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What is up and welcome to The Energized Show! On this episode we discuss The 2025 Energized Irish MMA Awards & more MMA craic. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Hit the notification bell for more Energized Shows! Youtube : Energized Show Instagram: @Energized_Show TikTok…

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People got into the DMs and the comments and were asking why didn't Paul Hughes get nominated for the Irish fighter lightweight fighter of the year. >> Diana Joy show up the >> Okay, here we go. 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? >> Welcome back to the show, boy. 2026. Happy New Year to you and everyone tuning in. We are back and apologies to everyone who's been giving out saying, "Where's the show? Where's the show?" It was awards season, baby. And that's what we're getting into start with. So, uh, we're going to talk about the Energize Awards, who was voted the winner of each category, and whether we believe they were the rifle winner or not, Basno. So, let's get into it. >> Yeah. Right. So, we should start at the very very start. Also, if you are new to the Energize Show, make sure to like and subscribe because we are here every week, aren't we, Ross? >> Yeah, we are. Absolutely. We also got uh requests for like BJJ player of the year, Muay Thai player of the year, BJ event of the year. We got a few more requests in to do more awards. So, if there's any awards you'd like to see for 2026, let us know in the comments below. >> Yeah, I'm already looking forward to next year's awards, man. It's going to be a very, very energized year. Energizing year to be to be exact. Okay, Ross, we're going to start off at the very, very beginning, right? We started the Energized MMA awards on the 22nd of December. They've literally going on nearly a month. So, we started with the Energized Shows Amateur Flyweight of the Year and the nominations were Ben Madden from SPG Charlestown, Nate the Great Kelly from SPG Ireland, Ricky Dear Rujo from Team Torres, and Sean Cardy from MMA Cork. And Ross Ben Madden from SPG Charlestown was voted the people's champion. What did you make of this one, bud? The people's champion also my champion as well. Uh Ben Madden had an absolute phenomenal year. He uh we were actually there live to watch him up in Akuma. He looks like an absolute standout talent. He's done phenomenal stuff. He looks like he's going to be a generational talent. He's one of the best fighter. He's looks like he's going to be one of the best fighters SPG Charles Town will ever produce. Um the the guy can put it all together. He he's an absolute superstar the kid. So fair play to him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him winning it again next year if he's still in the amateur ranks. >> To what? Right. I was like what would be make this show very interesting? And I was like, how can each of these fighters improve, right? And like obviously we're going to kick it off with Ben Manning. What do you think he can improve? Cuz that was that was like a very high rate in Ross. >> I think I think all he needs is more cage time and he's getting a lot of cage time, but just more cage time. The guy the sky's is the limit for the guy and it really really is. Uh he's got knockout power. He's got great submissions, great wrestling. Uh look, he's a real standout talent and he seems to be, you know, a humble but ambitious kid. So, look, I'm not here to give Ben Mann advice. He seems to be keep doing what you're doing. >> Yeah, exactly. That's what I was thinking. I was like, "This chap is a star." Like, literally, he is a star. So, congratulations to Ben Man SPG Charles Town's very own. Uh, then we went into the amateur bantamweight of the year. Uh, the nominations were Henry Lea from CAMAC, Shane Dunn from Era Grapple, Owen Mass Oliver from Fight Academy Ireland, and Owl from Yoda Martial Arts. And Ross, the winner was on Mass Oliver from Fight Academy Ireland. >> Yeah, Mass Oliver. He will not be eligible for next year as he will make his pro uh debut at the next cage conflict show in March. Has Oliver. He's won belts in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, England. He he is the number one amateur bantamweight across the UK and Ireland. H another great year out of him. But look, stiff competition. Obviously Henry Lea very uh impressed this year when uh had a good run in the IMAS but uh I think he he wasn't cleared medically to fight for one the fight so he never actually lost. Uh won the Wrath Championship as well. Shane Dunn went and won titles abroad as well. And Garl was really really active this year. H we actually watched him fight up in Akuma. Um some tough uh tough fighters there at the ban but uh look I'm not going to take anything away from Matt Oliver. very very impressive this year. >> No, I would 100% agree. Um I think he has so many amateur titles at this rate. He's looking forward to adding a few pro ones. Ross, what would you like to see from Mass Oliver this year? Cuz now, as you said, he's turned pro. He's with Fight Academy. Like, what would you like to see from Owen this year? >> I'd like to see him do maybe three and 0 on the regional scene before before he like takes a jump. But then again, you know, the likes of Cage Wires, the likes of PFL are going to be looking at him. He looks like a really top talent. The guys up there rated him really really really highly. So, um we'll we'll see how long you stay on the regional scene, but I think if you know he could headline the next two cage conflict events and people will be all for it. >> Yeah, exactly. Uh as Ross said, Owen will make his pro debut at Cage Conflict. Then Ross in the amateur featherweight of the year the nominations were Jake and Guy from CMAC Michael Kronley from Kin Michael Shields from Fight Academy Ireland and Tom Buckley from Samson's martial arts. And the winner was Michael Shields from Fight Academy Ireland. Yeah, formerly Energized Fighter amateur fighter of the year as an overall. Now he's the amateur featherweight of the year. Look, Michael Shields come on leaps and bounds in his career. uh he's actually fighting next on your championship h against Michael Cartmill who was probably the next man up out of the featherweights. Michael Shields has been an absolute superstar at that weight class and he's he's only young. I think he's only he's only 20 years of age. So there's we'll see plenty of improvements from his game and he's he's already one of the best amateurs in the country. So really looking forward to see him against another star sort of field with the likes of Jake and Guy who became uh I'm a national champion for a third time uh went to one elite championship belt I think one of your championship belts as well. So um Michael Shields uh top guy very very impressive this year. >> Yeah like that's the thing the talent and the nominations is actually like very very impressive for like >> an island not so big. Then Ross, this one got very controversial now. So the amateur lightweight of the year, the nominations were Shane Herurie from Samson's Martial Arts, Kieran Masky from ZKJ, Bla McIll from Fight Academy Ireland, and Luca Nadara Ashvilli from MMA Cork. And the winner was Bla McIll Ross. Yeah, look, for me, I think Kieran Masky deserved to win it just because he beat Bla Migill in what was the fight of the year. Um, unbelievable fight uh from the two guys. But look, at the end of the gate, Bla Migill is a is a serious talent. I think I don't think he'll be eligible next year because I think he is someone who will go pro. But uh Kieran Masky, I think he's 8 and0 or 9 and0 as an amateur now. He is the number one lightweight in the country to beat. But look, not going to take any away from Bla Melazelle. H absolute phenomenal uh talent with the both of them. And as you always say, Basel, Bla Migill doesn't know how to be in a boring fight. Well, that's the thing. Like obviously Kieran Masky and Bla McIll had like an epic fight. We'll get into that later. But the way Bla McIll when he goes in there, he like it's must see TV. Like as we've said on previous shows, he's put it out in his own social medias like and at the end of the day, people can say what they want about awards, but it like that they're popularity contests, but in the game of mixed martial arts and almost in life like like life is a popularity game. Like people are tuning in. >> Bums and seeds matter. >> Exactly, man. if you you need to sell tickets and one person who sells tickets is Bla McIll and I think he was close to overall being the most voted person in all the polls as well. So Bla McIll like he is one person not to miss. Uh hopefully we see him back out in action soon. Then Ross the amateur welterweight of the year. The nominations were Alex Co from SPG NACE, Tristan Barnett from SPG Ireland, Jordan Scully from SPG NACE and Bradley Rice from NextGen Northern Ireland. And the winner was Tristan Barnett from SVG Ireland. >> Yeah, Tristan Barnett went and won the Clan Wars title title. He beat uh Peter Hapne uh up in Clan Wars, which is a huge win. Obviously, Peter Hapne has been on the scene a long time. H he's a bit of a wy vet at this stage on the amateur scene and Tristan Barnett has showed uh massive improvements in his game to go up there and capture that Clan Wars belt. So, fair play to him. I do think in in a vote like that, you know, having two SPG NACE guys in it like sort of hampers them um because it splits the SPG NAC vote, but Alex Ko uh will be turning pro. He's actually got a contract with Cage Wager. So, it' be interesting to see when he's next out because he's an absolute killer. And then H Jordan Scotty, he's not scene for a long time and he's recently over there, you know, getting the rounds in with Justin Gatey. So, that's that's pretty cool to see. And then uh Brady Rice, he had one of the knockouts of the year um there this year. He's an absolute phenomenal athlete. So looking forward seeing what he does in 2026. But uh loads of talent there at Welter away as well. >> Yeah, exactly. Uh like that was a very popular vote as well. So shout out Tristan. Can't wait to see him back in action. Then going in going into the amateur middleweight of the year, the nominations were Fiona Ror from SPG Cork, Eric Maru from CMAC, Senaki now fighting out of Fight Academy Ireland and Ucha Nadar Dash Philly from Hulahan Martial Arts and the winner was Fiona from SVG Corkcross. Yeah, Fiona Ror won the IMAS early in the year. Um beat the likes of Caleum Leech from Hung Martial Arts. Uh looks like he is very very good wrestling pedigree. So it be interesting to uh see what he does in 2026. Maybe win the under the radar fighters uh in 2025. Uh obviously Sen Kokei will make his pro debut on the next cage conflict show at the as the co-main event the Oliver. Um so look funeral could could go back to back at amateur middleweight but um again Eric Mark had had a great year as they do to Nardash Philly and uh Daniel Lara also picked up uh the accumulate belt this year as well. So middle was hot this year and I'm looking forward to seeing it again. I think once you get to sort of middleweights in Ireland, the amount of them definitely diminishes compared to welterweights and below. >> Yeah, I'd agree. Uh the thing is like obviously great year but the thing is Sen Kley as well that's someone to definitely watch this year as well turning pro as Ross said on Cage Conflict. Um excuse me Ross we'll go into the light heavyweights. The nominations were Colum Deni from MMA Cork, Destiny Ezio from Sanda, uh Charlie Ashmore from Myalo, and Connor McDermott from NextGen North. >> No, combat combat. >> Combat, sorry, combat jiu-jitsu. And the winner was Ross. It was Destiny Ezio from Sand. Ross, what you make of this one? >> Yeah, look, Destiny had a great year. H very interesting to watch. He knows how to use his length in the fights. Um, my hope for him is that he just gets enough fights to be active over the next year. He might have to venture across the UK maybe to find a few more 205ers that uh he can get in there and compete with, but uh be very very interested to see how he goes in 2026. >> Exactly. And then Ross with the amateur heavyweight of the year. We have Michael Aolei from Relentless Martial Arts, Brian Draper from Team Rhino, Matthew Poor from Fight Academy Ireland, and also David O. Donovan. >> First of all, shout out to um Matthew Poor who was uh in the gym at Logan Paul yesterday, which was a a random thing. WWE's up in Belfast. >> Sorry, David O'Donovan was play with Nafina at MMA. Yeah, I I think he's also one of the co head coaches there as well. Um, obviously not one of the most well-known gyms, but h just goes to show David Dunan representing. Um, yeah. Um, Brian Draper curtains as they call him or the big sexy, whatever, whatever way you want to go about it. H, he was chuffing winning the award. I think next time you see Brian Draper in the cage, it will be a pro moment for him. Um, so let's let's see how big the big sexy Brian Draper gets on next time out. H put on a great performance against Kyle O'Brien down in Farz Fighting Championship. >> Yeah, I really want to see Brian Draper on Cage Wires, man. So >> I think Brian Draper wants to see Brian Draper on Cagewires. >> Yeah, from according to his content, that's exactly where he wants to go this year. So, uh, shout out Brian Draper and shout out all to all the male amateurs as well on an epic year because, uh, the the amount of people coming in and voting was crazy. Uh, then Ross, we have to move to the EM Energized amateur female of the year. Um, the nominations were Amy Scully from SPG Ireland, Ava Cruz from SVG Ireland, Jody McCarthy from MMA Cork, and Khloe Krowier from NextGen Northern Ireland. And the winner was Khloe Krowier. Ross. Yeah, look, Khloe Kraer, uh, she's been around for for a little while now. I think we'll see her turn pro in 2026. Um, she went and won titles over across in the UK, uh, this year. I think she's really really ready for that. I think Amy Scully will probably see maybe another full year at amateur. I think Ava Cruz has been flirting with Pro for a while and I think Jody McCarthyy's going over to fight in FCC. So, um, she's a real talent. Looks like she has real superstar potential as well. So, I'd love to see her just develop her game and round it out that little bit more before she gets the urge to turn pro cuz someone with that star power can be rushed into the pro game. Yeah, I think all all four of them have star power as well. Even Chloe was on a BBC documentary representing martial arts as well. So, Ross, it's time to get into the energized pro flyweights of the year. Um, first off, we have J Harris from Team Rhino. Then Jamie Aba Bisset from Team Rhino, Damian Mcwigan from Fight Academy Ireland and Gary Rooney from Brew Grappling. And the winner was Gary Rooney Ross. Yeah, looks Gary Rooney had two unbelievable chokes this year. He got the Rooney choke, sorry, and he got an arm bar over in Rome. Uh definitely deserved winner. I think he was uh his his performance were were next to perfect uh this year under the cage wires banner. And Gary Rooney is definitely someone to watch out for in 2026 as he makes the ascent up the Cage Warriors flyweight ranks. >> No, I 100% agree. Just even the atmosphere he brings as well. Um you can say that about J Harris and Damon McGregor as well. And uh like and unfortunately Jamie Abby only fought once this in 2025. Uh people are also asking Ross why why didn't uh Jar Burns from F Academy Ireland or Fufu Farz from SPG Cork get a nod? Yeah. So, uh, with Jared Burns, like look, he probably could have been in there. Um, I think we looked at it and, you know, we compared, he was one-on-one and Jar Harris is one and one. Jar Harris, he lost by decision, then won with a finish and then Jared Burns, he lost by finish and then won by decision. So, it it was really, you know, pick them on uh who went in. But, you know, we do like people who finish fights and J Harris got the finish. So that sort of secured his spot in there. Um, and then Fufu Farrez, it was a bit of a strange one cuz he fought two catchway fights. So, you know, probably a bit of an oversight that he should have went into either the flyweight or the banttomite, but you know, he's the 130 pound uh energized fighter of the year. Super super flyweight or junior bantamweight, whatever way you want to call it. H but no, Fifu Farrez probably should have got into one of the awards somewhere. But uh again, he'll have another big 2026 and he's smashing it over UAE Warriors. Exactly. >> Make me to be the bad guy, Basmo. >> Yeah. No, no. In fairness, man, we're in this together, man. But uh look, >> we're not perfect and we tried our best and uh I think it went pretty well. >> Yeah. >> Ross, well, according to the numbers, it went pretty well. Uh Ross, we'll get into the banttom way because this one was stacked with people. There was eight nominations. We'll kick it off with Kieran Brady from team Torres, Shane Mullen from SPG Ireland, Kane Lock Ran from Fight Academy Ireland, and Armen Hersig. And the winner of that category was Kale Lan Ross. Then we'll go into part two. Jordan Bradshaw from CMAC, Ronan Degan from Eer Grapple, Owen McDonald from F Academy Ireland, and Jack Core from ZKJ. That then went to the finale between Jordan Bradshaw and Kalin Lockan Ross and the winner was Jordan Bradshaw from CMA. >> Yeah, look, bantamweight stacked at the moment. H, funny enough, Shane Mullen and Arman Herzik are fighting each other uh for Arman's title on Samurai Fighting Championships, which is a Welsh promotion with two Irish people headlining, which is uh very strange, but look, I'm here for it. Kieran Brady had a phenomenal year. He was very unfortunate to lose his last fight. Um, oh, McDonald looked great. He uh had the win over an LFL and then picked up a a win on short notice in Wrath. So, that that was great to see. I only watched his uh Wrath finished there today. Some lovely leg kicks in. Ronan Degan obviously turned pro one up in Clan Wars. Excited to see what he's going to do this year. I think, you know, maybe not enough time for him to h have a bigger year. And then Jack Core was phenomenal. uh you know putting Gladiator on his back and carrying the promotion as as Mr. Main event there. H I'd love to see a PFL or a K warrior snap up Jack Corner H for his next out and he looks really really good. And then I suppose to go back to the two people in the final Ken Lran and Jordan Bradshaw. Jordan Bradshaw the only Irish man to uh fight on Rays. Now he's 2 and0 in RAS. Um he is really making makes noise over there. He's fighting again this month and he'll look to make it three and 0 and no doubt he will. And then Ken L Grant, some people said like, "Oh, he was only one and one this year. Why'd you put him in?" Look, Kran is the only um Irish person to ever win a fight at bantamweight h from Ireland. So in the end of the day in the UFC. So like that's that's something that we don't take lightly. Um all these fighters dream of fighting in the UFC. Kane Lran did it and he was victorious there and that that is why um that win carries an awful lot of weight and look for me Jordan Bradshaw winning I'm totally fine with that. I probably would have been fine with Kane Lran winning I probably would have been fine with someone like Jack Core winning. Uh Bantam is a division definely to watch out for this year because if you look at all those guys careers even Kran they're all very young in their career. I don't think if you take out Karran, I think the next most fights is five fights. So, they're all super young in their bantamweight career. So, I'm really looking forward to seeing where they go from here. >> Oh, no. Like the the bantamweights, hence why there was eight people selected. H Patty Hulen, our good mate, was in the comments saying, "Why didn't we pick Georgie Grov, Ross?" >> Yeah, Georg Georgie Grov, he went one and one this year. Um he he got a lovely finish over in W FC. Um, look, he he definitely would have been the next man up, but uh we tried to get as many people with winning records in as we could. The only person who didn't have a winning record is Kane Lram, but look, obviously, as we touched on there, a win in the UFC means more than uh a win on the regional scene. I think everyone can agree with that. >> Yeah, exactly. As we said, we're not perfect, but we try to do as best we can. Ross, they're right. >> Yeah, our our very best. Our very best. Like there was a lot of thought put into this like. So then Ross, we'll go into the featherweight fighter of the year. This one was absolutely stacked as well. Ross, I had no more than three three pages. So I had 12 fighters. So we'll kick it off with the first page was Alexander Sullivan from CMAC, Max Lai from SPG Charlestown, Nikolai GDev from SPG Ireland, and Dame McKenna from Team Rhino. Then the winner of that category was Max Lai. Then we go into the second part. Kiko from CMAC, Pedro Carvalo from SVG Ireland, Lewis Burn from Team Rhino, and Scott Harvey from Fight Academy Ireland. And the winner of that category was Kiko. And finally, the James Gallagher from Subzone, Richie Smullen from SPG Ireland, Solomon Simon from Team Rhino, and Cory Mccclaclin from Fight Academy Ireland. And the winner was Solomon Simon. And in the finale, the three were Maxi from SVG Charlestown, Keith Ko from CMAC, and Solomon Simon from Team Rhino. And the winner was Maximus Laddy from SPG Charlestown. Yeah, for me Solomon Simon should have won this one. H he's the cage warriors featherweight champion of the world. Not to take away from anyone else, but that was the best achievement out of all the featherweights this year in my opinion, and I think he should have won. But h just to sort of recap it, I think Nikolai Gdev, maybe not as popular as the other ones, but uh his featherweight h win over Brett John's um that that is probably equally impressive as Solomon Simon's cage warriors win. Uh so shout out to him. Obviously Max Lally very impressive this year um picking up two two big wins. Uh Alex Sullivan actually had one win at featherweight and then win at lightweight which is he took a fight in short notice. So fair play to him. Pedro Carvalo won the WNC uh title. That was obviously a big win. Uh Scott Harvey picking up big win at Cage Warriors. TO on a tear. Got the win over Damen McKenna. Very impressive. James Gallagher obviously uh submitting the black belt um over in what's been disease. What's it called? >> Dubai. >> Dubai. >> Yeah. What's do you know what his promotion called? Manise one. Can't think of it off the top of my head. Not really a big deal. Uh Cory McLolin uh beating uh Nome Wii at PFL Europe. That was obviously a massive fight. Lots of eyes on it. And then Richie Smullan uh he defeated a 16-3 opponent in Octagon. So, some really impressive uh wins over there. But uh for me, Solomon was probably my featherweight of the year. But look, not going to take anything away from Max Daddy. Incredible year. You know, won his toughest fight today. And I think sky's limit for that guy. And I wouldn't be surprised to see him when Solomon Simon swans off the UFC after Cage Warriors 200. I wouldn't be surprised to see Max Sy pick up a Cage Warriors belt in the future. I think that's just something that's going to happen. >> Uh James Gallagher fought 971 MMA Ross. Uh >> 971 MMA as well. >> How did you forget that man? Gee, >> I don't know, man. Sorry. >> Research research was terrible today, man. Uh no, look, as as everyone in the country knows the the final three picks of Keith Ko, Max Lai, and Solomon Simon like that this the featherweight division in Ireland is absolutely stacked. Solomon Simon achieving gold and cage warriors like that is every person's dream to win that and eventually go to the UFC. Um Solomon it could be potentially headline Cage Warriors 200. It's either between himself or Patty Mccuri headlining Cage Warriors 200. We'll see what happens there. But like Kiko another phenomenal a phenomenal year. Um the way he won at in Cage Warriors twice. um the reception he got, even the way Cage Warriors are getting behind Keith Yo, like he is a star. And then also Maxi, like what more needs to be said, like I think he's the most supported, most uh like watched, like most followed. Um yeah, he he he has a superstar quality about him. It's just undeniable. >> Yeah. Uh I don't think there's many people in the country do not like Max Ali but uh >> yeah his his support units almost it's almost like its own organization in a way. >> Yeah. Yeah. Like for instance myself and Ross were at Cage Warriors the in Dublin. I think it was Maxi's debut in Cage Warriors and like we were walking around the arena and people were were talking to us walking around. They were like we came here just to see Maxi. We don't know him but we're here to see Maxi and it was like what like very impressive like all the No wonder >> he already has fans like proper fans. Yeah. Yeah. Like Yeah. Like Falconowski, training with Fulcanovski, the stuff you do in the background is great. Like a lot of these people, the ceiling is very, very high. I think like if you're new to this show and you're just finding out about these fighters, there's a lot of potential here. And as always, we'll be promoting them all as >> also. Out of all the votes, I think the pro featherweight had the most amount of votes out of all the pro fighters. >> Well, there you go. Then Ross may as well kick move into the lightweights as we had eight nominees. In the first one, it was between Omar Tugrev from Team KF, Derek Kelly from SVG Ireland, Marco Boychuk from Mars Martial Arts and Dennis Frampong from Manchester Top Team. And the winner in that category was Darra Kelly from SPG Ireland. And in the second category, Craig Mcgraten from Team KF, Dylan Logan from Kildara Martial Arts, Conor McCarthy from SPG Ireland, and Roman David from Team KFGA Sport. >> Sorry, you know what? I was actually put off because I'm looking at Roman Davis's name and it was spelled wrong. So, the winner in both categories, Derek Hy went toe-to-toe with Conor McCarthy and the winner was Conor McCarthy from SVG Nav Ross. >> Yeah. Uh look, Conor McCarthy had a a fantastic year picking up wins in Cage Warriors. Uh Omar Tugarev, if he finished the year out as the champion, may maybe it could have been him. Obviously, he picked up the lightweight belt, which which was huge. Um Marco Boychuk on the on the regional scene, phenomenal year. Derek Kelly and PFL, phenomenal year. Dennis Rimong, another one who uh I think sometimes if you lose your last fight of the year, it can really hinder you. But uh he had a phenomenal year. Roman David sensational uh cage warriors uh debut. Craig Mcgaten I think went three and 0 this year. H I feel like he's like a silent assassin of Irish MMA. I feel like he doesn't get the props he deserves, but uh he uh is definitely picking up the wins. And then Dylan Logan H looks like he's going to be the K2 Warriors 200 card um is making a real resurgence in MMA. Um and look, I'm looking forward to seeing what he does this year. But Dar Kelly versus uh Conor McCarthy in the final. I think both men definitely deserve that recognition and Conor McCarthy picks up the award. Fair play, John. Phenomenal year for him. >> Yeah, it was it was uh really excited to see what both lads do as well cuz like Derek Kelly sort of goes under the radar. I think that's the way he's getting booked with PFL. Uh Conor Conor McCarthy made a big splash in the yellow gloves with Cage Wires. So, it's going to be a big year for both lads. Both undefeated and definitely two to keep an eye on. Ross. Then we'll go into the welterweight division. There was two pages of this. The first four were Leon Hill from Team KF, Troy Gibson from Fight Academy Ireland, Adam Derby from Team Rhino, and Keane Cowi from SPG Ireland. And the winner in that category was Adam Derby from Fight Academy Ireland. And the second category was Team KF's Omar Shabban, SVG Ireland's Owen Sheridan, Fight Academy Ireland's Reese McKe, and Shoot the Box. This is very own Ian Machado Garry. And the winner was Ian Machado Garry. And the finale between Adam Derby and Ian Gary was won by SPG uh sorry shoe the box's very own Ian Machado Gary Ross. >> Yeah look obviously Ian in Garry's beaten top five guys in the UFC former champions in the UFC welld deserved. I don't think uh Adam Derby would say he had a better year than Ian Gary did but uh Adam Derby had a phenomenal year went 3 and 0 big wins. Leon Hill had a brilliant year main event at Cage Wires Dhamland. Uh Troy Gibson was in one of the fights of the year against uh Benny Johnson up in Kuma which was great to see. Key won the MMA Gala uh welterweight belt and then was unfortunately uh had had that injury. Arman Shabban looked great this year. Some leg kick TKO finishes and then Reese McKe picked up uh that elusive win in the UFC. Uh unfortunately he he uh lost last fight. But look, one of the most exciting things of uh 2026 is to see well Reese McKe uh fight next. I'm really looking forward to seeing that. Will it be PFL? Will we see him back at Cage Warriors 200? Who knows? Who knows, Baz? >> Yeah. No, there was someone um there was a Muay Thai fighter who left a comment on the Emma Gary post. I'm just trying to find here. I was just a bit like that was a bit reckless. Someone going uh what's his name? Tom Tom Lacy Muay Thai was rigged and then uh there was another comment as well. >> Um I think he was he was bad mouthing or something but uh I rigged how can we rig this man? >> Yeah, explain to the people how can we possibly rig this man? >> There's literally no way of us rigging it. I have a vote. Barry has a vote. >> I think the page itself has a vote. So like we have three votes between the three of us and that's it. Like that's that's how much we can sway it. >> Yeah. >> Oh, it's so funny, man. Um Ross, no. Shout out to Ian. I like it's going to be very very exciting year for Ian Mashadow Gary and for Sham to see can he actually win the world title this year because that's definitely the plan. >> So Ross, then we go to the pro female >> fighter. >> Oh, we put that poll out. Sorry. Um, the middleweight fighter of the year was the nominations were Brian Manning from MMA Cork, Jordan O'Neal from Fight Academy Ireland, Patty Mccuri from Fight Fight Academy Ireland, and Mere Jam Mawish from Fight Academy Ireland. Ross, and the winner was Fight Academy Ireland's very own Patty Mccuri. Ross, what did you make of this one? Yeah, look, Patty Mccari, next time we see him will be Cage Warriors 200. He will be fighting for the middleweight title. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. Patty McCari h had a phenomenal year obviously uh he had tough as well and he coming off that um he had some really impressive wins and >> Dana White's contender series >> Dana White's contender series sorry that's what I that's what I was thinking of not tough h and he beat that Asian dude who I'm not going to try and say his name um so look he he wasn't happy with his performance he came back look l look good in cage warriors and look he's fighting for the belt so I'm looking forward to seeing Patty Mccari in 2026. I think this could be his breakout year. Um, and look, he's flirted with the UFC twice now, so I think win the Cage Warriors belt will be enough to get him signed. H Brian Manning is obviously fighting Octagon at the end of this month. That's going to be absolute mustsee TV. One of the most entertaining fighters this country has to offer. Uh Jordan O'Neal. Oh, we saw the absolute carnage in his last fight. Hands down. Taken against uh was it Mitch Mitch Repos, I think his name or something. Maybe I'm making that up. But anyway, it was one of the most exciting fights I've ever seen uh live. And then Mar is doing uh doing bits over in NFL. I'd love to see him fight a ca fighting Cage Warriors maybe next because I think he is absolutely sensational to watch. Yeah, in the comments as well, Fight Academy Ireland's Shando said, "Brian Manning versus Mere on Cagewars 200 is the fight to make." That that actually >> Oh, actually, hold on. If they're in Octagon, I think Mor would assume Octagon as well. Get Mere in Octagon and have Brian Manning versus Mck in Octagon. >> That would be very, very good. Um, but look, Patty Mccuri is going to be very interesting. As I said earlier, will he headline Cage Warriors 200 or will Solomon Simon headline Cage Warriors 200? We I cannot wait to find out. Um we also because >> they should do a poll. >> Well, we do the polls and whoever they should do a poll. Um Ross then because there was no other light heavyweights with a winning record or heavyweights with a winning record. Bar Will Flurry, he was announced the pro heavyweight light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, which is very fitting because he is the octagon light heavyweight and heavyweight champion. And we haven't been back since he won. He reclaimed his heavyweight title. Ross Will Flurry. Will [ __ ] Flurry, bro. >> Man, what a fighter. What a guy. And the way he absolutely dispatched and there's no better way opponent than he dispatched Martin Buddha. Uh unbelievable performance. Phenomenal from Will Flurry. Uh he really is the best heavyweight outside the UFC. H I love to see him fight uh Philip to Freeze next. actually he's the KSW champion and he's been the KSW champion for a long time and he is out the Uh UK. So I think that's uh that's an absolute whopper fight if we can get that. Uh let me see. I'm I'm actually just as we are live here I'm actually just going to look up uh Philip the Freeze here and just see one of Tom Aspenol's main training partners as well. >> Yeah, exactly. And like I I just think that's something that like I'm I am so here for. >> Yeah. Just as >> ahead, >> sorry. Just as we pull up here because I think I think Philip Free is on now outrageous win streak. The same as uh same as uh Will Flurry. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 fight win streak. Philips freeze on. So like let's make that happen. And his last fight um was in the Czech Republic as well. So why not do Octagon KSW crossover and do Will Flurry versus Philip the Freeze? Who wouldn't watch that? >> Will Flurry clip this and tell him that's what you want? Because I know Will Flurry wants all the biggest matchers. >> Yeah, exactly. Yeah. What a win as well. Shout out big potentially the biggest win in the Irish MMA history that against Martin Bud. >> Yeah, outside the UFC. Yeah, >> outside the UFC. Yeah, definitely Ross. Then the pro female fighter of the year we there was only two nominations that was Shauna Bannon from Hoola Martial Arts and Shenade Nuline from GB Top Team and the winner was Hoola Martial Arts very own Shauna Mama Bannon. Yeah, look obviously she got the sensational armbar comeback at UFC London. Uh again, like those UFC wins carry an awful lot of weight. Uh unbelievable win from Sha Bannon. Looking forward to seeing her get back out in 2026. I'm going to assume she's fighting around March time on that London card. And uh yeah, definitely looking forward to seeing Mama B back in the cage. And look at an absolute phenomenal career resurgence from Chenade Nulan. I feel like she's putting it all together as well. uh at GB top team. I remember commentating um she was fighting Keran Vernon at the maths nationals the first one and you could just see in her she has actually all the tools to win but I think the biggest thing was getting down to that straw weight class was a big thing for her and now that she's down at that straw weight weight class I think if she you know m make sure she keeps the weight off her and keeps down at that straw weight limit I think she is an absolute handful for anyone she's tough as nails she puts together her striking combos really really well and she has great balance as well. So like she's very hard to take down so she can keep the fight on the feet where she's most comfortable and I think she is a problem for anyone at 115 pounds. >> Yeah. Isn't she booked again for May? >> I think so. Yeah, >> it's May. It's not March. I think it's May, isn't it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. Uh actually gets here before that if you can. >> Yeah. I think they're talking of her doing a bare knuckle boxing fight against your one Megan and Neil from I think Belfast one. But sure, we'll see what happens, man. Um, we will let everyone know, Ross. Then we have to go into the fights. We started off with the Energizer Shows all Irish pro fight of the year. Um, there were eight fightings in total, so we split them up again. We kicked it off with Brady versus Grov at your fighting championships. Uh, Osullivan OS Sullivan versus Toman at Cage Warriors. Um, Betty Johnson against Miguel against Adakuma and M Mc Mucklin versus Wedi at PFL. And the winner of that category was Mclolin versus Wedi at PFL. And in the second category was Boychuk versus Gilpin atkuma, Manning versus Kelly at Virtuous, Benny Johnson versus Troy Gibson at Akuma, and Elliot versus Moana at Cagewires. And the winner of that category was the Manning versus Kelly. And the this one like got a lot of votes, Ross. And the final winner was Cory McGlaughlin versus Nahome Wii at PFL Europe won. Ross, obviously Cory%. Did it win by like 51% or something? It was something like ridiculously close, wasn't it? >> Yeah, this one was won. But with 51% of the votes, the amount of people came in and voted. Cory McGloin obviously won this fight. Ross, what did you make of this and the way people got involved because uh Mahome Wy started calling people out talking about this like these votes and these awards meant meant something to people. Ross, >> yeah, 100%. Look, I thought Manning versus Kelly was obviously a great fight in the runnerup spot. H obviously had it controversy which we won't get back into, but like h yeah, it was it the fight itself was an absolute uh slugfest of a fight for the two lads. who two brilliant uh characters. Also, massive shout out to Benny Johnson who makes absolute wars of fights, both fights against Troy Gibson and uh Liam Miguel. Like we were at them live. That could add a bit of bias in there, but they could could have been the fights of the year. H I'll also say the finishing sequence for Brady Grov is absolutely insane. And I went back and watched these fights before doing the putting them together. And if you actually look about 40 seconds before Brady wins, you were like, if someone told you Brady wins this fight in the next 40 seconds, you'd probably never believe it. Unbelievable sequence. But that in the home um versus McLolin fight, it had the bad blood. I had the skill. I had a bit of everything in it. Uh maybe maybe not so much bad blood, but they sold the fight well. And uh this was the fight that uh people people thought was the best fight of the year. And look, I think one thing you can say is, you know, you might have a favorite fighter or a loyalty to a gym. I think when you're asked what your favorite fight is, you throw all that out the window and you pick the fight that you thought was the best and people thought versus Corin McLolin was the best fight of the year. And look, I think I wouldn't mind I actually wouldn't mind seeing them run it back to be honest. >> Yeah. also has that like fight academy Ireland against against SPG Ireland. So it was uh it had it all really. You know what I mean? >> Then Ross for the people that tuning in like there's a lot more stuff goes on behind the scenes in Irish mixed mart mixed martial arts. It's not just the fighters. Obviously they are everyone's there to see them but there there's a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes like the likes of your referees, your photographers, your commentators, >> um obviously the people that run the events but we wanted to give special categories to different people that get involved. >> Yeah. Show show some limelight on some people who maybe don't get the limelight on a regular basis. >> Yeah. So that's why we go Energized Irish MMA Awards Referee of the Year and the nominees were Aaron Wallace, Derek Hickey, Deck Larkin, and Steve Moore. And the winner was Derek Hickey. Um Ross, Derek Hickey, that was a great year for him. >> Yeah, look, Derek Hickey had a great year. He's uh one of the top refs in the country, no doubt about it. Um did quite a lot of judging duties. I'm pretty sure he ref cage warriors on PFL this year. So look absolutely phenomenal to see. Um the higher up that uh any Irish person can get across um the MMA sphere is is always something that we're proud of. Uh Aaron Wallace was part of the UFC commission team I think over in Doha. H the UFC's Aaron Wallace as he's now called. H that was that was really really cool. Obviously Declar is an absolute staple for Brave Combat Federation refereeing. And then Steven Moore, who uh most people probably know for running Akuma, was refing quite a lot this year. He was refing amateur fights. He was refing pro fights. Obviously, he runs his own gym as well. So, I think special shout out to him because it's not easy to h juggle that many plates. But, uh again, sometimes they're shortening referees in MMA across the country. So, really, really helpful to have someone like him who can do it all. Um, so shout out to Steven Moore as well. Uh, some great referees in this country were we're blessed blessed to have him and again their job is to keep the fighters safe and they do a very good job of it. >> Exactly. Then we went with the photographers of the year. Like as you know myself and Ross put a lot of content out and some of these guys work that we we obviously like like need to use it for making the winners posters this that and the other. So their work shouldn't be underestimated. Uh the nominees were Amy Kelly from five pals, Nikki Cole NC Shooter, Steven Terror as Bloody Shamrock and Chris Scott from Tenu MMA. Russ, the winner was unanimously voted as Nikki Cole from as also aka NC Shooter. >> Yeah, it's it's cool cuz these guys have like different styles. Uh, and one thing I will say is a lot of these guys will go to an awful lot of shows throughout the year and you know you won't go to a show where you know Stephen, Amy, Chris, Scott or Nikki is not like there one of them will be at all them if not multiple of them will be at uh certain events. So like really really cool to see um the guys put in an awful lot of work. Um they take some unbelievable shots, some action shots, some celebration shots, you know. Um let's not uh underestimate their role in the MMA scene. Like obviously h sometimes like we'll use their f photos and I know sometimes we forget to credit them, which is terrible on us, but we try our best to do it every time, but also like the fighters build their social media a lot of the time based off these photos as well. So, let's not underestimate uh how good these guys are at their jobs. And look, sometimes if they're not there, people don't know the results of the show. So, that's just that's just the truth of the matter. So, uh unbelievable stuff from all them. Um so talented and so vital for all the runs of the shows. Exactly. Exactly. Uh then Ross, we also did one for the commentator of the year. The nominees were Dave Farrell, Andrew McAdan, Phil Campbell, and Paul Brown. And the winner was Phil Campbell Ross. Yeah, look uh Phil Campbell is probably the most experienced commentator uh on the list. Uh obviously himself and Paul Brown probably do most of the shows h in Ireland. They they definitely have the most shows on their list. I would say h Andrew McGon is obviously a great commentator. Uh unique quirky style. Obviously Dave Farrell has entered the commentary fray um this year and obviously he's he's been signed up to quite a few shows. So great to see that as well. Look, there was plenty of other commentators that like could have maybe been nominated, but we're trying to get the ones who were on the most amount of shows, you know what I mean? Um like like someone wrote Aaron Butler who commentates for Gladiator, found him very entertaining, enjoyed watching him. H I think Matthew Elliot was commentating at Wrath. found that re reenter obviously reds are comates for cage wires uh which is obviously a high-profile position as well. So there there are plenty there but uh look Phil Campbell has been a mainstay in Brave which is a huge organization for a very long time and it's nice to just take note of how good he is at his job how lucky we are to have him on the regional scene and the energized awards went global because uh people in Bahrain started writing articles about us h and Phil Campbell winning the award so h I think that's absolutely yes but uh look we love Phil Campbell he's an absolute sensational on his job and yeah, much deserved. I'm glad the people of Ireland have recognized him as the commentator of the year for 2025. >> Yeah, the thing is that's undeniable about Phil as well. Not only has he got a great uh dress sense, but also his passion on the mic is uh cannot be under underestimated. >> Great vocabulary as well. >> So, Ross, then we went to the co team of the year, which are extremely vital as well. Uh the nominations were Inside Out Care and Shamrock Hut Team and the anonymous winner was Inside Out Care. Ross, how important are these people to the Irish MMA scene? >> Yeah, but look, um obviously congrats to Jess, Brian, and the rest of the crew at Inside Out Care. Um again, like these shows, these shows can't run without the cut teams. So that's how important they are. No cut team, no show. Um that's as simple as and fair play to Shamrock cut team as well. U they they had massive year as well. I think that they h work some of the Misfits boxing shows as well. So, like really really cool to see both teams thriving. Uh there's plenty of uh combat sports events all across um Ireland and even in the UK. Like if you think if you think about the amount of Irish shows there are each year and then if you add in like whatever Muay Thai and kickboxing shows there are on top the cut team are so bad you need it. Um they're probably stretched as well. like I'm sure um maybe get on to Jess if you're interested in becoming a cup person because I think they run courses every now and then because uh look >> it's one most vital part if not potentially the most vital part um to keep fighters safe and help them go the distance as they say. >> Exactly. Then Ross we get into the Irish amateur title fight of the year. There were 12 nominees. So Ross, the first four are Shields versus Ryan at Cage Conflict, Masky versus McGill at Gladiator, uh, Slavin versus Kio at your Fighting Championships and Buckley versus Wallace at Wrath. The winner in that category was Masky versus McGill. Then the next one was Matan versus Cleveland at Akuma, Roads versus Miguel at Cage Conflict, Serenan versus Ryan at York Fighting Championships, and Nadar-filly versus Kroni at Elite Fighting Championships. And the winner in that category was Man versus Cleveland. And the last the final four, Eagers versus Oil at Akuma, Serenan versus Mass Oliver at Cage Conflict, Barnett versus Halpony at Clan Wars, and Patton versus Macakerti at Clan Wars 52. And the winner in that category was Seren versus Massolliver. And the final three were Mahan versus Cleveland at Akuma, Masky versus McIll at Gladiator, and Seren versus Massiver at Cage Conflict. And the people voted that the energized all Irish army title fight of the year was Masky versus Migill at Gladiator Hair. Ross, what a scrap that was. We were talking about it earlier. We're back again, baby. >> Yeah, I think I think it was an absolute phenomenal fight. I think a lot of good title fights this year. I think that H Cleon versus uh Matt fight was absolutely epic as well. H another fight that I think maybe didn't get as much love as I thought it would. Eagers versus [ __ ] was an absolute war. They fought in a foam boot that Akuma. But uh look, Masky versus Miguel, two of the top amateurs in the country. H went toe-to-toe. Absolute war. And look, I'd love to see them running back again. That was no doubt about it the amateur title fight of the year. Unbelievable fight. >> Yeah, it was very difficult to get the title fights as well, Ross. There's so many good ones. You don't want to leave anyone out. >> No. Then we're on the home straight now, Ross. Right. So, we did the Energizer Shows promotion of the year cuz these promotions are very, very vital for everyone involved. So, the first four were Gladiator, Clan Wars, Chaos, and Wrath. And the winner in that category was Clam Wars. The next one was Farz Fighting Championships, Evolution, Euro Fighting Championships, and Cage Conflict. And the winner in that category was Cage Conflict. And the final four, Virtuous, Akuma, Valor, and Elite Fighting Championships. And the winner in that category was Akuma. So the final three were Akuma Fighting Championships, Clan Wars, and Cage Conflict. And Ross, the winner was Clam Wars for the Energized Promotion of the Year. They also won it last year. Ross, what you make of Clown Wars this year? And what are you expecting in 2026 from them? >> Look, Clan Wars put on a very well polished professional show. when you watch it live on the streams, it is a really really good show to watch um >> in person. I'm sure it looks fantastic as well. Haven't been up to one. Um must get up to one at some stage, but look, Clan Wars seem to put on a really really really professional show. Um must say Gladiator obviously it's a it's a new promotion. It's only three uh three fights in. Very very impressed with that so far. Chaos is one of the longest run shows in the country. So, uh, great to see and I know they've leaned into the alpha project a lot, which is great for them because it probably sells a lot of tickets. So, fair play them there. Wrath also a newcomer. Really, really impressive. See, again, Far Fighting Championships, newcomer, and Evolution. Um, bit longer longer in the in the tooth than Far Fighting Champions of course, but great to have shows down south. Really really important h to have that. Obviously, your Fighting Championships is a real fan favorite. People people love that. And then Cage Conflict always puts on a good show. The Devonish is always packed to the rafters. Uh really high level fights and top top level people. I know you're thinking the pleasure boys keep keep professional. Uh and then obviously uh Virtuous Her promotion same with Valor. H great to have them at it coming into the fray. H Akum has been a main say for a long time. Really good matchmaker from Steven Mo up there. And Elite is actually a newer promotion, but they are really really powering on, putting on a lot of shows. I think we'll see Elite fighting Championship 7 this year uh or this this January. And I'm pretty sure they're only in business about 18 months. So they are milling out the shows at the moment. So fair play to all of them. In terms of Clan Wars winning it, look at at the end end of the day, people are going to have their favorite shows. People, I'm sure, have their favorite shows to uh fight on. I'm pretty sure people probably have their favorite shows to listen to the commentary on. People probably have their favorite shows for everything. But look, Clan Wars, obviously the people are big fans. They voted as the as the promotion the year again. So, fair play to uh Christine, Paul, and the team up there. Uh they do a great job. >> Yeah, they do. They do. Well, shout out to all the promotions. Like, to be honest, like they're covering all them, and >> it's uh something I love to do. So, uh, I cannot wait for 2026 to see what's going down. Ross, then we got into the ones that people really, really got interested in. Ross, first of all, we're going to kick it off with the amateur gym of the year before we do the pro gym of the year. So, there was four, eight, 12, 16 gyms nominated for the amateur gym of the year. In first category, Team Rhino, NextG Northern Ireland, ZKJ, and Hulham Martial Arts. And the winner in that category was team Rhino. Then next four, Samson's martial arts, CMAC MMA, Aerog Grapple and Fight Academy Ireland. And the winner in that category was CMAC. Then we go into TKF, Krin, SPG NACE, and Sand Martial Arts. And the winner in that category was SPG Charletown. Oh, sorry. SPG NA. Sorry, excuse me. Oh, no, sorry, excuse me. Sorry, it was Kinyok. Sorry, excuse me. Sorry, I'm looking at the wrong team. Uh then the the final four, team Torres, MA Cork, SVG Charlestown, and SPG Ireland. And in the winner of that category was SPG Charlestown. And then the final four Ross for amateur gym of the year were Team Rhino, Kinyok, SPG Charles, and CMAC. And the winner was CMAC, MMA Ross. Straight out of Blancherstown, baby. Yeah. D15. Uh big win for the guys in CMAC. Uh they had Nick Revenue win the elite uh welterweight title. They had Daniel Arrow win the Akun middleweight title. Kaio Sullivan won IMAF European Championship. Jake and Guy Hur Championships, elite fighting championships and the IMAC gold medalist. And then we also had Henry Leo win the win the Wrath title. So plenty of gold being brought home to CMAC. Um, just for anyone who was wondering why other gyms might not have been included in there, h the minimum requirement was that gym to have brought home one piece of domestic gold uh to be nominated. So, if you didn't bring home any domestic gold, you weren't eligible to be in there. Um, so look, T-Mac had an undeniably good year. I don't think anyone will um be too upset that they were the eventual winners. And now we're going to move on to the pro gyms. Basmo >> Ross the pro gym of the year right so we there was eight gyms nominated right in the first four were team Rhino MMA cork error grapple and hoola martial arts and the winner in that category was team Rhino and then in the other category team KF CMAC MMA SG Ireland and Fight Academy Ireland and right now it is still live but the final two are team Rhino against CMAC and as it stands Right now, team Rhino are winning with 56% of the votes. Obviously, CMAC have 44% of the votes. Um, >> it's tight. >> It is very tight. Who, this is obviously coming out tomorrow. The winner would already been announced. Who do you think is going to be the Energize Shows Pro Gym of the Year for 2025? >> Look, I'll start off giving um some props to CMAC. I think uh obviously Kiko was phenomenal this year. Alex Sullivan was phenomenal this year. Jordan Bradshaw was phenomenal this year. Um Trevor Mckeno was he one and one this year. Um there there was obviously um some great performance out of the guys not going to lie. The gym and overall hole absolutely smashed it this year. Um you know a lot to be proud of the team there and they're a young team as well. I don't think they have a pro who's more than three or four fights into the pro game. So um shout out to CMAC. Um, for me, I'm just going to edge it to Team Rhino just because they brought home that Cage Warriors featherweight title. I think Solomon Simon. Um, that that was one of the biggest moments of the year in Irish MMA. Obviously, Adam Jarby went three and0 in Cage Warriors this year. Very, very impressive. I think Lewis Burn added two wins. Jamie Abby Bissa had a win. Um, J Harris went one and one this year. So, look, two two absolute brilliant pro gyms. I think SPG Ireland are probably unlucky as well just just almost solely based on the fact Will Flurry is uh picking up wins over Martin Budet um and Nicol Nikolai Gdev as well uh picked up the WOFC FC featherweight title. So uh shout out to SPG Ireland as well. Um, some gyms um could really put a massive push on next year, but some gyms only had like one professional fighter winning and you can't be a oneman band. We need to have a few fighters on on there. Just in case you're like, why wasn't that gym up for pro gym of the year? >> Yeah, exactly. Um, it's looking like team are going to win it as well. But, uh, look, all the gyms do epic work. And the thing is this is like at the end of the year it's it's like it's I think it's good for gyms to be recognized as the gym of the year. Um yeah for all categories as we saying from the cut teams to the announcers to the fighters to the amateurs to the pros. It's um it's good like who else is really doing it? Like um people need to be like like show people need to know who is the fighter of the year. Who's the person I'm going to watch this year, Laura? Like, >> yeah, we let the people decide it like, you know, >> the people decide this. We don't decide. >> Yeah, >> we as Ross said, we only get a vote each. Um, Ross, as it's looking like team Rhino are about to be the pro gym of the year. Um, I also had to I also forgot while we're going through this. Uh, hopefully people are have enjoyed this show so far, so make sure to like and subscribe. I want to mention the lightweight pro fighter of the year. people got into the DMs and the comments and were asking why didn't Paul Hughes get nominated for the Irish fighter lightweight fighter of the year. >> Yeah, look at the end of the day um Paul Hughes went one and two last year and like that's not a knock on him. He put on sensational performance against uh Usman Magdov. He if it was who was the best lightweight fighter, he'd be there and he probably blow everything out the water. But at the end of the day, uh we we can't have people in the nominations who had had lo record um within the calendar year. And look, at the end of the day, I don't think Paul use was happy with the year he had. He is an absolute winner. He has an elite mindset. He wants to be the best in the world, and to be the best in the world, he knows he has to pick up that that world title. So, look, it wasn't a knock on Paul's. If anyone had a a losing record, they wouldn't have been in there. So look, I understand people people's sort of sentiment that like yes, he brings a lot of eyes to the sport. Yes, he is like absolute top elite talent. Like if you want to say he's the best fighter in the world, like totally can see people make that argument as well. Um big fan of Paul, always have been. Follows his career from the start. Just uh wasn't the year he would have hoped for this year. And look, he can easily become the 2026 lightweight fighter of the year. >> Exactly. Exactly. Well said. Well said. I he I think he was runner up for the Irish fighter of the year last year. Oh, no. Did he beat Did he beat Ian in the end? I think Paul won it last year. >> Yeah. >> So, there you go. Um, look, all these people are going to have like like great years. Like, I mean, myself and Ross are so excited to cover the whole entire scene yet again. like this is going to be our 11th lap covering uh sorry doing the energy show and like co like we cannot wait to cover these events even more so a lot of the um promotions were in touch with us saying they want us at their events so we're in discussions to do that uh we're hoping to bring a lot of lot of value to each or each uh promotion this year um like we just look forward to what is in store for 2026 um Ross we are here uh nearly an hour. Um we just have to say what is happening um this coming week cuz the UFC is back. Uh but we just want to let you know on Friday night Zufa Buff Zufa Boxing's first event ever is going down in the Meta Apex. Uh King Callum Walsh is headlining the event. Um then UFC 324 is going down this weekend as Patty the Baddy faces just Justin Justin Gachi for the interim world lightweight title. Uh we have a poll out at the moment saying who is people backing uh team Justin Gatey or team Patty Pimlet and right now it's 80% for Patty the Batty to win. Ross, what you make of this main event before we wrap up the show? And uh who do you think is going to win the main event? Yeah, I think uh Patty the Batty has turned a lot of fans around. I feel like a lot of people maybe thought he was limited or weren't mad in the way he fights and along stuff along those lines. But look, Patty the Baddy is here to stay and I think this is a very winnable match up for him. I like the style match up for him. I think if uh you know if Gachi is looking for that brawl and you know he can't hurt Patty early on I think in the first seven or eight minutes I think Patty Patty will you know finish him in the later rounds and I think Patty the Batty via either submission or TKO round four is going to be my prediction for this one and the interim they're both going to be on it um there look people love Patty people hate Patty Um the thing is like I just think he's like very very entertaining and like obviously we're big fans of uh the next gener over Liverpool as well like so like obviously we're like I'm going to be packing pack backing Patty. It's just going to be very interesting to see what type of Justin Gate he enters the octagon like is he because he everyone has the memories of like the this wild man like is he a bit long in the tooth? Who knows? We will find out this weekend. Um, obviously Amanda Nunees isn't fighting Kayla Harrison as Kayla Harrison got injured. So the co-main event is going to be Shauna Mali versus Sona Dong. Also keep an eye out for Derek Lewis against Waldo Cortez Aosta. And also want to give a shout out to Arnold Allen is fighting Jen Silva as well. Let me just check out the prelim card. Is there Umar Nagamedov against Deonson Figeredo is also a fight not to be missed. Um, let's check out the early prelims. Um, nothing too crazy on there, Ross. That wraps up the show. >> Yeah, really, really does. >> Those are some awards, man. Like nearly a month long doing the awards. You know that. Started on the 22nd. H, they're going to end today on the 19th. The show comes out on the 20th. And we're back. >> You got to give the people what they want. Basmo. You got to give the people what they want. >> Just has to be done, man. Like, it's only once a year you give, you reflect on the year. give these people their >> shout outs and let them know that uh >> people appreciate all the hard work they put in from everyone involved and we cannot wait to see it this year. Um the schedule the schedule dictates when the award takes place as well. I think was it Leaf Fighting Championships had a show on the 21st of December I think this year or something they were late someone had a show late anyway that like meant we couldn't start the awards till later on. So the awards are going to be dictated by the calendar. So for some people who are like, "Oh, would you not start the awards earlier?" It's dictated by the M8 handler, so not dictated by us. >> Exactly. And then shout out to Ross for making all the artwork as well. Like so, uh, look, it it takes a long time. >> Spelling all the names wrong. >> Pery catching me, trying to catch me out for spelling names wrong. I can't believe that Roman David one went over my head. But but look, and the masky one. Oh no, there was another one. Was it it? It was Gladiator spelled wrong. And there was another one. >> Shout out to Roman David. Okay, so Ross, uh, we want to give a shout out to everyone. Thank you very much for checking out the show. If you are new here, make sure to like and subscribe. Uh, there are huge events coming up in the next few weeks. Um, we're already booked in to go to ADCC and Cagewires 200. Um, there's other big Irish events that we're looking forward to as well. And then there's big guests coming every week. Make sure to like, make sure to share, make sure to subscribe, and as always, stay energized. >> Stay energized. The Enjoy Show up the Irish. The Enjoy 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.