Virtus FC Review, Clan Wars Preview & UFC London Breakdown | The Energized Show

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The way we're more We're covering the RCM AC more and more and more is actually way more enjoyable than actually covering the UFC. And then let alone like your let alone your PFLs and this, that, and the other. >> [music] >> The MMA Joy Show up the Irish. >> Okay. Here we go. >> [screaming] >> Okay, what's going on, guys? Welcome to a brand new episode of MMA Joy's brought to you by Our Kings Competitions. Ross >> Are you intoxicated or something? >> Welcome back to the show, man. It's been a while, man. >> Man, it's been a hot minute. I haven't seen you in about 36 hours. Uh we went up to Virtuous 5. What an event that was. Three pro fights, four title fights. Unbelievable scenes. We were there. Uh the Alpha Project was great watch as well. I really enjoyed covering the event. I thought it was an absolute phenomenal show put on by Jerry Pollic and all the MMA crew. Um Barry, what are you What were your just initial thoughts on the event? >> No, I thought it was great. First of all, like the the amount of people that came in and supported the the the show, whether it be like for the Alpha Project cuz some of them fights got like massive reactions. Um also the amateur fights, people really got involved in. And then uh obviously the pro fights were were um very lively, Ross. And uh I think everyone left very happy. >> Like the like I kind of want to see Virtuous 6, man. >> Yeah, absolutely. And look, we love going to the events. We love seeing all the people who make the events happen. Obviously, we had the comms team, Paul Brown and Phil Campbell. Absolute A-star team there on comms. Uh we had the cool team inside of Oak Care. Jess, Rebecca Brady, and the crew were all out in force. Um just content doing an unbelievable job. Their camera quality is so cool. They actually even brought us into their truck that they have outside, which is something that you'd never get to see. So, the production value was absolutely sensational. And then, Deck Larkin was uh heading up the officiating team. So, all the people that make the show happen really made it happen. And the who's who of Irish MMA was there. We were happy to be there to have a chat to everyone and see how everyone's getting on. But, everyone was in great spirits. There was a good buzz about the event. Uh the walkouts were cool. The the smoke coming out of the machines on the walkouts were really really cool. I loved it from start to finish, Bas Boon. And I thought the guys did a great job setting up setting up the event. And as you say, cannot wait for Virtue 6. But, before we talk about Virtue 6, let's talk about the results. The main event, Bas Boon, Callum Peace. What a performance in front of a hometown crowd. Got the job done against Perry in the first round. Perry came out like he was a prime Stephen Wonderboy Thompson. The movement was sensational out of him. But, uh Callum Peace got a hold of him and he got him down and got the TKO finish. He really showed that he is ready for that pro jump. And the viciousness of that finish was something else, Bas Boon. >> Yeah. Thank god Deck Larkin was there, man. Um Callum like he he said he was out for 3 years. And uh he had to come back and show who the real daddy was. And uh like those that finish was like vicious. And um he like I think he's ready to make a big step. He walked in with the yellow gloves, Dane McAdenas' yellow gloves. And I think he's like ready for that Cage Warriors jump. >> Yeah, absolutely. I I I'd love to see that. Unless he's going to headlining the next Virtue. Let's let's get him on a Cage Warriors card. I think he is someone who looks really really good. And he looks like he is ready to make that jump. So, I'm definitely definitely here for it. Um co-main event, we saw Jared Ryan from MMA Cork. He capped off MMA Cork's night at 5 and 0. Unbelievable scenes there. He won his pro debut against Andy Brogan. He wasn't elated with his own performance, but at the end of the day, one know as a pro was what he came for and that is what he got. Annie Brogan made it a very, very tough fight with some very creative strikes on on the feet. Some nice spinning back kicks and everything in there. I thought it was a a really, really tough fight for Jerry Rooney to win, but he did get his hand raised and I think he could be the man to headline the next Elite Fighting Championships in Boston. What do you think? >> Yeah, we are we were obviously talking to him after and he said like he should probably be the one to headline the the next Elite Fighting Championships. I think it's number eight now that's coming up soon. Um the thing is about Annie Brogan, like now he's gone 0 and 4, but like the support he had there and like it's it's sort of like um a Roger Lopez sort of situation where like his record doesn't actually isn't doesn't tell you the whole truth. >> Yeah, it doesn't reflect his skill level. >> No, like he was an absolute dog there. Like Jared had to work very hard to get that victory. So like look the the most important thing about pro debut was getting the win and that's what Jerry Rooney did. >> Yeah, absolutely. Really, really well. And then in the sort of co-co main event we had Ronan Deegan of Area Grapple. He was fighting James McDonagh of of Ryan O'Connor and at the end of the day it was it was over quite quickly. Ronan Deegan was able to take him down, get the back and get the rear naked choke for the win. Ronan Deegan looks like an absolute superstar on the domestic level. I think he he definitely needs to step up next. I think he's earned the step up step up next. And interesting enough, I can't wait to see him because he's going to fight a flyweight on on the pro scene. So that's going to be really interesting to see. He looks really strong and really dominant at grappling at bantamweight. So who knows what he can do at flyweight. I think Ronan Deegan is definitely one to watch out for. I think he he could be one of the next big things in Irish MMA. >> No, I don't 100% agree. He He was He was straight in like a bat out of the and like he knew he wasn't getting paid extra for every minute you lasted in the cage. Like the second like like when you look at some of the fighters that have gone through the IMMAF's like for instance CM Punk and like how developed they are they are like all around and then you just see Ronan's in the same category. You can see that he's like the quality was just so like so much higher than I think even most people knew. He said he was out of the cage for at least 7 months but like he is definitely ready for that step. I think I think like that was the most impressive performance out of the the heavyweights. Oh sorry out of the the the pros sorry. >> Yeah. The heavyweights. >> No of course. >> [laughter] >> It really really was and then look we had the we had the four four title fights which was really really great to see. Luca Kelly beat Dave Armstrong and look that was that was a really close contest fight. Armstrong was really insistent on trying to go for that guillotine and it wasn't enough to get him over the line. And O'Kelly looked really really good throughout the entire fight so fair play to him. We saw the return of Dale Sheridan from Air Grapple come back after I think a three year hiatus and he he's picked up a belt on his return. That was that was a really impressive win for him. We saw Shane Carmody get the submission win with the arm bar against Robbie Whitehead. The Carmody's are on fire at the moment. Viral sensations left right and center and then we also saw Barry Kennedy. I think he's in his 18th amateur fight and he picks up that first title so unbelievable so far. I think uh we would really be remiss not to give a special shout out to MMA Cork. What what a journey for them to actually get up to Omagh. I think it's about a five hour journey for the lads from there to get up there but the results that they got on the night was absolutely spectacular. Oliver Bala kicked off the night with an with a nice win on the night. He got the unanimous decision win in that one. Then we went to Barry Kennedy. Like I just said, 18 fights into his amateur career, picks up his first amateur title. Incredible to see. Shane Carmody doing what the Carmodys do, gets a first round submission via armbar. Luke O'Kelly goes in there and he captures the verge as well to weight title. And then Jared Ruane goes out there and wins his pro debut. What a night for MMA Cork. That the gym is on absolute fire at the moment and shout out to Aaron Maguire and all the crew there. That is absolutely sensational things to see about them. >> No, it really is. Like MMA Cork definitely definitely stepped it up this weekend. And uh in the interview you did with Oliver Bala, you're saying he knows this is the best gym in the country. So I mean like that's a very like that's a big thing to say about any gym. Like cuz I know many gyms say that as well. I'm surprised you didn't step in and and say anything about Team Ruane or us. >> Well that >> Well look, when I'm when I have my interview on >> hat on or my interview on glasses on, I'm impartial, you know? >> Yeah. >> And then also uh Shane Carmody rubbing the mic off you as well. The look, we have to touch on Jared >> and last time, Carmody. The first and last time. >> Man. The the Well like Shane Carmody, the Carmody brothers yet again like I just >> All 98 of them. >> All 98 of them, man. It's just you have you cannot miss when the Carmodys fight. Like just how smooth and uh like exciting they are once the the fight hits the floor is crazy. Like He's saying >> John Carmody got an armbar finish for the Cage Conflict flyweight title last week. So Shane couldn't let him get all the all the highlight reels. >> I know. But no, but it's it's just deadly to see when you're that close to the cage as well. And like these guys know exactly what they're doing online as well, promoting themselves. So like it's very very interesting. Like like how many of them are going to fight in the next elite fighting championships? Like Barry O'Callaghan knows this. So he's trying to keep them there. So it will be very very interesting. >> Absolutely, but the economy is going to get out every weekend. I think that's I think that's jujitsu in them. I think they're like, you know, on the jujitsu scene people can quick compete more often cuz they're not going to punch in the face. So, I think in the amazing they want to compete more often. And look, he stood on the feet with Robbie Whitehead for a while as well. So, that that was definitely very interesting to see. Um but look, obviously there was a host of other you know, Louis Woods beat Noel Hollywood in the sort of I don't know what you call it the the headliner of Alpha Project. Uh it was a really really good event, but at the end they looked three pro fights, four title fights, unbelievable stuff. Callum Walsh, who knows where we'll see him next, but he could definitely uh step it up to a big promotion. Jared Ryan, I think we'll see him next headline Lee Fighting Championships. Ronan Deegan, I think he's destined for the yellow gloves. I can't wait to see that. Luca Kelly picking up his first title in amateur MMA. Shane Carmody picking up his second amateur title in MMA with another sensational submission win. Barry Kennedy, 18 fights into his uh amateur career, and he picks up his first title. And Dale Sheridan, 3 years off and comes back and wins the bantamweight title at Versus. What an event. Versus putting on their first title fights of the amateur uh lifetime span of the organization. Unbelievable stuff. Jerry take a bow, my friend. >> You forgot to mention one thing that was very important, Ross. >> What was that? >> You were putting the belts on the winners at the night as well. >> [laughter] >> I was trying You mean I was trying my best to put the belts on the winners that >> Yeah, man. >> I don't think I did too bad a job. None of the belts fell on the ground. So, that That was the thing, man. I was like I was like get that on properly, but >> Yeah, I bet your hands are like I have zero confidence in this fellow doing it right. >> [laughter] >> Man, I know you too well, man. But uh obviously I don't know you well enough cuz I thought you didn't mess it up. But uh no, like if you want to check out all the finishes on the night, we have them all on the Energy Show's Instagram page and also also obviously on Versus Instagram page. Uh we did post-fight interviews with the winners as well. So, they're all up on the Instagram page as well. They will be going onto the shorts on YouTube and then uh also TikTok as well now cuz uh we're going viral on TikTok these days, Ross. >> Yeah, apparently I'm the TikTok guy. So, uh >> You're the TikTok guy. >> Yeah. So, we're getting the content up on TikTok as well. So, if you are here going, "Where can I get to see more more of these guys' faces online?" You can also see us on TikTok. People go on TikTok to get a break from the Energy Show and they're over there in your face, too. >> Well, if you want to get if you want to get away from us, go to X, man. >> Yeah, look, uh unbelievable show. Great great to just chat all the all the teams, all the coaches, uh all the people who made the event special. Jerry Pollutri really really did a good job and you know what? It felt like there was a very friendly vibe there. Also, shout-out to Matthew Booth. I forgot to say that. He won the sub uh sub vault. Uh we had a chat with him afterwards and Zion uh Ribeiro also went toe-to-toe with Pierce Cunningham. That went to a draw. Uh more jiu-jitsu on the MMA events. I I like it. Just one or two may maybe as far as four matches max, I think, on MMA events and I think that's cool. Uh it really gives those guys an opportunity to show their stuff in front of an audience that maybe wouldn't really get to see it as often. Also, they were exciting match-ups as well. It's not It's not like they were absolutely bore fest. I think you have to do with some uh the sub vault. I think you have to do with that. They have to win by submission. Otherwise, if someone if someone's in there for points like that's that's zero crack. >> No, no, no. It was great. It was a great way to sort of break things up as well. So, no, it was overall it was great like it was. And like we're in talks now to do other events as well, which are very exciting. So, we will keep you up-to-date with that as well. Cuz there is very exciting shows on the way that we can't of wait to take part in. >> Yeah, absolutely. And luckily our good friends at Cage Warriors were like, "Oh, the Irish lads are covering Verges on Saturday, so we'll put all the Irish lads on Friday night." So, we had Cage Warriors 201 Unplugged live from the BEC Arena in Manchester. Four Irish fighters fighting on the card. We'll start off with that Dara Ward. Unfortunately, he was not victorious. He lost to Rowan Crocker. This was a really, really tough match-up. I rate Rowan Crocker really, really high. Really, really highly. I feel like that was a really hard match-up for Dara, and I feel like that's a fight that loss will sort of grow in value over time cuz I think Rowan Crocker is going to have an absolute superstar career as an MMA fighter. I think he was 16 and three as an amateur. He is one of the top Welsh prospects we've ever seen. I think he fights similar similar enough to Jack Shore. I think he'll have a career as successful if not more so than that, and that's a big statement. So, very, very uh very, very tough loss for Dara Ward, but look against a serious prospect in Rowan Crocker. Then we saw Arman "The Crane" Herczeg. This was a great fight. I really, really enjoyed this fight. Um we saw him really hit that low kick in the early rounds. Really sort of led to the finish, and then he just poured it on. And at the end of the day, The Crane looks like he's really improved leaps and bounds since the his time at I'm going to even go as say the Octagon Ireland versus UK show. He looks like he's come on a lot, and he looks like he's really stepping into his own in the program. So, shout out to shout out to Arman "The Crane" Herczeg over in Team Man uh Manchester Top Team. >> Five and 0 since he's joined Manchester Top Team as well. >> Yeah, look. Can't knock that. >> All finishes. All finishes as well. So, The Crane is doing something right. He He must be getting coaching advice from Dem Dennis Frimpong. So, uh then then we had Damien McErlean. Damien McErlean, his opponent was coming in on short notice. Damien McErlean was absolutely dominating this fight. It's He looked absolutely sensational. I don't know what other way to put it. His striking is so crispy, so in and out. His It's such an elite level to watch. And unfortunately, he got caught in a heel hook in the end and had to had to tap. And look, it was obviously heel hooks are very, very nasty if they're held on for too long. And it was unfortunate to to see him lose, but I've no doubt the sky's the limit for this guy. He looks He looked absolutely brilliant in there. His striking is so clean and crisp, and he just happened to get caught. So, look, something for him to work on. Mistakes that he he probably won't make in the future after that one, but that must have been a tough pill to swallow. But look, we've all seen how good Damien McErlean is, and he he will be back sooner rather than later. >> Very reminiscent of Brock Lesnar against Frank Mir. >> Yeah. I don't I don't know if comparing the two flyweights to heavyweights is fair, but yeah, I know I know exactly what you mean. And then obviously, knockout of the night, what a finish. Matthew Elliott, the boogeyman. I think he's potentially the most underrated fighter on Irish soil. When he puts it all together, he is so hard to beat. And he put it all together on Saturday night. I'd love to see him do it again sometime very, very soon cuz obviously, he probably went unscathed after that one. It was a It was a short finish. And I rate him rate him so so highly, and I just think if he can continue to put it all together, he'll be a force to be reckoned with. >> No, I agree. Yeah, it's like he had a lot to say to the camera afterwards. Um like there wasn't many people talking about why isn't he on the Cage Warriors 200 card? I think there was people actually thought that he wasn't with Cage Warriors anymore. Well, I don't think he was. I think he was sort of He He out of contract, and then they probably Bellator Cage Warriors 200 card and then all of a sudden he's back with Cage Warriors, so Look, I I think PFL missed a trick by not getting him on there the opportunity, but there we have it. He's with Cage Warriors and as we said, back with a bang. Back with a bang and I think that puts him right back in the mix there at featherweight. And that's the busiest division that Cage Warriors have, so I'm here for it. >> No, 100%. So, like the Irish went two and two in uh Manchester Unplugged. So, um it'll be interesting to see who's going to get booked next for some of the Cage Warriors cards. There's obviously Cage Warriors card this Friday. That's Cage Warriors 203 cuz they obviously had Cage Warriors 202 on Saturday as well in Manchester. This is the 20203 is in London the night before UFC London, but um we're we'll keep you up to date who will be booked next to compete on the next Cage Warriors card cuz when the when the Irish are fighting in Cage Warriors, we'll be a watching us. >> Absolutely, we will be a watching, so look, we're we're definitely we're looking forward to it and let's see what let's see how it goes. >> Yeah. Um we also want to give a shout-out to the Irish boxers that competed in the 3Arena on Saturday as Queensbury rolled into town. And the obviously there was there was wins for Cacace, Pierce O'Leary, um also Steve Cairns, Gary Gary Cully, and uh Thomas Carty, John Cooney. >> John Cooney. >> Like there was obviously many, many more, but uh it was an absolute steamroll for the Irish that night. >> Well, I know Cacace won the big one against Jazza Dickens, but I feel like the biggest winner of the night was Pierce O'Leary. I feel like he came out to a hero's welcome. I feel like you know, the the talk after boxing at the weekend was boxing is back alive in the capital. And that that was the that was the the voices of of the internet coming saying that. That's what That's all I could hear is boxing's back alive in the capital. I'm seeing the amount of people who shared Pierce O'Leary's walkout, shared pictures of him winning. He seems to be Ireland's next big superstar. He seems to be the chosen one that the fans are getting behind. And look, Big Bang is here to stay. And first of all, great nickname. And then obviously Katie Taylor getting into the ring and sort of put a rallying call out there for Croke Park next. I would love to see Matchroom and Queensberry get together and just put all their differences aside and make sure they put on the best Irish card possible to sell out Croke Park for Katie Taylor for her homecoming. And I know a lot of people don't like the Irish government in Ireland, especially MMA fans. Uh but one thing I will say is they could definitely buy a small bit of credit if they actually did step in and they did help Katie Taylor get a homecoming. She is the queen of Ireland. She is one person that is beloved by an entire nation. And she is one person who you would No one would begrudge having a fight in Croke Park. So, let's try and make it happen for Katie Taylor. Let's make the ring walk happen for Let's make her finish off her career, put down her gloves and her boxing boots in the middle of the ring and call it a day. A world champion born and bred in Ireland. >> No, 100% agreed. The amount of people that will inspire them like all the Irish boxers in the country will look at that and be like, "I want to do this now as well." >> She's the goat, man. Like you're like when do Ireland have someone who's the greatest of all time? She's the greatest female boxer of all time. When do Ireland ever have the best sportsperson in the world, undoubtedly? It never happens. Uh she is that right now. So, why don't we get her out there and why don't we show show the world how Ireland boxes. >> Exactly, man. Exactly. No, it was it was a good like obviously we could only catch up on the clips cuz where Vertigo's. But uh it looked like an epic night. Sold out arena as well. So, they will be coming back. Some event Some boxing event is coming back to Dublin sooner than later cuz >> Absolutely. >> When you it's just the virality that goes off it as well. Is it's just it's it's deadly. Like people in the country love it. So, long may it continue. And we're only in the first We're still only in the first quarter of the year. So, like there The next one could be Croke Park, man. >> Yeah, absolutely. Why not? >> Let's do it. >> Exactly. >> Exactly, bro. Um then, as we said, the Irish took over the 3Arena. And obviously, we were at the Virtuous Fighting Championships 5 up in Omagh on Saturday night, but Irish MMA returns this weekend again. On Saturday night, Clan Wars 54 comes back. And Ross, we can't wait to tune in to another Irish MMA event. >> Clan Wars 54 is bringing us three pro bouts at the top of the card. Baz Mal, we are absolutely blessed again. Unbelievable to see it. We have a rematch. We have a Billy Sullivan who's taking on Kamali. Kamali said he got food poisoning last time he was over here. And he says that's why he didn't perform. He was hospitaled. Billy Sullivan said that's no problem. We can run that back. We have two pro debutants next up. Also staying in the flyweight division, we have Aaron Henry taking on Kean McCann. Both guys have had stellar amateur careers. Let's see who takes gets their hand raised and takes home the victory in this one. And then we also have Cole Patton versus Shay Leahy Liam. This one's going to be an absolute banger. Both guys are former amateur Clan Wars champions. So, let's see who can get their hand raised this time out. And not only that, we also have an unbelievable star-studded amateur card with Nate the Great Kelly taking on Kevin Walsh for the flyweight gold. So, all the best flyweights in the country are out in action. I can't wait to see you, Baz Mal. >> [laughter] >> Yeah. No, it is a it is a very much action action packed card. Um the thing is the fight between Keane McArdle and Aaron Henry, that is the one where it's like right, these two lads turning pro taking on a name to build their career. Like the the winner of this will get get a massive step a step up and push next. >> Yeah. >> But also even if whoever loses will also gain a lot of recognition as well. So there is a like that that is I think that is the fight to really really keep your eyes on cuz a lot both lads have a lot of support as well. You hear in in around across multiple gyms. So that's one I'm definitely looking forward to us. >> 100% and as it was Mother's Day on Sunday we'll shout out some of the girls fighting on the card. We have Emma Kerr fighting Paige Smith and then we also have Gemma Coll-Hill fighting Alexa Padugan for a second time out. So that that's also great seeing Clan Wars putting on the girls fights. But look I'm really looking forward to the this card. I think it's going to be a really interesting card to watch and as you say when you have four Irish lads all making the pro debuts two matches against each other that makes it must see. Clan Wars do put on an excellent production. So I'm looking forward to seeing it and it doesn't actually look to be the largest card of all time which which is great for watching. Also sorry Faith O'Brien is also fighting against Adam on the card as well. So there's more there's three three women fights on the card. So we love to see it but just don't want to leave anyone out cuz people get annoyed when you leave them out. >> [laughter] >> You know yourself man. You know yourself. >> You know yourself. >> No no the Clan Wars put on a great show. They're going to be doing just using just content as well to put the show on as well. The the the level of the Irish MMA scene when the with using just content as well, the the team is just >> Yeah. on another level now. It really steps the game up to another level. If I was not If I was setting up an Irish promotion for us tomorrow, they'd be one of the first people I'd call them and be like, "Want to book you in for this event." cuz they really put on a really, really high level. So, I I I think they they do a stellar job. Their equipment looks cool, um but it also creates cool content. So, that's what we want to see. But look, Clan Wars 54, um it's going to be an absolute monumental uh event for them. I think this is going to be one of the their biggest shows. Three pro fights top off the card. Solomon versus Kamali and rematch. That is one that fans will not want to miss. And as you touched on Baz Walsh, two massive fights. Uh Patton versus Shealy the Liam. Two guys who went and captured the amateur gold on Clan Wars stage. Now they will go toe-to-toe with the four-round pro gloves on. Then we also have uh Keano McArdle versus Aaron Henry. Massive fight there. Flyweight. Both these guys will have fought many of the same opponents. We'll see who will get their hand raised in the four-round gloves. And then we see Nate the Great Kelly also taking on Kevin Walsh for their flyweight strap. So, plenty to look out for at Clan Wars 54. Make sure to check out the Energy Guys Instagram page where we will be showing you all the results. >> Yeah. Can't wait to just hit tune into that this weekend as well. And then, Russ, we have to just touch on the world of the UFC. Um Dana White was listening. He was saying that uh what he was hearing that everyone was complaining how he's just announcing fights and doesn't really seem to give a  anymore. And then he he does he announces more fights, but he sits down with Biz Bane and Bran Fitzgerald to announce the fights. Um what did you make of this? Do you Do you think Dana is actually listening to the fans or are people saying like, "Here, the fans are giving out, man. Sit down on that couch for a few minutes."? >> So, you went from his office to a different room in the Apex and announce the fights. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, he was sitting there on the couch in his room. >> Yeah, look it didn't instill any extra belief in me. Even when he was reading them out, it felt labored. Um and also I felt like no matter what I say here, Bisping, you hype up these fights. You know you know what I mean? Bisping Bisping looked like the ultimate corporate shill that sat or sat beside Dana White when he when he was doing this. He was like, "Whatever I say, you say this is brilliant." He's like, "Yeah, no problem, boss." Um Look, I suppose if I was getting paid Bisping's wages, I do the same thing. But, um yeah, look, a lot of the fights none of them really blew me away. Um >> I come on, one good one. >> Well, no, I like I like Khamzat vs. Strickland. See, that's that's that's the only one that I'm like >> Yeah. >> right, that that makes the fan in me go, "Yes, please. I'll have that." But, do any of the other ones really go "Oh, lads, can't can't believe you did that." Like, that's that's something that's going to like Belal Muhammad is fighting in in the Apex next. So, he got he's gone from Chamzat listening to Gary to fighting in the Apex versus Bom team. Like, do I like Song vs. Figueiredo? Yes, I do with the fight. I think that's that's like a good fight, but doesn't really get me out of my seat. Uh Darrius vs. Sal Cid, like no big deal. Aljamain Sterling vs. Ladd like, yes, as a UFC fan, do I think that's great, but like they're not giving me main event, if that makes sense. They're not giving me main event. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [snorts] >> But, that's why I like the Strickland one. It's good it's good. Like, that that should be an interesting fight, like, you know? >> Yeah, and look, Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta is the co-main event in that card. Uh they Sean Brady Joaquin Buckley was supposed to be a headliner. Uh well, he wins and now that's on UFC 328. Well, I actually think that I would have rather seen that as a fire rounder. That actually one does feel like a bit of a headliner, Brady versus Buckley. And Jan Blachowicz is fighting Bogdan Guskov on that card as well. King Green versus Jeremy Stephens, that's like two old school bangers going at it. And then Ottman Azaitar versus Azzy Diaz, a middleweight bout. Like that just as much as like I like uh Garcia cuz he's obviously from Manchester, top people, it just sort of feels like that could be a random play prelim at some stage as well. >> Do you think Do you think Dana is in the in the war room and he's like, "Let's make this fight cuz people will lose their shit." [snorts] >> No, I feel like the matchmakers are making the fights and Dana White's like, "Who?" >> [laughter] >> Cuz I'm I'm just like, what fight could they announce where people are going, "Oh my god." Like Like everyone just goes crazy. >> they had like the war house, like Jon Jones versus Pow Pow. >> Yeah, no, but they didn't do that. So, my point is, what What fight could they announce now that would be like, "Oh my god, everyone crazy sharing and going mad." Like >> Jon Jones versus As Pin Now. >> Yeah. That That's just never happened though. Something that that could actually happen now, like Like that's like Islam versus Ilya. That'd be like saying like McGregor versus Topuria or something. But like Islam versus who? >> Versus Islam. No, Islam versus Ilya. >> You think that that's the fight that would make people go crazy? >> I think so, yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, but that's obviously can't happen now because of Gaethje, but Yeah, it's just No, cuz people would >> Like if you If If you look at who's left, right? You have Islam's not booked. Who's he going to fight like? Ian Garry or Kamaru Usman? Like that that looks like That's They're the only two names I've heard them sort of throw out that way. So, like >> Yeah, but you know what? I just The way we're more We're covering the Rizin messy more and more and more is actually way more enjoyable than actually covering the UFC. And let let alone let alone like your let alone your PFLs and this that and the other, but it's just like >> 100% >> I don't like I don't I don't It doesn't feel like the UFC are holding back a couple of fights to like announce this year that people are going to go, "Oh my god." Like obviously a Conor fight is a Conor fight. People are going to just be like "Conor's back." You know what I mean? But it's just more like I'm what what I mean is >> to in in the noisiest way possible, right? I'll I'll I'll just name a person from each division who I'm just like They I feel like they have a zero star power at the moment, right? Flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov, right? Um Then bantamweight Vinicius Oliveira. He just headlined a card here we go, but I feel like he's no star star power. Featherweight Movlid Khaybulaev Costa, who's fighting Alan Ngaloani next. No star power whatsoever. Uh lightweight, Manuel Torres. No star power whatsoever. Welterweight, Yaroslav Amosov. No star power whatsoever. Uh Middle middleweight, Bruno Ferreira. Light heavyweight, Dustin Jacoby. Heavyweight Shamil Gaziev. And then like if if you want to do the women's Strawweight, Denise Gomes. Flyweight Ilima-Lei Macfarlane. Bantamweight Justin Edwards, Nora Cornolle. I actually don't never even heard of Nora Cornolle. You know what I mean? Like these are fighters who are in the top 15 in the world. UFC said they're the premier ranking or premier organization in the world. And there's people in the top 15 who like if they're actually fighting on the other channel right now, I don't know if I'd swap over to see. Yeah. Just based on them and that's not knocking those people. That's a knock on UFC like not making people care about the fighters anymore. >> Yeah. No, cuz it is it is dipping off. But um >> Like it feels like the more money they make, the less they care. >> Yeah. Whereas we're at the complete opposite, man. You know yourself. >> Yeah. No, yourself. >> Well, that's why I like Look, after UFC London, I think they're putting more more effort with this UFC London. Just looking from the content that they're putting out. Um we're also going to get into that for a second, but like And oh yeah, I'm looking forward to this card. No no joke. Like some of the talent in this card, we've had them on the show before. We've watched their journeys. Um like the UK cards are we are more invested cuz we know more people involved compared to like your um Apex fight cards that are just like oh like you know what I mean? Like for instance like Fileas just defeated Josh Emmett there. Like also like Harry Hardwick made 100 grand um for his fight. But like this is where the majority of future Irish fighters if they're going to fight, they'll be on a UFC London card. Um unfortunately Shauna Bannon isn't on it. Um but um she's coming back from injury, but this weekend like I'm more buzzing for Clan Wars 54 to see who else is going to come up make a big name for themselves. But Ross, obviously UFC London this weekend is going to start early. Could be starting at the same time as Clan Wars. Um in the main event Lerone Murphy from Manchester Top Team is taking on Movsar Evloev. This is two undefeated fighters, Ross. The winner of this could get the UFC title shot next. >> I think the winner of this has to get a UFC title shot next. I think Volkanovski um is looking for someone to fight. And I think one versus three, both undefeated. If a winner doesn't get a title shot here, like what are we actually doing with ourselves? So, I think a great opportunity, especially if Lerone Murphy wins in front of a hometown crowd. He'll look like a big superstar as he does it. So, I I I that's a no-brainer for number one contenders fight. I know some people are mad on this main event in the UK scene, but like they're sort of giving away the things that they're actually begging for. They're begging for the UK to make more superstars. If Lerone Murphy wins, he gets the title shot. He could easily beat Alexander Volkanovski, and then the UK have another champ, and that's what they're really looking for. Uh Luke Riley, I know some people like, "Jesus, that's very fast for him to get a co-main event." But anyone who's ever watched Luke Riley fight knows that he's never in a boring fight, he doesn't know how. He's either in an absolute war for three rounds where he knocks the opponent out, so uh we've had Luke Riley on the show a few times. We've obviously watched him at many Cage Warriors event. He is absolute must-see TV. >> Yeah. >> And we have MVP versus Sam Patterson. Uh met both lads, two really really stellar dudes. Uh obviously MVP is an ultimate showman, great to see. He He's definitely going to be He will probably get the biggest pop of the night as he is a Londoner, and I can't wait to see MVP go and do his business. Uh obviously Roman Dolidze versus Christian Leroy Duncan is another big matchup. Uh Roman uh Christian Leroy Duncan will be looking to get a get a ranking off the back of this win. Uh Curtis Campbell, the Pink Panther, definitely one to watch out for. I feel like he has a I told you Paddy the Baddy aura to him, people want to see see that. I think he he he's very unassuming to look at, but obviously very vicious in the cage. Mason Jones versus Alex Oliveira, uh that's going to be very very interesting. Obviously Mason Jones uh was actually training over in Fight Academy Ireland with Rhys McKee, and obviously that's Alex Oliveira's last opponent, so let's see how Mason Jones does. Another man who doesn't know how to be in a boring fight. Nathaniel Wood on the up up and up uh coming up in the featherweight rankings, and he's facing Loik Radzhabov, who was the Octagon I think I think he was the champ champ, I think he was the lightweight champ and the featherweight champ, so that's another one to watch out for. Louie Sutherland, heavyweight, can't wait to see that. Pedro another heavyweight from LFL, former champ, can't wait to see that. Melissa Mullins come coming up against Luana Carolina. Shamrock, the one and only, the Sham show was in town. Mo Abdallah TV and Chanel Dyer, unbelievable scenes. I can't wait to watch this card. I think it's going to be an absolute banger. >> No, it will it did This card here has the potential to be what the Queensbury boxing just wasn't Dublin there with like a lot of English fighters, a lot of UK based fighters to get in the wins, building their names. Like this one is a big This one is a big show for the UK fighters to get their name out there even more cuz like Paddy's obviously now like going to be fighting on pay-per-views. Um so with Tom Aspinall and then so like these are the next guys that they want to like strap a rocket ship around and potentially it looks like right now Luke Riley. Like and then like also Lerone Murphy with a win here gets a title shot next and so very like it should be a good card. And the thing is it's on nice and early for all those fans over here and the rest of the world as well. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's that's that's thing if you have if you get a pay-per-view you have to air it at like 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. so your fight fans are out there in the middle of the night as opposed to if you get a fight night you can air it at a more reasonable time so Look, I've definitely here for it so let's have a buzz on. And also we are 1 month out from PFL Belfast as well. I can't wait for that one as well. Some loads of Irish on the card now. Alan Philpott can knock around. Paul Hughes head on. Owen Sheridan on the card. Darragh Kelly on the card. Ciaran Clarke versus Dean Garnett is an absolute banger. I'm really looking forward to PFL Belfast. I think that is going to be a sensational night for Irish MMA fans. >> Exactly. Just before we wrap up the show, we obviously record this show every Monday and it will be Tuesday when it lands. So if you're tuning in today, happy Saint Patrick's Day. Looking forward to the rest of the week. Just wrap things up. Cage Warriors 203 goes down on Friday. Clan Wars 54 goes down on Saturday and so does UFC London. Ross, anything else you want to say before we wrap things up, bud? >> No, I just want to say special shoutout to Jerry Podrick for having us come up to Vertice and DRT and then also thank you for everyone who said hello at the event. And it was great to see everyone and we'll hopefully see you all again at an event very, very soon in the near future. So, if you haven't watched it, make sure to like, share, subscribe. And as always, stay energized. >> The Energizer show, up the Irish. The Energizer show, up the Irish. It's the face that runs the place, Chaos Cartel. I want to thank the Irish MMA community so much for getting behind me. You're up the Chaos Cartel.