Conor McGregor Comeback? , Ian Garry Title Shot? & Irish MMA News | The Energized Show

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All I think is going to be very interesting to see when Conor comes back. Obviously, he's had a lot of, you know, outside the cage issues. When he comes back, what's the reception in Ireland to him? What's the reception around the world to him? Does he draw the same numbers as he drew before? Are people as invested or not? >> [music] >> The Energized Show up the Irish. Okay. Here we go. >> [screaming] >> Okay, what's going on, guys? And welcome to a brand new episode of Energized, brought to you by Our King's Competitions. Russ, are you intoxicated or something? How are you doing, Bas? And happy Easter. Happy Easter, Bas. Full of Easter eggs, full of chat. Here we go. The Energized Show is back, and I am buzzing to talk about all of that went down over Easter weekend, Bas. It was an action-packed weekend of combat sports. More so in the boxing arena than it was in the cage, Bas, wasn't it? Yeah, the boxing got all the headlines. The boxing did get a lot of headlines. Um that's why we're here this week, and we're very excited to talk about it. So, if you are new to the Energized Show, make sure to like and subscribe because we are here every week. Russ, the one thing that went most viral happened in Crumlin Boxing Club. It absolutely did. We saw Conor McGregor get in for was it a spar? Was it an amateur-esque bout? Who knows? But he he showed up, laced up the gloves in Crumlin, and the clips went viral. Um look, I think all things are pointing towards a Conor McGregor return. I think for years upon years we've been saying, "Conor's coming back. He says he's coming back." This feels closer than ever, Bas, doesn't it? Yeah. Like um just looking at the photos of him, he looks fresher than ever. He He really does. He looks like All the talk of the people in the gym are saying that he's coming back as well. We saw he had sparring session with Owen Roddy. Um we spoke to a few of the guys in the gym, and they all say he he's there more more than ever, more than they've seen him in a very long time. He's training in HQs multiple times a week. He's doing sessions in his own place. He looks like he really wants this. And, you know, we even saw him get on with Ariel Helwani and say International Fight Week is looking like where he was going to return. So, I think that's going to be UFC 329 over in Vegas. Big week on the UFC calendar. Biggest star the sport has ever had, and he's coming back, Bas. Tell me this, who are the options do you think to face Conor McGregor at UFC 329? Now, that could be an endless list, but >> [laughter] >> give me give me three options, and then the one you'd like to see. Yeah, okay. So, obviously, the talk of the moment is Max Holloway. Then the Michael Chandler name won't disappear, but he's obviously fighting on the White House. There's obviously talk about Nate Diaz as well, but he's fighting Mike Perry in boxing. Oh, no, that's the MMA fight, actually. Yeah, sorry about that. Yeah. And then So, who would I like to see the most out of them three? I think Max Holloway, to be honest, but What about you, Russ? >> think Max Holloway Obviously, look, obviously, money talks, and and fighters walk, but I think they Do you think Conor wants to fight at welterweight? Do you think that will hold any disparity for Max Holloway getting in there and doing it at welterweight? He's never fought at welterweight before. That's a good question. The thing is, Conor's looking He's not looking like a welterweight at the moment. He's like he's looking very lean. No, I think he said he's coming back at welterweight. So, I think that's that's where he's going to be. I don't know if that's where he's going to stay, but I could see him maybe his first fight back, he doesn't want to have to worry about the weight cut. So, maybe maybe it is welterweight for the scrap. So, I think yeah, of course Max Holloway would take that, you know what I mean? He doesn't have to cut the weight. Like Max Holloway's had some serious >> weight cuts. I remember like he did a post an interview before one of his fights, and he was at like nearly like passing out. Yeah, he was slurring his words quite heavily. I think he was on Michael Bisping at the time. Yeah, he was talking to Bisping, yeah. Yeah. So, look, I I don't hate it. Um I think other options there at 170 Charles Oliveira for the BMF title. I think that's I think that's a very tough stylistic match-up for him, but, you know, I think Conor would love to say he's the BMF champ. I think that's something that would really tickle his fancy. And speaking of the BMF belt, I think another option, and a really good option, and I think the most plausible one, and the one I'd like to see most is Conor McGregor versus Jorge Masvidal. Jorge Masvidal's been out of the game for a while as well, so he'd be coming off a long layoff himself. Obviously, good stylistic fight match-up, and then also you wouldn't have to worry about 170 lbs. So, I could definitely see that. And then I suppose I still think I still wouldn't a million percent rule out. When's International Fight Week versus when's the Netflix MMA event? Because I wouldn't 100% rule out Nate Diaz in a trilogy cuz I feel like if it's not this fight, it's the next fight. The thing is, the people who own the BMF title don't always necessarily like defend it. So, like they could just put Conor against Jorge Masvidal for the BMF title. And be like, "There you go." >> The OG BMF title. Yeah. Yeah. I I I I I I I And get the rock there. Give it to the person. The interim BMF title. >> The interim BMF [laughter] First ever interim BMF champion, man. Yeah, first and only. I love it. But look, I think it's going to be very interesting to see when Conor comes back. Obviously, he's had a lot of, you know, outside the cage issues. When he comes back, what's the reception in Ireland to him? What's the reception around the world to him? Does he draw the same numbers as he drew before? Are people as invested or not? And I think that I think that's going to be as interesting as the fight to see what way will he be received in Ireland? What way will he be received worldwide? And what way will he conduct himself in the build-up to the fight? Will it be trash-talking McGregor? Will it be respectful McGregor? Will it be martial artist McGregor? We've seen so many personas from throughout the years. And haircuts. And haircuts. So, we'll see what McGregor shows up, and let's see who the opponent is, but it is interesting. It is looking more likely now than ever. So, we'll have to see. Yeah. No, because you know what? The funny thing is, I feel like we've done this show so many times, but we actually haven't done it in ages. Yeah. Well, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I It's his own fault we've done this show so many times cuz he's announced he's coming back all the time. But this time feels most real. Yeah. Dana White says the talks are going are are ongoing, and they're positive. Although, you could say get Dana White to say that one week, and then the next week Dana White will be like, "I don't deal with fighter contracts. Yeah. We make matches on Tuesday." You know what I mean? But today's Monday, brother. >> [laughter] >> And that's where the Energized Show do their show. Oh, man. So, yeah. Well, look, I suppose going from one Irish superstar who hasn't fought in a while, let's talk about another one, Bas. Ian Machado Garry. He's doing a bit of chirping online. He he he's, you know, throwing a few mild shots at Islam Makhachev. What way do you see the welterweight division play out, and what way do you see Ian Garry's next fight play out? Well, like starting with Ian, he's constantly calling out Islam Makhachev, and to be honest, he's doing it respectfully enough. I think the way he sort of conducted himself around um Shavkat Rakhmonov is a bit bit harsh. But like look, this is the fight game, man. People like talk talk [ __ ] at everyone, so like that's how you sell fights. But uh the Islam one is the one that I think everyone wants to see. But like it doesn't seem like Islam Makhachev is like he hasn't really said Ian's name. Doesn't like really seem that he's like that interested, either. Mhm. Um obviously, his manager is Ali Abdelaziz. He wants Islam to fight Kamaru Usman. So, like I don't know where >> his Who's also his coach, yeah. I mean, his manager. So, it's it's interesting to see where Ian will play out this. Maybe Ian needs to get like another fight just to stay on top of things. Um I I don't really know who he could get. Maybe like a a Colby Covington. Yeah, well, I I think for me, Bas, the way I look at it is sometimes obviously we're we're watching the UFC with our Irish-tinted glasses on, and obviously want the Irish fighters to fight for the belt. You know, wouldn't be the Energized Show if it wasn't like that. There is another man who's in the division who is 19 and 0, who has an incredible finish rate record, and that is Michael Morales, who's hanging out with Ilia Topuria. So, maybe that's his little shot at Islam Makhachev. You know, the the the Islam hunters, maybe, uh who are there. So, Michael Morales, I think, could definitely put a good case forward for himself to get the next title shot. Personally, I still think Ian Garry should get it, and I think that's the more marketable match-up. That's the fight that will sell better. But I suppose on merit, which UFC rarely awards the title shots on, Morales is right there. So, there is a few few that are floating around. I know Carlos Prates is fighting Jack Della Maddalena next. If Carlos Prates wins there, UFC have a lot of stock in Carlos Prates. I wouldn't be surprised to see, you know, he's the one who's active. He's the one who's fighting. Could he leapfrog them with a win over Jack Della Maddalena? Yeah, but see, they even have like Joaquin Buckley sort of knocking out Ian. Ian was originally meant to fight him as well. Like Morales is a great shout, but he hasn't really gotten that push from the UFC. I don't know what's the cause. His English isn't great. But uh he's not really been like obviously his record stands that like he could potentially fight for a title next, but there hasn't been enough like people pushing Morales to be like, "Oh, this is the new hot guy in town, you know?" Like the way like Tsarukian now is getting a big push or uh who else is doing a lot of stuff online? Uh One thing I will say is obviously Morales uh he beat Neil Magny in the first round. He beat Gilbert Burns in the first round. He beat Geoff Neal in the first round. That's three first round finishes in a row. Obviously Ian's been to the decision quite a lot. So does the finishes, you know, the UFC loves their finishes. Do the finishes make him a more dangerous opponent for Islam Makhachev? And do the finishes leapfrog Ian Garry's decisions? Yeah, but I think like at the end of the day Islam's going to get the decision. And I think he'd rather fight Ian rather than fight Morales. Especially like for uh money-wise, I think like interest-wise as well. Yeah, well I hope so as well. Like that's the fight I want to see. I want to see Ian Garry there. I'm just trying to play devil's advocate and like I wonder if we were from Ecuador If we were from from Japan over supporting James Gallagher if we were from Japan, would we would we be like, "Oh, actually you know what? Morales is actually the rightful number one contender." You know? No, I don't think Morales is the rightful number one. I think Ian is ahead. Okay. No, that's fine. Like I'm not I'm not I'm not I I think I think I think it's close between the two of them, to be honest. I think Ian Machado Garry has definitely beaten the higher quality uh of opponents like he beat Belal Muhammad, former champion. He beat Carlos Prates. I know he lost to Shavkat Rakhmonov, but like his last two wins are over very very top guys as opposed to Morales. Only his really last win is over someone who is a top guy. So Yeah, I think he needs to try and get on Adin Ross's stream as well or something. Like I I he's just sort of he's not really getting like an outside push. I know the UFC put him on stuff as well, but there's no real like other sort of Well like >> to If they're going on Ariel's show, like there's no real sort of like this streamer or this sort of like Nelk Boys are pushing him. You know what I mean? There's no I don't know. Yeah, well all I'll say is the UFC one of their least favorite people at the moment is the person they should probably rally behind right now and Arman Tsarukyan. Arman Tsarukyan is I can't get him off my phone. Uh he's someone who was on all the top streamers. He's been on with Speed. He's been on with Is it Neon? I think. >> Yeah. He's been on with Adin Ross. Him and Neon are drama tied by the hip. UFC's favorite content creator. So look and he's doing loads of wrestling and he's going viral wrestling. Like not many UFC fighters go viral outside of MMA combat sports. Yeah. >> Arman Tsarukyan is a non-stop putting the content out out out there. I feel like they have to do Ian versus Poirier next. But all the fighters could learn from that and go, "You know what? That's how you get your name out there." Look at Renato Moicano over the weekend versus Chris Duncan. The first thing he tells the fans to do is to subscribe to his YouTube channel. And while you're there, you might as well subscribe to the Inner Joiner show. Your favorite Oilers channel. Uh that should go without saying to both. But yeah, like I suppose the fighters are really growing in the content space. And I think yes, I think I feel like the welterweight division doesn't really have that. Um Ian Garry could be the guy to do it. Or else he Ian should probably reach out to Eddie Hearn and try and get it in there. Well Yeah, well like Well, why doesn't Ian Garry do like YouTube golf is massive. Why doesn't he try and get on with the YouTube golfers? There's something there cuz Ian's very like insular. The it's very hard to get into the his circle. So But like maybe I don't know. These are just ideas we're throwing out there, you know? I'd watch I'd watch one of the I don't watch the YouTube golfers. My brother does. But I'd watch the YouTube golf if Ian Garry was interested to see what the buzz was. Yeah. So why not? Exactly, yeah. So there we have it. But >> back first, Russ? Who will be back first? Conor McGregor or Ian Garry? Does Ian Garry put towards Or what they could do or before you answer that, they could do Ian versus Islam an international fight week main event and Conor co-main for the BMF title with uh Masvidal. I I just don't see them doing it that way. I think once Conor's on a main event, that the rest of cards are probably not going to be great. Although is Dana actually going to put Islam and Conor in the same card? Imagine that press conference. >> Probably not. >> [laughter] >> Probably not. But we've got they have to book that now, man. They have to book that. Yeah, but the fans would like that. That's what the fans would like. But if if you haven't got fans, you have nothing, man. You know? Yeah. Well look, Bas. Let's let's bring it back to back to the boxing. I want to give a massive shoutout to Paul Ryan who got a win over Peter Carr there at the weekend. That was a big domestic dust-up in in Ireland. So shoutout to everyone who fought on that card. I think it's JB Promotions. Um so shoutout on that card. But I think a lot of the talk this week was about Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora. Massive scrap. We had a a tow with the week before. Anthony Joshua was there in the crowd. Tyson Fury fights on Netflix in a week or two. Dubois takes on Wardley in a week or two. Like Bas, these are all massive heavyweight fights going down. Which fights Which fights are the ones that you want to see next in the heavyweight division? Yeah, well you were just saying there the Chisora-Wilder fight like I didn't think the hype for it was that great, but it was actually very very entertaining. Have you ever seen the ropes be that flexible? No, the people getting counted like getting counted when they're like Chisora was like half in the ropes, half out of the ropes getting the getting the count. Um then obviously Tyson Fury's fight this weekend against Makhmudov. Then in a couple of weeks after that, it's Wardley versus Dubois. Um your man's Soda Pop. >> How does Netflix be like, "All right, Fury versus Makhmudov. That's the one we'll put on Netflix." Like like Fury versus any other heavyweight that I named there fair enough. But like maybe now maybe it's my boxing casualness, but like I've never even heard of this geezer. No, he he just beat he just beat the White Rhino. Josh Allen. John Allen? Dave Allen. Dave Allen, sorry. Excuse me. Yeah, but even still that doesn't really make me go "Yes." Yeah, but like it's Fury's sort of comeback. Like he obviously he retired for the fifth time and he's like, "Right, I'm coming back." So And like Fury Fury uh Tyson Fury has a documentary coming out soon. I mean the the week after I think it is with Netflix. >> On Netflix again? Another one? Yeah. Yeah, I think season two. Or what if like you know you you know yourself. Keeping up with the Furies. Keeping up with with the Fury dashians. And then um and then obviously it was announced as well Eddie Hall is going to be fighting Tommy Fury as well. That was been called beauty uh beauty versus the beast. Um I think that's on Mrs. Boxing Promotions as well. But um it was a it was announced that potentially Tyson Fury is going to fight Anthony Joshua in Croke Park in September. So the >> Yeah, I saw that. I just don't understand why it would be in Ireland, to be honest. I you think it would have Wembley written all over it. I feel like there's more money to be made fighting in Wembley. As long as they're not saying this is going to be the main event of the Katie Taylor card cuz I think if Katie Taylor's fighting here, she should be the main event. She should be the main attraction. And also I feel like they could sell out Wembley with Fury versus Joshua and it doesn't matter what's on the other card. And I feel like Katie Taylor could sell out Croke Park by herself. It doesn't matter what's on the rest of the card as well. As long as tickets are reasonably priced. A lot of tickets these nowadays are absolutely extortionate. Yeah. But I think look, I think Joshua versus Fury is definitely one of the fights to make next. I think I'd be all over that. I'd love to see that. I'd love to see uh At home versus Wilder next. I think that's an absolute banger of a fight. I'm all for that one. Um give it to me. Hook to my veins. Um I'd love to see maybe Dubois in there against maybe Joseph Parker, I think next. I think that they've fought before, but like why you not? And then I feel like there should be almost a tournament. And then like Usyk is sitting there in the waiting. Cuz I feel like Usyk only has one left. Well, Usyk's fighting Ruiz. I know, yeah. Like that's not a I don't view that as a real fight. That means not in the boxing sense. So KSI against Jake Paul is real, but this one's not. No, it was in I don't view it as real heavyweight stakes for the belt cuz I don't see Rigondeaux as a threat to Usyk. To actually beat him in a boxing fight. Look, I think Rigondeaux could very well could beat plenty of boxers. I think Rigondeaux versus Francis Ngannou was a great fight. I'd watch that boxing. Yeah. The thing is we end up watching everything anyway, don't we? >> Yeah, true. True. It doesn't You don't have to doesn't have to be much, but I think you have to Joshua-Fury. I think that has to be done. And I think we need to see At home continue to rise up and fight a big name. Like he's only 24, I think. I think he's much younger than that. Yeah. Yeah, he could even be younger. And uh also [snorts] just want to shoutout to heavyweights. Shoutout to Thomas Carty, Ireland's own heavyweight. Yeah, man. He was getting photographs of everyone over the weekend. Yeah, no Carty, no party. Who was the >> [laughter] >> Who was the book of the weekend? James Gallagher, your mate, Bas. James Gallagher. weekend. Yeah. He He Follow that show. That's that's him is it? That's his his Yeah, don't burn the bean. Are you Are you converting it like number one lover right now? Uh I could I could see the the appeal of him. He's a bit of a buzzer, but it's more cuz all the slabs love him that he can sort of feel the buzz off. Well, he has a he has the whole world in his hands right now. So, it's going to be interesting to see what he does with that. Yeah, but look, the boxing is on fire, especially domestically here. Like that that three arena card was huge. The heavyweight is huge. They just really need to quickly get Katie Taylor announced. I don't care whether what day what time of the year it is, but I think as months go on we're in April, and I feel like September is probably the last month of the year that you could do it in otherwise that like it needs to get booked sooner rather than later. Yeah, cuz it's going to be stacked with a load of Irish fighters on the card as well. 100% 100%. What what Who would you like to see on the card, Bas? Thomas Carty Steve Cairns Pierce O'Leary Pierce O'Leary I think I think he's signed with Queensberry, so Yeah, but I think I think I think I think all bets are out the window for this one. I think you have to get you know, you have to get the Irish on the card one way or the other. It doesn't matter what promotion it is. Well, the thing is if it is Joshua versus versus Fury the main event, then it'll be a mashup of Queensberry and Matchroom. So, that like then it is very possible. Yeah. Um There's a lot of options. Yeah, 100%. I think Well, I think it There's so many great Oh, Aaron McKenna, get him in there. Aaron McKenna. John Carroll wants to fight his title as well. Look, just get get Stevie McKenna in there as well. Why not? Tag team match. >> [laughter] >> No, and Stevie McKenna as well. Man, there's just so many options. Like the thing is the world of boxing >> Also, you're going to you're going to fancy him by leaving them out. I know, man. That's the thing, man. That's the thing. Uh like it There's just the boxing world is way more interesting at the moment. I think obviously cuz Dana has taken his foot off the gas in the UFC. Um like PFL, we don't really We're going to get into that shortly now as well, but uh like really see on this episode we're just sort of like having the chats here. Like we're just enjoying our bank holiday weekend. Yeah. But hopefully you're enjoying your Tuesday listening to us. Yeah. So, like we'll keep you up to date on all the latest fights that are announced as always cuz like that's what we do cuz we're absolute degenerates. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, like but um Ross, as I said, Tyson Fury is fighting this weekend against Makhmudov, and that's going to be live on Netflix as well. Absolutely. Yeah, so we'll be keeping you up to date on the build up to that cuz like Tyson Fury is just a funny guy. Like and people are very always very interested. Then um Ross, will we do the UFC first? Yeah, let's go for it. Yeah, okay. Right. So, we're going to start off with obviously over the weekend Renato Moicano defeated Chris Duncan. And then after the fight Moicano said that like this fight like he doesn't want to fight the Apex. The fight was was uh promoted shitly. Like Chris Duncan does nothing for his career. Um in the build up I actually thought Chris Duncan was going to win, but um look, Moicano is obviously a step above and Ross what do you make of Moicano's like the way he was talking about how he should be on pay-per-view cards not in not fighting in the Apex. Well, he is called Money Moicano. Uh he's called Money Moicano for a reason. Look, I really rate Renato Moicano. I think he's a very very entertaining fighter. I don't think he's sort of top 10, but I think he's top 10 to 15. Um and I'd love to see him get in there against a Paddy Pimblett. I think that's a good match up. I think uh Renato Moicano bring the noise. Paddy Pimblett will bring bring the noise. I think it's good stylistic match up for both. I think you'll get an absolute banger of a fight. And at the end of the day Paddy needs a comeback fight, and he also needs someone to you know, be the Jekyll to his Hyde effectively. He needs He needs a dance partner. Um he needs a dance partner that will create the noise, and I think Renato Moicano will do that. And UFC, I think in certain ways they are wasting him. I think it's UFC again showing that sort of prehistoric mentality. They don't realize this guy is doing a lot of numbers on social media. He pushed himself the right way. And they should lean in behind that. And really really push him like he deserves to be. And I I think it's it's even small things. Like even when these fighters win on fight night and like they get a finish or whatever UFC doesn't like post the finish and do a collab with the fighters. They should be doing that every single time. They should be building these fighters into absolute superstars. And then everywhere they go, the shows will sell out. The merch will sell sell out. They they become a bigger revenue stream. All the bigger stars you have, the more views on your shows, the more money you're going to make in the future. No, yeah. I don't know. They know as well. Yeah. They know. Then um They know. Yeah. So, look >> [snorts] >> this weekend UFC 327 is going down in Miami, right? And this card is actually a quality card. Um Ross, I'm just going to just click in here now, but um there's two title fights that we're going to look over here. And also like the the the card is actually stacked. Like UFC are actually They must have worked this week, Ross. Uh in the main event, Jiří Procházka is taking on Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title. Ross who do you expect to win this one? Look, you know, Jiří is a friend a friend of the show. I'm going to pick Jiří Procházka. I think Carlos Ulberg has looked really really good of late, but Jiří Procházka just finds a way to get that finish. And I think he's going to find a finish come fight night. I think Jiří Procházka will be a new UFC light heavyweight champion. I think he was hanging around with Aiden Ross as well there. And I think was Was Curtis Ulberg voted the most handsome person in the UFC? Something like that. He could have been. Very handsome guy. I think he was voted He was voted something like that. Very human looking at those articles. No, or was he unlike the the the the bachelor in New Zealand? Potentially, Bas. That's not really That's not really my vibe. I used to love watching the bachelor, man. Like Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Great. Then in the co-main event, Joshua Van is taking on Tatsuro Taira for the world flyweight title, Ross. Yeah, this could be an interesting one cuz obviously Joshua Van won the title in sort of strange circumstances against Alexandre Pantoja Pantoja. Obviously, he he sort of dislocated his elbow or whatever he did. And Van won won the belt without the fight really getting started. So, it's going to be very interesting to see what level is Joshua Van at. Obviously, Taira has been on an absolute tear since entering the UFC. He He This must be one of the youngest title fights of all time in the UFC as well. If you add both of those ages together, they can't be much more than 45. And look, Joshua Van I think I think the confidence is going to be huge with him now being the champion. I think that's that's where we're going to see Joshua Van start to excel. I think Joshua Van is going to get his hand raised this weekend. Yeah, Joshua Van is 24 and Taira is 26. Then Ross as well Might as well give the rest of the card cuz like I am, yeah. I have a card. Curtis Blaydes is taking on Josh Barnett, right? Josh Barnett like has blown up since since he went into the UFC. Like he was with the 49ers. Uh he cuts these WWE promos which are actually very very funny. And like Curtis Blaydes is obviously a perennial title contender as well. Yeah, absolutely. Um massive heavyweight fight. Yeah, then I'm not a light heavyweight fight. Like this is a big There's two in a row, Bas, now of light heavyweight fights, isn't it? Yeah, so like then Dominick Reyes taking on Johnny Walker. Yeah, and then Azamat Murzakanov is taking on Paulo Costa. Interesting to hear because obviously it's going to be a new light heavyweight champion crowned later on that night. So, these have a chance to sort of put themselves into that title weight contention ship and really sort of launch their launch their bid for a title shot at light heavyweight. So, it's going to be really interesting to see. Obviously, we're going to be backing Johnny Walker to get the job done. I think Johnny Walker versus Jiří Procházka for a title fight will be absolutely sensational, Bas. And a win here over Dominick Reyes for Johnny Walker if he got a finish and an emphatic finish cuz most of Johnny Walker's finishes are emphatic, you know, he could he could end up like rank five come Wednesday and on next in line for the title shot. Yeah, then also on the card, Patricio Pitbull is taking on Aaron Pico. That's a That's like a a Bellator classic. Both lads Bellator main event buried on the prelims. >> [laughter] >> The thing is Man, that is ruthless, man. That is ruthless. But the thing is like both lads haven't like haven't really like been impressive since joining the UFC. So, like this could be a loser leaves town sort of thing cuz uh Look, like Pitbull is getting a bit long in the tooth, and Pico is like needs to win. Then like Cub Swanson is back. He's taking on Nate Landwehr. I think that's his retirement fight, you know that? Who's Cub Swanson? Cub Swanson, yeah. Like like probably 30 fight UFC fight veteran buried on the prelims for his retirement. Well, the card is stacked, man. Like that's that's the thing. Gamrot is fighting Arman Tsarukyan Tsarukyan. Arman Tsarukyan. Like that that should be an absolute Gamrot Gamrot is a great fight. Yeah, Kevin Holland versus Randy Brown. That's also a main event sensation. Then just on the Let me look at the early prelims here as well just in case. Well, you could see the next women's strawweight title contender, Tatiana Suarez, fighting Luana Pinheiro. A win here for either woman could mean they're next in line for a title fight. And they're the second fight of the night. Yeah. Open the curtain jerker. The curtain jerker. Kelvin Gastelum versus Vicente Luque. Vicente Luque moves up to middleweight. Kelvin Gastelum, can he make middleweight? Who knows? But, what an absolute brilliant card. Man, that that that that fight could be the main event of an Apex meta Apex card. >> Man, any single one of those fights on that card could main event a meta Apex card. See, that's the thing. Like, the UFC hold out and then like they give you this card. Like, this is just like a proper This is a proper card. Who do you think is the biggest star on the card? Um Give me a look here. And then, who do you think has the biggest star potential? Yair Rodriguez is the biggest star, isn't he? Yeah, I think so, yeah. The biggest potential? I I like this fellow, Josh Emmett. Like, I just think like the obviously needs this needs a big win, but just the way he promotes himself is like unbelievable. Like, obviously obviously for people tuning in there, they don't want to listen to about James Gallagher, which we will get into in a bit, fighting and rising. The Japanese fans will be like "Tatsuro Taira is the biggest name, you know?" Well, I think Taira does have the capability. But, I think Joshua Vanders I think the winner of that fight would have a massive opportunity to become a big star in the UFC. But, I do think Josh Emmett is definitely someone who who is there. And I still think Tatiana Suarez, if she can get her hands on the belt, I think she could be a big UFC superstar. Um so, look, we we shall see. We shall see. But, a great card, UFC 307 has them. We were just saying yeah, we were just getting a bit of a slight in there and then they they come up with that card. And it is in Miami, so it's very very interesting. Will Will Smith be there? I highly doubt it this one, man. I highly doubt it. Well, if he's there, you owe me a point. Okay. Okay, that's a deal. You're off the drink panel. I'll get you an Easter egg. All right. Then, um Yeah, so we will keep you up to date up to date with all that action going down this week as well. Then, uh Ross, PFL Belfast is going down next week on Thursday, the 16th of April. Um just in the build up to the card, what have you made of it so far since we last spoke? To be honest, I haven't seen an awful lot more from PFL Europe about what's going down. Two things I did see that I did like, I saw Reece McKee watch a clip of Alex Lohore and talk about the unfinished business from Bama. And I thought like, that was a that was like a a good start, but I thought like there should be like a clip every day of something along those lines between the two of them. And then, Cain Velasquez, the Don, has gone full villain mode. Um he he went in on Alan Philpott. I was sort of like, where is Alan Philpott's rebuttal? But, then I found out Alan Philpott actually had a kid on the 2nd of April. So, obviously he was busy being a dad. Uh >> [snorts] >> so, look, that's definitely becoming fast becoming the people's main event. I feel like uh Reece Lohore is becoming a massive fight. I need to see more from Dakota and and uh JJ Wilson from the PFL. I'm not saying from them. I'm not saying they need to produce more content. It'd be great if they did, but I need to see more content from them. They've sort of put them into the main event spot. And since announcing them in the main event spot, haven't done much to hype it up. I agree. And we were also saying that Dan Hardy needs like a promotion and like needs to be put out there almost like the the way Dana White was or Eddie Hearn is now. Yeah, I can see John Morgan's doing a bit more face to camera stuff, but I still don't think people buy him yet as the face of PFL. I think we need someone like Dan Hardy, a face that people will recognize. My biggest thing is I would love to see PFL go into business with Matchroom. I think that is a match made in heaven. I think you bring Eddie Hearn, the face of PFL, especially PFL Europe, and have him have him in tow promoting these guys. Few of the guys maybe signed to Eddie Hearn's Matchroom talent agency. And have Eddie Hearn tell the story of the fighters. When Dana White used to tell the stories of the fighters, that's what made the UFC blow up. Eddie Hearn does the exact same in boxing. And again, we always said, what's next in the moves between Eddie Hearn and Dana White? Zuffa versus Matchroom. What a move would be on Eddie Hearn's behalf if he got involved with the PFL. Yeah. Well, see, fight fans, they want to listen to someone that they respect. So, that's why I think Dan Hardy would be great. And then also, if there was talk this week that PFL might be changing its name back to Bellator. We were actually asked to talk about that. Like, what what do you think is that situation? I I I think Or could they just totally change name to like any like some other name? I don't think changing the name is actually going to make a difference. I think changing the way they do stuff is going to make a difference. I think changing back to Bellator would be a a massive massive loss. I think people I think that they'd lose a lot of credibility doing that. Um cuz they established themselves as the number two promotion or the co-leaders, they were calling themselves. And then to go back to Bellator, I think is definitely not a a good option. Um I know Johnny Eblen was like, "Yeah, back to Bellator when I was the champion." Uh good good points. But, I don't think going back to Bellator is a good option. And I don't think like if they call themselves ABC MMA, people are going to be like, "Oh, can't wait to watch that now." I think what they need to do is change the way they promote fights, change the way they promote fighters, and make it that people more personable. Um get the PFL fighters doing what Arman Tsarukyan's doing. Get them ingrained doing other bits outside of the MMA space. Cuz at the end of the day, you know, these fighters are obviously skilled fighters. They're good in the cage. But, I don't really know anything about Johnny Eblen. I don't really know anything about Costello van Steenis. Obviously, I know bits about Paul Hughes cuz he's Irish. But, I don't know a lot about a lot of these guys. And anytime even Usman Nurmagomedov is on, they're like, "Quickly, cut to Khabib." You know what I mean? So, they they're not really building their talent as superstars. And even when they had Ngannou, they couldn't get anything out of Ngannou cuz he didn't want to be there. Yeah. Well, then who's sort of fault is that? Cuz obviously, they're sitting in these team meetings being like, "How do we do this?" Well, like I think there's an awful lot of execs there who are obviously not worth their paycheck, frankly. You know? Like, have the social media's numbers grown a lot in the last couple years? Hard to tell cuz they took the PFL Instagram page or the Bellator Instagram page and turned it into a PFL Instagram page. They took the old PFL main page and turned it into PFL Europe's page. So, hard to know. Are they growing numbers? Are they growing in respectful numbers? Like, when I see sometimes they post off PFL Europe's page, like, some of the posts don't even hit 1,000 likes on them, man. That's their fighters that are there. You know what I mean? So, they have to look at everything they're doing. I'm seeing could be doing better. Yeah. Well, see, the like I'm just like making excuses. >> And in fairness, we we want them to do well. Like like I couldn't want another big promotion any more, to be honest. >> Yeah. Well, like it's more they're sitting there now. They like they like only only they know how much content they they have they had pre-made with Paul and or with JJ Wilson in the build up to the fight. So, it's going to be interesting to see now what they do next. Like as we said, PFL Belfast is going down next week, and we will have a fighter from the card coming on the show as well next week. So, we'll keep you up to date on that. Very exciting stuff, Ross. Always, Paul. Always. Yeah. Bringing the noise, Paul. Yeah. Then, we're just going to let you know who's fighting this week before we just touch a bit more on Irish MMA. As Team KF's Craig Mcgrath is back in action on Friday night at Ares Fighting Championship. And then also on Friday night, uh Morris Martial Arts' Marco Bojčuk competes on FC OR over in Sweden. And then on Sunday, Sub Zone MMA's Jimmy James Gallagher returns at Rizin over in Japan. And we had him on the show last week. If you haven't seen the episode, make sure to check it out. But, the thing is like, we asked well, I asked, "What's he going to get up to over there? Is he going to be doing any sight seeing?" And he's like, "No, no, no." And then like I've been watching his Instagram story, he's bopping around the place, Ross. Yeah, he hasn't visited all the dojos. I I can't wait to see him in the sumo sumo suit next. But, he looks like he's having the trip of a lifetime. And I can't wait to see him get the job done over at Rizin. Big move for Jimmy. Big big big numbers to be done. So, I'm excited for it. Yeah. I knew he wasn't just going to be sitting in the hotel room. He's like he's he's loving it over there. Yeah, I think it when you probably ask him, he's like, "I haven't thought about it that yet." He's kind of Yeah, maybe yeah, maybe yeah. But, have you have you ever thought about going to Japan? Is there something you'd Yeah, I'd love to go to Japan. I think it'd be cool. Yeah, it looks pretty good over there, yeah. They'd be like, "Hey, handsome guy." I'd be like, I'd be >> [laughter] [gasps] >> Okay. Ross, then before we wrap things up, we have to discuss Wrath Combat Championship that happened over the weekend, Ross. Yeah, absolutely. There was uh some some great fights on in Wrath. I watched card, some really impressive performances. I think for me maybe we'll have a quick look at the title fights. Look, main event Morgan Hoins fought Max McHafee. Max McHafee moved up to fight for the bantamweight title. Morgan Hoins looked quite dominant throughout the fight. Max McHafee did a lot of the fighting off his back in this one. And Morgan Hoins got a unanimous decision win. I don't think there was any question on the judges scorecard who was getting their hand raised in this one. Much tighter fight in the co-main event. Tom Buckley versus Oisín Devlin. Ray Poko is rated really highly. Oisín Devlin is on a couple of fight win streaks. Tom Buckley was on a couple of fights win streaks going into this one. Oisín Devlin got the job done. Again, I don't think you know people will be questioning the judges but very close fight. I think it was two rounds to one for Oisín. That's how I had it. And fair play to him. He'll bring that belt home to team Torres. And then dual their title fight that we had Nathan Mullivan. Probably performance of the night. Looked really really good against Taylor Haffernan put him to sleep. Taylor Haffernan too tough for his own good. Wouldn't tap out. I think he maybe slowly tapped out at the end. It was hard to see. But he he looked to go out with the choke so shout out to Nathan Mullivan. Very very impressive. Yeah, the thing is Nathan was also very impressive. We said it after Cage Conflict. That victory got there. And then he just had to get another win there. And then also I saw like Dominic Rhodes was in the comments saying that keep that belt warm for me. And then there was also a picture of the two of them facing off as well. So like that Very interesting. Like that's that's good promotion. That is great promotion. Yeah, that's that's what we want to see. That's what we want to see. And obviously Dominic Rhodes has words with Blaine McGill as well. So maybe he just has beef with FIA in general. We'll definitely be interested to see that. Is Dominic Rhodes Is Dominic Rhodes becoming the new Brian Manning? Yeah, maybe he is. Maybe he is. Col Hiring from SBG Drogheda got a triangle choke win. He is extremely experienced grappler. And he is someone who has a lot of I am have experience so he's definitely one to look out for. Sarah Carney, great to see her back in the win column. She is absolute beast in there. Serious ground and pound finish so shout out to Karen Dog getting the job done. Marcus Bailey or Bailey, I don't know what way you want to say it. It depends on how fancy he is. From Hybrid. He got the job done as well with a triangle. Some serious strikes from the bottom. Really really impressive to see. Peterway with the submission choke. And then we also had Cailin Dorn get a submission win as well. So look, Wrath Combat Fighting Championships, unbelievable show from them. Three and new champions. Main event, Morgan Hoins, haven't seen him in a while but makes an epic return to the cage. Walks home with the belt to SBG Charlestown. Unbelievable to see. Oisín Devlin versus Tom Buckley. Two of the highest potential guys on the night fighting toe to toe. And Oisín Devlin got his hand raised. He'll bring that belt home to team Torres. Nathan Mullivan with the finish of the night, the performance of the night. Brings home another belt to Fight Academy Ireland. Col Hiring looked so impressive. And Karen Dog is back. Wrath Combat Championships, one event. Fair play to them. Yeah. When do you think we'll see Wrath Combat Championships go down again? I'm not too sure. They've They've probably have a date locked in there somewhere. But I think sooner the better. I'd say probably What are we now? April, May, June. Maybe June. June is probably but a potential date. I feel like most [snorts] shows don't really happen in July. Okay. Well then how about next time Nathan Mullivan against Dominic Rhodes in the main event? And then we do that lightweight tournament. And then the winner fights the winner of Nathan and Dominic Rhodes. Man, you're putting Dave Farrell out of a job here. Jeez, I've done that job before job. Yeah. Yeah, no. I'm definitely here for I'm definitely here for it. And I love seeing Max McHafee versus Jake Duncan. For the flyweight belt. Yeah, okay. There we go. So just before we wrap up the show, as we said this weekend you have to make sure to check out UCE 327 in Miami. And Fury versus Makhachev going down on Saturday night as well. And then the build up to PFL Belfast goes down as well next week. So very very interesting times ahead. Myself and Ross keep you up to date as always. Ross, anything else to say before you want to wrap things up? No, I just want to say I hope everyone had a lovely Easter. Make sure to like, share, subscribe. And as always stay energized. The Energized show, up the Irish. The Energized show, up the Irish. It's the face that runs the place, Chaos Cortez. I want to thank the Irish MMA community so much for getting behind me. You up the Chaos cartel.