Kieran Davern | ADCC Ireland Preview, Cage Warriors 200 Breakdown & UFC Is Back | The Energized Show

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What is up and welcome to The Energized Show! On this episode Eire Grapple Head Coach Kieran Davern joins us to discuss ADCC Ireland, Cage Warriors 200 Dublin & UFC News along with all the latest combat craic. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Hit the notification bell for more…

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I think the sports blowing up. Who knows? By the time uh this time next year, you know, we might need a bigger venue. >> Yeah. Recognized recognized now in Ireland >> by the Irish Sports Council as well, which is it's pretty cool as well. Do you know what I mean? It's that's been like years like in the making and stuff. So, that's pretty cool. It be interesting to see how that plays out over the next little while. And you know, the young kids doing the sport and that obviously deserve uh you know, they deserve to have like say compete in a legitimate sport. Diana Joish. >> Here we go. It's time. >> Okay. What's going on, guys? And welcome to a brand new episode of Energize brought to you by Orca Kings Competitions. Ross, >> are you intoxicated or something? >> Introduce a guest man. Today we are bringing you BJJ Black Belt Phenom. It is the one and only. It's Mr. ADCC Ireland. It's Mr. Eric Grapple. It's your favorite Davern. It's the one and only. It's Kieran Davvern. >> Thanks very much for having me. I appreciate and thanks for the introduction. >> Yeah, welcome back to the show, bud. >> Thanks very much. Thanks for having me. >> Anytime, bud. Anytime. Look, uh obvious obviously you're on for uh to speak about ADC Ireland. The Celtic Championship is live February 21st from DCU. We can we're going to be there. It's going to be an absolute phenomenal event. How much forward how much are you looking forward to it to uh being there and enjoying the competition on the day or is there any headaches left for you to to get rid of? >> No, there's like just kind of we we take everything, you know, take everything as it comes and uh we're kind of well used to setting up now and kind of dealing with where we have to deal with like the week of a competition that but for me it's like really enjoyable. you know, you get to watch like say a load of kind of great matches, kind of meet a load of people on the Irish jiu-jitsu scene, and it's just a good buzz, you know what I mean? It's like I've kind of said before the last time we're on on the shows. Like for me, it feels more of an event on a day out rather than just a competition. So, yeah, I really look forward to it. It's kind of you get to as a coach, it's great to look at, you know, what kind of younger athletes and that are kind of using and um you get to kind of see like say people that have been around years and how their games have developed and stuff like that. But yeah, re really enjoyable day. I really enjoy it. >> Last time was actually my first time being part of the like jiu-jitsu world and it was actually like like very very enjoyable and that's why we're definitely going back this weekend, Ross, aren't we? >> Yeah, absolutely. I I can't wait for it. I I suppose you got a little taster for the competition uh over over the over the last couple of days. You were over in Serbia for the ADCC trials. Which Irish competitors impressed you most over there? And did you get to see a lot of a lot of them compete? >> Yeah, I I got to watch a good few of them. Uh Richie B went on a good run from East Coast Jiu-Jitsu. He uh picked up a couple of good wins. Um John Luca picked up a couple of good wins as well. Um I think he just lost out in a medal. Um Jack Dolan had two really good performances. Uh young lad from East Coast. Well, Charlie Burn did really well. Um hope I'm not forgetting anyone, but yeah, o overall like say you know the lads lads did fantastic. It's a really really high level competition and uh you know it's great to see some Irish lads competing at at that level. >> Yeah, absolutely. It's great. It really really is good to see the Irish athletes on the scene over there competing with the best in the world. Um very very impressed to see. I think John Luca actually was injured and couldn't compete in the bronze medal match. So >> Okay. >> Well, I think that's I think that's what he said on his Instagram. I I missed that one. And uh yeah, big fan of Richie B. I I remember him uh competing in the absolute division at the last ADCC over here. And for for a small guy, he really makes the big guys work to >> he had a match with Germaine or something at one stage, you know. >> Yeah, he did. Yeah, big size difference there. But yeah, no, he he's a gamer and uh he's around New Years and uh yeah, he he looked really good at the weekend. >> Yeah, exactly. And uh looks like we're getting Charlie this weekend by the looks of things as well. So Charlie Charlie back he was gold medal uh last time in the >> That's right. He just got bronze there in the intermediate division there in Serbia. So, he did he he did really well. He he had a good run that day. >> Bit of a target on his back maybe this weekend as as the man to be in that division, >> I'd say. So, yeah, because like obviously he took the gold the last time and that. So, I'm sure the the lads will be kind of chomping at the bit to get him. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Just just looking at this weekend's event, is there anything that like you've added or changed since the last time you you had the event on in the DCU Sports Complex? Yeah, like say every event we try improve like say improve it as you know the best we can and try try think of like say the the long you know long-term kind of goal of getting the tournament to where we want to eventually get it to um on like just kind of more more runners um you know we've like say brought in the best referees and judges that we have. We we want to make the tournament run as smoothly as possible for ourselves and for the athletes and the coaches. you know what I mean? Um, and I feel that like, you know, that's that's the most important thing is is to put on, like say a really professional event and like say make it run as smooth smoothly as possible and be like as time efficient as as we can as well. Do you know what I mean? Um, in regards our own stuff like say we we have the we we've new design for belts. So, we have them uh this weekend. We actually used them for the last one. So, this will be our time or this will be our last time using them for this event, but they're class ones. all the flags in the game. >> Yeah, they're unreal. So, we're gonna do them one more time for this event. Um, give everyone a chance to give the pros a chance to try to win it before we change up the design again. Um, we have a new kind of area for like say media and say people that want to kind of take pictures, a nice like 80C banner. You know, you kind of see them at certain events where you can just go over with your teammates and take pictures and have a nice backdrop in the background. Um, we have, like I say, a really cool like kind of uh real kind of like nice signage and stuff like that done. Uh, new PA system and everything else. So, yeah, we we've we've been working behind the scenes to to make it as uh professional as we can and just keep improving it. You know what I mean? So, that's the goal. Every every event if we can make it like say a little bit better, I feel over time that will compound into, you know, it being like a um or bringing the tournament to where we want to eventually bring it to. >> No, that's great. And al so as we said it is on the this Saturday the 21st of February. And also you have two more dates announced. One is the 16th of May and the 5th of September as well. So like it's going to be a very exciting schedule for BJJ practitioners competing on ADCC Ireland, isn't it Ross? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, absolutely. Look, it's uh especially especially on on the pro side of things. Like it's very rare that you'll get a big cash prize. you'll get an a nice belt to bring home. It's definitely one of the best competitions that you can compete in. And obviously, look, you know, you're going to get those ADCC eyes on you as well. Uh, you know, w with trials and stuff like that. It's some of the most pre prestigious no key that you can compete in. So, I think it's an absolutely phenomenal platform for anyone who does want to test themselves out. And look, you know, if you if you win an ADCC Pro Absolute, like you've got to be looked at one of the best in the country. There's no doubt about it. And look, some of the competitors that we have on display this weekend are going to be absolutely phenomenal. Uh, with that being said, Kieran, give us a list of five competitors there who you're looking forward to seeing tests this weekend. >> The five. So, I have a little list here just kind of uh who who I think is the the ones to watch out for this weekend. So, you have uh Grace Collie from Brew Grappling. Um, George Santos doesn't need any introduction. Um, shout out to Oshin McCabe, jiu-jitsu black belt, judo black belt, you know, uh, runs compound martial arts. I think he's he's very good. Um, so he'll be exciting to watch. Uh, Stuart Mull Peter, uh, he's won won the absolute, uh, couple of times on his division. And we've really good guy coming in from America, uh, Tom Head Hunter Higgins. So, they're my picks to watch out for this weekend. There's so many great athletes, but they're the the five that, you know, I feel that um I'm really looking forward to watching. >> Yeah, absolutely. And like I look at the the jiujitsu scene now and there's like these young blue belts almost who are absolute phenoms on the map and like they're really really really high level. Um like Funny competing. I feel like he competes at absolutely every tournament under the sun. >> Um I think there's a few others. Turlock Sheen from East Coast Jiu-Jitsu is very very good. Josh Scully is 22 years old. He's he's a black. Very good. >> Yeah, he's another one to watch out for. >> Yeah. And David Zamora who was uh from Lakeland h actually fought Tyrone Quinn in the bronze medal at the last ADC and that's he he actually fought his own coach which uh which is incredible to see. There's a few young guns there who who will be really really looking to make their own mark on it. So, I'm I'm really looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to seeing, you know, who's going to do it. And then, like, as you said, like someone like George Santos is is long been one of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the country. Again, like, you know, I mean, he has to defend his name, defend his school when when he's out there on the mats competing. And it's great to see so many head coaches competing as well like Gary Morris, I think, is competing as well, which >> Morris is there as well. Yeah. Uh uh John Kelly's competing as well. Uh load loads of loads of people's head coaches are going to be out there on the mat. So uh I think Peter Dell uh as well from sub city like really good guys. Darren Curtis from Madak, you know what I mean? >> Really really high level top coaches uh competing and that you know that makes it exciting for me. That makes me it does really want to really want to see it. Like even um >> even one of your own uh Adrien Elbert uh competing he has his own gym premier as well. So that's right. Yeah, >> it's going to be fast. And Al Alvin Lawler, another person who's like never off the mats at the competitions, you know what I mean? Like this is going to be some really high level stuff. Like who who whoever comes home with the with the belts this time out in the gold medals uh can really really say they earned it. Uh you know, it's it's really really high level stuff. But what else would you expect from ADC Ireland? >> Yeah. No, it's gonna it's going to be it's going to be a good day. And just kind of touch on the point um you know you were saying about the the blue belts and that like the level of them and there's um like we were at trials at the weekend and there was this young I don't know if he's he's possibly a purple belt now but he's like really he's I'd say he's no more than 20 years of age maybe maybe he's 20 years of age tops right but he had like a big upset like in the um in the pro division he he went against this uh he's from he's from Spain he uh he lives in Spain I don't know actually if he's he's originally from Spain but like beat this like Dagistani lad that's like world champion like he ended up hitting like a a lock on him and it was like a massive upset in the tournament you know a lot of these young lads like say these blue belts and that's where the experience is kind of built at blue belt had a conversation with Jack Dolan at the weekend obviously we were at trials and stuff and we were talking to with the young Ukrainian lad that was over with us as well Max and he was competing as well and and he's only a blue belt and uh Jack was kind of telling him like Jack had 150 matches as a blue belt just as a blue belt do you know what I mean it's like and now you see Jack today and he's like obviously he's 25 years of age and he's like a fantastic black belt and he's only getting going to get better. Do you know what I mean? I believe that he hasn't hit his prime yet but um just like blue belt is such an important belt to be to be competing at and I'm just it just when you brought that up it just kind of reminded me of the conversation I had with Jack about him having that many matches and you know there's no um there's no no secret to success as they say like a success leaves clues do you know what I mean? So it's just like get on the mats and compete as much as possible. >> 100%. and and these guys who are sort of age 16 to 22 and they're in that sort of blue belt bracket, I feel like they're all so hungry to compete and like yeah, >> it's not even about the belt. It's it's about want to be the best and wanting to win and like >> even even when I look at the the intermediate brackets and stuff like that like there's some really really high levels >> in there and I'm I'm sitting there and going like this is this is going to be really really good watching and even though like there's young lads like Warren Perry 17 year olds coming over nextg Liverpool you know I mean like it it's always interesting when you see guys coming out of their way to come over here to compete and >> yeah that's coming from America And there's a couple of lads coming from Barcelona and um you know a few different places we yeah we from like we kind of couple of people contacting us from uh different countries and stuff like that which is pretty cool to see you know see people traveling to the tournament and stuff like you know >> oh 100% I actually noticed there was actually quite a few people from Usbekistan >> that's what I was going to say to you they they contact us or contacted us um about like say coming to the event and then like say even the next event we've we've actually like say a couple of countries that have contacted us because some countries need to get like say a letter to bring a team over and compete you know we've had a we've had a team that want to come over like say from Nigeria you know for the next event and we have a team from uh Bulgaria coming as well you know I mean there's a there's there's a few countries that are after contacting us now for the next two events so the ne I think the next one may be pretty interesting with the uh couple of countries bringing some big teams >> if people are listening now and they're interested to sign up because like obviously if if you're watching you're you must be a either very interested or b just loving on the crack. H how would they actually get in contact with you? >> Um so if they want to sign up for the event, just go to Smooth Comp and just search ADCC Ireland or ADCC Celtic Championships and the registration will be open for the next couple of days. And if they've any questions about the event or anything like that, they can contact us on Instagram um through the ADCC Ireland page and and myself or one of the lads will uh get back to them, you know. So, um, but yeah, registration's still open on Smoothcom, so um, yeah, should be a good one this weekend. >> Yeah, you can even message us and we'll send you on the link if if you can't find the link. >> Yeah, >> like that's no bother. We'll we'll make it happen for you. But like, yeah, like I was saying, like the talent is unbelievable and I think uh a as time is going on like you know, I mean, like the the standards are just increasing and you know, the amount of people who are uh putting their best foot forward and getting on the mats is increasing as well. A huge ages as well. Do you know what I mean? There's lads there's lads like say even at trials at the weekend there's young lads from like 16 years of age you know 16 17 18 year years of age competing and there was lads like say well in into their 40s like doing the pro division and stuff like that. So it's great to see like you know jiu-jitsu is for everyone you know all ages all levels and especially a competition like this this weekend you could be like a complete beginner or you could be like a professional um you know professional level and and there's something there for you all weight classes and ages and everything else. We obviously have the the masters master pro division absolute as well. So that'll be interesting to see what George Santos do for a second time. Um that's what I like about ADC. There's always kind of like different stories and and different kind of narratives and and it's interesting to see how it all plays out in the day and how people navigate brackets and so on. >> Well, even if you're not bracket, it's a good idea to come down and just check it out and then you could sign up for the event on the 16th of May. >> Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And yeah, you can come down and have a watch, you know, have a have a look at it. Then >> what's what's the entrance fee to get in just as a spectator D? Do you know? >> Uh I think it's like a five or 10 or something like that. Um >> yeah, so you're not breaking the bank. >> If you're really nice, it's a Fiverr. If you're not, it's Tener. >> Use code Energize. >> Yeah, if you use code energize, it's 20. >> 20. >> Yeah, it should be should be a good day. And then obviously like Cage Warriors on that night as well. So, it's like a action-packed weekend for Irish grappling and MMA. >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. It's it's going to be an absolute uh phenomen phenomenal day. I'm really really looking forward to looking and seeing who who's become the absolute pro male champion, absolute uh female champion, and then the absolute master champion as well. Um >> and it's even great having the likes of yourselves there, you know, shout out to yourselves. um you know on the day you do a fantastic job of promoting the lads and and and the finishes and you know boosting their profile and all the stuff that you do. So it's great to have you there kind of like a giving the the grapplers kind of the the platform they deserved. You know what I mean? So it's you do a great job of uh promoting the sport as well. So fair play to you. Well, well, that's what it's all about. And I suppose part of uh part of us do doing the show and us trying to promote all forms of martial arts in the country is expanding our own horizons. And like we're definitely uh and I will say it's massive thanks to yourself and the ADCC Ireland crew that uh you know after doing the last one we we see like uh you know the jiu-jitsu competitors are are professional athletes whether they're paid or not a pro athlete. That's the way they train. That's the amount of hard work they put into and to show a bit of shine a bit of light on them is really cool. And also you see some absolutely phenomenal characters within the GS. >> 100%. Yeah. Yeah, you do. Yeah. >> Yeah. For better and worse. >> Yeah. Oh, 100%. And the thing is also like it's it's great to see people, you know, really really test themselves on the world stage. And it's great to see like uh obviously we had uh Mo and Jeanluca what's called over at Polaris and they were on opposite teams and like that was that was that was really cool you know you see Reds over and Polaris and then you see everyone at like you know Jack Dolan and the lads over at the ADCC trials like you see all the all these uh guys really putting themselves out there on on the world stage and it's great for those young people to see those people do that and be like I want to be there. I want to be that guy. And I feel like we're only a couple of years away from having, you know, some of our top jiu-jitsu players being like almost like on a world stage where people are like, >> "Oh, 100%." It's it's happening. It's happening now. Yeah, you're right. >> Yeah. They're going to start trying to map their game after those certain people, you know what I mean? So, I think it's% >> it's going to be incredible to see. And look, at the end of the day, you know, it would also be cool to see some young faces come to ADC and see see these uh people try try out on the day and stuff like that. So, I think I think the sports blowing up. Who knows? By the time uh this time next year, you know, we might need a bigger venue. >> Yeah. Recognized recognized now in Ireland uh >> by the Irish Sports Council as well, which is it's pretty cool as well. Do you know what I mean? It's that's been like years like in the making and stuff. So, that's pretty cool. It be interesting to see how that plays out over the next little while. And you know, the young kids doing the sport and that obviously deserve uh you know, they deserve to have like say compete in a legitimate sport. you know, the way like say there was like and it's good for them. It's good for like say, you know, for their aunties and uncles and family to to, you know, kind of maybe have a bit better understanding of what they're trying to pursue as well. So, with with them getting the kind of recognition or the sport getting the recognition it deserves, I think that's I think that's positive um overall. Do you know what I mean? So, it's interesting to see how it's going to play out over the next couple of years. >> Yeah. Like my six-year-old does jiu-jitsu and I feel like if if 10 years ago I I had to well I didn't have a six-year-old 10 years ago but if I had to tell someone you know someone was doing jiu-jitsu 10 years ago I'd have to explain what it is. Now I don't have to explain to people even even the regular Joe will go is that like that wrestling thing and I just go yes it is. >> Yeah. Yeah. No you're right. It's get even even you know you could be like say in a in a coffee shop or restaurant or something. You could talk to someone and be like oh what do you do for a living? you could mention jiu-jitsu or MMA and like I this only happened to me there at the weekend. It was just like some man that was giving me a coffee and he was just like oh I'd love to get my son into jiu-jitsu. Do you know what I mean? It was just like it's just it feels like the the average kind of Joe Hope like you said on the street or kind of understanding that oh jiu-jitsu is this kind of this other thing where you know it's not MMA and and it you know it's it's obviously really good for you and all the benefits that you get from jiu-jitsu for both adults and and kids. We were just saying uh offline there like say the beauty about jiu-jitsu is the the kind of lifestyle that comes with it. You know, you're on the mats and then you're like, you know, maybe I need to get a little bit stronger. So, you start lifting or you might tighten up your diet, lose a little bit of weight and you know, you start like say, I don't know, reading books and working on mindset and it kind of has a knock-on effect like off the mats as well. Do you know what I mean? Um, so I feel it's a it's a really good thing to get your kids and and uh and yourself involved in if you're not doing it already. >> Yeah. Absolutely. I think it's a it's a sport that I I'm so happy I I I started to do. It's just something where you can get yourself fitter and learn a skill and a bit of self-defense. Like to me, like what's not to love about it? >> And have the have the crack with your friends. You know, try choke your friends and have a bit of banter on the mats and you know it's good good the social aspect and you know the camaraderie and you know the mental health kind of benefits and there's so many so many good benefits. So, and I think sometimes we get lost um we get kind of lost and I think the world just the way the world is at the moment and stuff like that sometimes we we don't appreciate kind of like what we have because we kind of get lost in the madness of what's going on in the world. But like when you have your own little bubble in your own community and that um you know that's that's what's most important in my opinion, you know, kind of looking after that and trying to make that better and and uh you know, help your friends and and all you get better together. >> 100%. And even even like 90 minutes of your day, the phone goes in the bag, you know what I mean? It's just you and you and your training partners on the mat. I think it's I think it's a phenomenal sport. I'd recommend it to anyone. >> Yeah, we're going to get B into it next. That's the >> Yeah, >> that's the goal. >> Whoever chokes me out this weekend wins the title, lads. You know yourself. Um Kon, we can't let you go before you tell us like what's the cracker error grapple at the moment and like you have a few fighters waiting and ready to go. Can you just tell us like what's going on with the gym? >> Okay, so with the gym, uh couple of big things are happening. So, we are expanding the gym over the next couple of weeks. We were building a big strength and conditioning area. Um, we are getting a new full-size cage, sparring cage, and we were building a third mat with kind of cage fencing and stuff around it. So, we're kind of like expanding the facility, proving the showers and um trying to grow uh the team and the club as a whole. So, um yeah, we're doing a full full revamp on on the unit. We're getting like heating and the whole lot in it. So, it's going to be it's going to be pretty cool. So, we're trying to, you know, keep keep improving every year, not just our coaching and um you know, class side of things, but the facility and everything. If we can make make improvements everywhere, I feel that that's going to compound into bigger things over time. Um yeah, and off that's that's kind of what's going on in the gym at the moment. And then over the next couple of weeks, we have uh I think we have about like eight or nine fighters booked. Uh we've Shane Smith's fighting in two weeks time on IUR. Shane Smith's uh the guy that looks after um the lads kind of weight cutting and that he he has his own kind of thing, the combat lab and works with us in the gym kind of together with that. And he's obviously Yeah, he was he he has he didn't fight for like I think 13 14 years. Took took a couple of fights last year. So now he's kind of back fighting and competing. So he's out next weekend. And then we have seven seven or eight lads then on virtuous. Um from novice amateur all the way up to pro. Um yeah we have like say I think we have two two or three noviceses and then two or three pro or two or three amateurs and then we've Ron and Degan. It's I think he's the the main event uh on Virtuous. So yeah, busy busy time in the gym and then we have a couple lads booked then after that as well. So it's it's really really enjoyable. the the MMA team's in a in a really uh really good place at the moment. There's good really good energy on the mats and good kind of camaraderie and you know, we're all kind of chasing this bigger bigger goal together and uh yeah, I'm enjoying it. I think the lads are enjoying it, too. So, so it'll be exciting to see how the the fights play out over the next few weeks because uh we've we've all put in a lot of work. Um and it's exciting to see, you know, see we get the result results that we feel that uh we work for, if that makes sense. And one person I do want to ask about uh is uh obviously the king of hell is now a pro pro MMA fighter. He's a free agent at the moment. If you could put him in any promotion, which promotion you think would suit him best, Kieran? >> I think if you could put if I could put Andrew Bar somewhere, it would I think he like Octagon MMA would be like a brilliant promotion for him. I think he has the he's he's very good on the mic. Um, obviously like say he has his unique fighting style and I just feel he'd be like if you could get him on say like a place like that you really get to see like say his character and that and I think uh you know he'd uh definitely shake up the division as well the the featherweight division um if he went there you know both like say obviously through true fighting but I just feel like say just his uh just his whole character in that as well. Do you know what I mean? probably the closest thing inside the cage to like an Irish Rory McDonald, you know what I mean? Like >> that's what he's like. Except he cuts way better promos. >> Yeah. No, he he's you give him a mic and uh he's very good at he's very good at um Yeah, he's very good very good with his words. Do you know what I mean? And he's very uh I I think a lot of people would like him, you know, especially that that side of the world as well. >> Yeah, definitely. He's definitely um similar but totally different to a Brian Manning. I think it would be a great fit for him. So, uh, we we'll get on to Brian Lacy and tell him, "Look, if you need another man for for the takeover, here's the guy." >> Yeah, I have this lad trying to trying to jump in on the on the the stream. So, I'm trying to He's just mad to get in. This is Rocky. He wants to say hello. >> Yeah. >> Go on, Rocky. >> Put him down there. >> He's trying to trying to get a hug. That's what he's trying to do. >> Oh, look. He's feeling left out. He's like stop me talking those two glasses on. >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, well, Karen, look, look, we we'll obviously see it this Saturday, the 21st in the DCU Sports Complex. Is there anything else you want to say to people tuning in, whether I was sitting on the fence or thinking about going or last? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Well, look, red, we'll leave reges open uh for as long as we can. Do you know what I mean? Until we do up the brackets and all that. Uh if you're unsure, you have any questions, >> give us a shout and we'll try to look after you. Um, yeah, and if you're on the fence about uh jumping in, you know, jump in and you might you might just get better. Do you know what I mean? So, it's like the story I said to you about Jack. Jack had 150 matches as a blue belt and it's like now now he's like excellent black belt. >> Um, and I just feel like uh when you compete, it's like it fasttracks progress. Does that make sense? you kind of you're cuz you're you're you're pressure testing your game against an opponent that maybe you haven't uh competed against before or maybe you have and you get to retest it. Do you know what I mean? But either way, competition is good for you. You know, you're you're going to grow being put in these uncomfortable situations, you know what I mean? Um but then after you'll be absolutely buzzing and uh you might get a medal, you know what I mean? You might get a shout out from the Energized Boys. >> Yeah, you definitely will. You definitely will. We'll try and get as many shout outs on the day as we can. We'll we'll do our best. But uh Dav, thanks so much for joining us. We will see you on the day. It's going to be another absolutely phenomenal event Ireland. Be there at Bquare and H if you're thinking about that last minute registration. It's definitely worthwhile. >> Nice one. Thanks for having me, lad. Appreciate it. >> The enjoy show up the >> So Ross, that was Kieran Davvern, your favorite Davern, man. >> Yeah, absolutely lovely fella. Uh ADCC is going to be an unbelievable event. Can't wait for it. Last time out was phenomenal. Can't wait to be there and bring all the coverage from all the top athletes in the country in one place. The Energize Show, make sure to check it out. Uh we will be covering the entire event. And if you want us to cover your match while you're there, please do let us know and we will do our best. >> Yeah, definitely. So, if you are new to the Energize Show, make sure to like and subscribe because we are here every week, aren't we, Ross? >> We are indeed. We do not miss. But it's not the only show in town this weekend, Bosmo. >> No, Ross. Right. So, Cage Warriors 200 is going down this weekend in the RDS. Ross, sell us the card before we break down the card. Well, Cage Warriors 200 live from the RDS February 21st is going to be a phenomenal event. It is headlined by two amazing title fights. Solomon King Simon is defending his featherweight title against Nick Bagley and Patty Mccari is fighting Dario Bell & Delhi for the middleweight belt. Not only are the belts on the line, I feel like the UFC is on the line for both these fighters. I feel like a win here for Solomon Simon, especially a finish sends him straight into the UFC. And Patty Mccari has been there. He's been in the Ultimate Fighter. He's been on Contender Series. They are looking at him all eyes co on these two main events. But not only that, we have some of the future stars of Irish MMA on this card. We have Leon Hill, Adam Derby, Max Li, Ko, J. Harris, and many, many more. This is going to be some of the best martial arts you will ever see. I expect a lot of Irish victories on the night. It is going to be a historic event. I can't wait to be there. There's prizes on the line. Bonus on the line. Graeme Boland dipping into his own pocket to pay these fighters a 10k bonus. Who's going to come out with the bonus? You have to be there to find out. >> Or else you could tune in live on UFC fight pass Ross as well. >> Absolutely. You absolutely could. It's going to be a phenomenal event. I am buzzing for a bas. Uh we'll get into it in a bit more granular detail now. But uh yeah, if you want me to sell it, I think I did 7 out of 10 there. Baz, what would you say? >> Don't be too hard on yourself, man. 7.1 out of 10. >> Oh, thanks, man. You're so good. So, but uh >> Ross, man. Right, let's start at the very very top because this is huge. Like, we're going from the we're going from DCU to the RDS. Ross, there was there was talk who is actually going to headline the event. It looks like we have a headline now. >> Yeah, we absolutely do. Solomon King Simon and Nick Bagley are going to headline the event. Obviously, Solomon King Simon uh when he when he won the belt, he had the face off with Nick Bagley and Nick Bagley said, "Let's get Smokeoky." I don't really know what that means, but uh these two guys h intense face off and I'm not going to say they don't like each other, but they they definitely think they are better than each other. And uh no better way to solve it than putting on the 4 oz yellow gloves and letting them try it out. H S Solomon's King Simon has been an absolute tear as of late and I don't expect that to end anytime soon. And then in the co-main event, Dario Balendelli H middleweight champion. I think he's 9 and one coming in against Patty Mccari. Patty Mccari as he mentioned there he's been on the ultimate fighter. He's had a a win and loss there. He went on Dana White contender series. He had a win there. He must think if he gets the gold here come Saturday night, he's straight into the UFC. Um, he looks in phenomenal shape, the best shape I've ever seen him look in. And uh, Patty McCari, he he he'll be looking for the finish come Friday fight night. And over five rounds, you got to feel Patty Mccuri will only get stronger as the fight goes on. >> Yeah. Well, like looking at both of like this weekend, if Solomon Simon and Patty Mccuri both finishes, they could be signed by the UFC by the end of the week. >> Yeah, 100%. Um, I think it's not only is it a real possibility, I think it's a real probability. I think these guys are are already there. I think they're they're at that level. I think uh minimum for Solomon Simon in a contender series, I think just because he hasn't been on it. And I think Patty McCari should get signed straight in just based on the fact he's already won on the Ultimate Fighter. He's already won on the Contender Series. You know, I mean, he he he's shown he he he is there thereabouts, you know what I mean? So why wouldn't he get there? >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, like even looking at the landscape of the UFC at the moment as well and um the way like Dana's like he's letting go of people who don't finish fights like the way like Gran Bull is now putting these bonuses on the line like to get finishes. Like I feel like now more than ever it's like right as a fighter if you're looking to really make a big like make a big splash you have to go out and finish >> 100%. >> Do you think do you think that affects the way like fighters going to fight this this weekend or in general? Well, Solomon Simon has always got the finish, so I don't think that's going to change for him. And I think for Patty McCari, I think, you know, he has 25 minutes to get the job done, and I think he he he firmly believes he will get that job done within inside the distance. So, look, that's that's just the way these fighters going to look at look at it. And I think if we're looking at going for the finish and fighters who've had big opportunities, uh I think the next person look at is Andreas Binder. He's fighting uh on J. Do you think you know obviously to the fans watching this event and it's now catch weight about 175 pounds. Does Andreas Binder have more of a point prove with the scales than he does inside the cage? Well, that's a good point. Um like obviously he's he was actually a double champion in levels fight league. Went on Dana White's the ultimate fighter missed weight and then like and had one of the best fights you you've ever seen on the Ultimate Fighter. Um, that is a very tough question and like like 175 pounds like this like he should easily make this if he's being like serious about what he wants to do with the rest of his career. Like as you know yourself the UFC aren't going to sign someone who's missing weight like >> there's no doubt the talent's there. >> No. Well, he knocks people out like a very entertaining fighter. Look at what happened over in the UFC 2 uh 325 when the hometown guy from Australia who had the face tattoos like messed around with the weigh-in scales and then like he just got released. So, I mean, look, if it's Binder's debut in the yellow gloves, if he's looking to make a like make a serious run in this division, he has to make way and uh make a statement or Ross cuz he he he himself like feels like he's the only person who's ever beaten Ian Gary at amateur and uh he feels like he like he should be in the UFC as well. >> Yeah, 100%. He's definitely got the talent. He's just got to make it count. Uh look, he's got to win that fight before the fight and he's got to make weight and make it happen. And like I don't even like that like that's a conversation point for us cuz I don't want that to be a conversation point for us but we'd be doing a terrible job if we didn't discuss it, you know. So here we are. Um next up, Adam Derby versus uh Thiago Hhabib. Um Adam Derby is obviously six and one. Uh lots of good finishes on his record. Um really um talented guy, using his length better, saw massive improvements in the striking next time out. Do you think a win or two away Adam Derby goes to Contender Series? He said he wants that by the end of the year. I I think it's very much possibility. Basma, what do you think? >> No, I'd agree. Like obviously he's one of Graeme Boland's rosters uh fighters um like Derby put Derby ever since he went to San Diego like he's improved immensely like uh even his physique and the way he training and living life out there. He's come back and like he just he looks like a new new person. So, um I'd expect another finish from Derby and um let's see what happens come the end of the year. I'm sure he's going to want to fight like at least three times this year. >> Yeah, big time. Big time. And look, one of the most talked about men in Irish MMA. H he's got a lot of fans. He's making a lot of noise. Maximus Maxi returns at the historic Cage Wires 200 Basmo. How much are you looking forward to seeing the improvements Max have made, especially considering we had him on the buildup to the show? Yeah. Well, the thing is Max has a lot of people who are invested in in his uh career like um from everything he does with his family and the gyms he trains out of and like we've seen this for even from the amateur days like the way he had so many people supporting him when he was meant to fight when he did fight Tyrion Lran amateur up in cage conflict and his career just like explode ever since. He was also part of Alex Valinoski's training camp for one of his world title fights. Um, I think Max he said here previously that like he wasn't overly impressed with his last fight at Cagewires, but like it's he's had to proven to himself he has that absolute dog in him. So, let's see what happens this weekend. What are you expecting, Ross? >> Yeah, I'm expecting Maxi to put in a very dominant performance this time out. I'm not uh sort of doubting uh the skill of his opponent or his opponent, but I just think Max is just one of those talents that I think he's going to be far superior in all aspects of the game and I think he'll be able to beat Alexandre Junior whatever way he wants really. I think uh we'll see a more definitive perh performance from Max Ali. Agreed. And I suppose going from main card max to the man who headlined uh the last card at the RDS, the one and only the professional Mr. Leon Hill. Basmo. Do we think we'll see Leon Hill in a contender series fight before the end of the year? I do. Um I think Leon is another person that also signed with Graeme Bolan. Um he headlined the last cage wires. Um now that fight week he had like he did multiple changes in opponents and still went out there did the business and like like team KF or a gym that um have like a lot of lot of great fighters there especially in that in that re weight as well. Um Leon it's going to be really interesting because like I actually expected Leon to take another bigger step up this time around. Um it would have been interesting to see like maybe have a like a contender fight for potentially fighting for the title in the future, but um realistically I think like Leon should finish this should actually just finish this fight against all the prayer. >> Yeah. Yeah. Fair. Fair. And again like I think I would love seeing him versus Derby, but again I don't make the matchups. Um, obviously Conor McCarthy is fighting uh Edson Silva. H Conor McCarthy. Look, his boxing is always looking crisp. His takedown defense always looks good. His takedowns look great. I expect Conor McCarthy to uh get a finish here in this fight. And uh the the Clay for Life clan will be out in force. Conor McCarthy brings a big uh crowd out from Clay and I expect him to do phenomenal things in his career. And I think Cagewires 200, I think this is going to be the breakout performance for Conor McCart this time out. >> Yeah, it looks like he's been hard to get matched up against, but I have a feeling this is the the show he gets a finish and a very devastating finish at that as well. 100%. And next up, we have the freak show, Keith Kio. Um, obviously we had him on last week. We won't spend too long speaking about, but he just believes he's better than everyone everywhere. And you know what? There's not very many people have been able to prove him wrong so far. So, I expect Keith Ko to go in there and get the job done. I wouldn't be surprised to see it in a first round finish. We haven't seen a second round Keith Co yet on the pro scene. So, I don't know if we're going to see it here. >> Yeah, I'd agree. Just looking at it like I can just see Keith Co getting a submission victory. Um because we've seen it so like the last two times I'm just like I can't I can't picture anything different. And uh do not be surprised if he jumps over the cage and into the crowd as per usual. >> Yeah, absolutely not. Absolutely not. And um look, I think now this this fight is going to really be uh a diverse one, a divisive one, sorry, between uh between the MMA community. Alex Oman, head coach of CMA, takes on Scott Harvey out of Fight Academy Ireland. Basmo, there's going to be a lot of eyes on this one. We love an all Irish affair. uh we don't like it for the person who loses but this one is high stakes. This one is uh you know some of the creme de creme in the featherweight division. You know Alex O Sullivan one of the most decorated if not the most decorated amateur in Irish MMA history. Scott Harvey recently got his black belt up in fight academy Ireland. These are two of the best that we have to offer. One's 4-0's 5-0. Someone's O has got to go. Basmo. I'm not going to prediction for this one. I'm just very excited to watch it. So what? You're making me predict? >> No, you don't have to predict either if you don't want to. >> No, man. You know how good I am at predicting, man. Um, yeah. Look, Irish versus Irish fights are the ones that people re bring people get people off the fence and into this into the arenas like >> 100% >> there's been there's been a lot of all Irish fights been announced this year and you look at them and it makes the card even tastier the way like your fighting championships is doing it. Um Virtuous is doing it. Um who else? Clam Wars is doing it. Like these pro fights, all Irish affairs are ones that you're just like, "Look, this is a this is the real the real deal." Like someone's gonna make their name off the other person. Like Scott is obviously >> is one of Paul's main sparring partners. Like Alexander Sullivans with CMAC like voted the um energized amateur gym of the year. Alex is obviously the head coach there. like the stuff he's doing with the guys there, the likes of your Jordan Bradshaws and also your Kikos is um is like very very high level especially like coming out of D15 like they've just shot up out of nowhere >> some people might say and look everyone knows F Academy like like >> look Scott Paul Hughes was waxing lyrical last time out Kwire has done how good Scott Harvey has Scott's going doing his training camp here with Patty Mccuri as well >> I actually would have liked to see more fight academy fighters on the card as well. But look, this one is >> Yeah. Well, I think there'll be plenty more to come with the likes of Damian Mcwigan and Oliver turning pro. I'm setting Koki turning pro. There'll be plenty of opportunity for uh more fight academy Ireland guys to be fighting on these big cage warriors cards. I can't wait to see it. I'm sure you can't wait to see it either, Basma. >> No, what would like like what would the bookies have this as? Who's favorite? Like >> I actually don't know. I think it's actually a bit of a pick them to be honest. Yeah, >> I I think maybe maybe Scott would be the favorite just based on um an association with FAI. I think if if I was to take a guess, but look, I think we're going to find out. I wouldn't be surprised if this goes to decision to be honest. They both are very very high level on the ground. So, let's see what happens. But, uh >> yeah, Ross, far ahead. >> Yeah. Um this one could be a party starter. J Harris J GTA sector taking on Tano Palico in a flyway bout. Jer Harris won his last fight. Um was very impressive in doing so and he will look for that to continue. Um we also have Damian McKenna who's looking to bounce back after the first professional loss of his career taking on Pedro Silva. Damian McKenna will be looking to finish things on the feet. He has very very heavy hands. Kenny Moana makes the return to the cage warrior cage taking on Grant Ogborn. H Grant Ogborn is a veteran of the Cage Warriors cage. Big fight for Kenny. And this one I'm really excited for. The pro debut of Alex Kio. Um they say get the taxi outside for the opponent because he won't be there long. Alex Kobaz has been an absolute phenom. I think he's 8 and0 as an amateur in Ireland. What what do you make uh how high is the ceiling for Alex Ko? >> Yeah. Well, having sp spoken to the guys out of SBG, Charles Town and Nace, like this is the guy now. I don't think anyone's come up with as much hype as Max Lai through the youth ranks, but like Alex Yo is definitely doing things. >> He's not far off it, is he? >> He's not far off it. No, like same >> for sort of a quieter character who doesn't do as many infields. He is definitely creating an awful lot of hype around him. >> Yeah. Like he finishes his amateur fights very fast. like he's an IMAF champion as well. Um it is no it is like a star could literally be born. This this could be the guy to look out for come Saturday night. Like obviously not in the main card because obviously there's two title fights but a new story could be written and I think Alex Ko could be that guy. Um so look if he gets if he gets a finish like that's the thing people on these cards if you're getting finishes you're going to go viral. Like this event is going to be viral at himself. >> 100%. 100%. >> Spotlight is on. It really, really, really is. Um, also on the card, Trevor Mckeno coming back off a fight the night h last time out. He didn't get his hand raised, but he's fighting Ricardo Fernandez. And then the party starter, the fight that's opened up the card. Two cage warriors debuts, uh, Lewis Burn, 3-0 as a professional against Dylan Logan, who is, I think, 10 10 or nine or 10 fights into his profile career. Uh he's been around for I think nine years as a pro. Dylan Logan is back and he says he's doing it for the love of the game and uh Lewis Burn will be taking on the most experienced opponent to date. I think this is an absolute phenomenal clash. Uh these are the type of fights that I think Cage Wire should be making and I can't believe it's going to be the first fight of the night. So make sure to get here from the opening bout. Cage Warriors 200 is going to be an absolutely slobber knocker of an event. >> Yeah, man. quality. I'm absolutely buzzing to go to this man. Um, we will be there. We will be covering on the night as well. So, if you can't make it, if you can't watch UC Fire Pass, make sure to check out our Instagram page. We'll be keeping you up to date with all the action as it unfolds. Uh, it's going to be a very energizing night. Like, um, 17 Irish fighters on the card. Um, it's going to be a big one. This is the this is the reason why we cover this [ __ ] to do to to go to these events and uh just enjoy the Irish and um unfortunately won't be able to celebrate 17 wins, Ross. But I think uh I think it'll be 15, is it? >> I think so. Yeah. >> Oh, Irish MMA. Where else would you do Where else would you find it, Ross? >> Yeah. Also on the night, I want we have to give a shout out to Fight Academy Ireland's very own Arm McDonald. He's going to be competing as well. He's going to be fighting over in England and it will be on Problem Promotions. >> Yeah, absolutely. Shout out Shout out to Maveli uh the main man. Also want to give one shout out to uh Uch Nardash Philly who uh fought an elite fighting championships down in Cork 7 um last weekend. Um meant to give him a shout out and then didn't but we put him in the poll for which fighter were you most impressed with. H U is a top talent and he is definitely one to keep an eye on on the amateur scene. So shout out to him and shout out um to actually him and his brother. Shout out to the Nardash Phillies. >> Ard don't be fighting in the Aloa town hall. That's actually in Scotland. My bad. But um also we have to give another couple of shout outs before we wrap this very energizing show up. Ross and that is that um soy warriors also goes down on Saturday as well. So it's going to be a very very energizing weekend. And last but not least, Ross, the UFC is back this weekend. It's UC Houston, so get your cowboy hat ready at the ODS and >> at the ODS and in DCU. Ross, h it's headlined by none other than Sean Strickland against Anthony Fluffy Hernandez. Ross, who are you backing for this one? I I he was supposed to be my pick last week. So, I'm going to tell you who to pick and I will go with Anthony Fluffy Hernandez. I think he sets a really really good pace. The wrestling is really really good and I think he's going to be able to take Sean Strickland down and I expect get a TKO or submission finish in the fourth round. >> The fluffy fella is on a run. Ross h just another couple of names on the card. Jeff Neil is on the card. Dan Ike Grace Spivac and Michelle Pereira everyone knows loves to do a bit of dancing in the cage. Ross. >> Yeah, absolutely. In fairness, it it is a decent card and we won't complain because it's in the arena. It is not in the Apex. >> Yeah. >> So, look, we'll definitely take it. Um and look, def definitely worth the watch. You know, as you said, Spac versus Ja on there, few few of the big dogs on. So, why not give it an L uh watch after after you see Cage Wires and I think uh we're in for a fantastic night at Combat Sports Basmo. >> Yeah. Also, Lee Wood is fighting Josh Warrington as well that night as well. That should be a decent scrap. So, Ross, >> that wraps things up. Kieran Davvern, ADCC, Cage Warriors 200, and UFC. But, anything else you want to say before we wrap up this very energizing show as always? No, just want to say thanks a million for everyone who has tuned in. Uh make sure to leave uh leave a comment. If you are listening to us on Spotify, give us a a subscribe there or follow. Uh really does help with the traction of the show. And if you're on YouTube, give us a subscribe. We appreciate that. Um thanks millions. Stay safe. See you at the weekend. And as always, stay energized. 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.