked in and then also we'll be discussing all the action that happens this weekend and looking towards what's going down the following week. As as we said, Owen Sheran will be fighting, cage conflict will be back and much much more. Uh, Ross, very enjoyable show. Um, just for the for the people that are still tuned in right now, we'll let you know that we were meant to have Artham Loboff on the show last week, >> but uh, unfortunately he got pulled from the card, so that didn't go through. So, there's a little behind the scenes uh, little update, but um, look, as we said, we keep you up to date on absolutely everything. Uh, we're also going to be getting, you also going to be in contact with new potential sponsors as well for 2026 because, uh, we're already booked up for a few shows in the new year. Uh things are going to be always getting bigger and better. Myself and Ross are also looking to trying to get over 20,000 Instagram followers by the end of the year. Uh we're currently at 19,800. So that's the goal for us. So if you could tell people, tell a friend, share, like, comment, subscribe, it goes a very, very long way cuz uh we're not going anywhere. Hated, adored, but never ignored, Ross. >> Yeah. Had to love it. The Enjoy Show on top. >> You better believe it. >> Take care, >> guys. Make make sure to like, share, subscribe. It really does help us a lot. 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.