Conor McCarthy & Lewis Byrne | Team Ireland MMA Super Cup Recap | Energized Show

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What is up and welcome to the Energized Show! On this episode Team Ireland's Conor McCarthy & Lewis Byrne join us live from Bahrain to discuss Ireland finishing runners up at the MMA Super Cup, Life inside the Irish camp & More MMA craic. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Hit the…

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Energize show up the Irish. Okay, what's going on guys and welcome to a brand new episode of Energize. Russ, introduce the guest man. Today we have two of Ireland's finest martial artists. We have Conor McCarthy and Lewis Byrne who recently just won silver medals over in Bahrain in the MMA Silver Cup. Lads, how are you doing? Yeah, it's good. Great man, yeah. All good. A bit banged up. A bit banged up but we move on. Unbelievable stuff. We actually picked you guys particularly to come on the show out of all the team cuz you guys had interesting journeys on the way over. Um unfortunately neither you actually automatically qualified the team through the nationals but both you guys ended up over in Bahrain. Lewis, you fought three times if I'm not mistaken and then Conor, you fought at middleweight where you weighed in basically at welterweight. Unbelievable feats from both you guys. I'll I'll start off with yourself Lewis. How did it feel for you to fight at lightweight? Uh yeah, no to be honest it's it's a lot easier for me to to fight at lightweight. Like when I fought the nationals there two or three weeks ago I was fighting featherweight and and and the cut was horrible. Like I looked like a crackhead basically getting into the cage, you know. Uh so yeah, the the the lightweight was much easier. I found I was I was really Like the biggest difference I noticed was my cardio. I was so much better. I was feel I was absolutely full of energy in the cage over the last three fights. Like every single fight I fought went the distance. Uh I went the distance with the with the Bahraini guy. Bahraini guy. Uh Russian guy from from Pakistan. But uh yeah, overall like I felt much much better at lightweight. So I'll definitely be continuing at lightweight for a while anyway before I have to go back down to featherweight. Yeah, I think I think personally I think you look better there. You know, yeah, you enjoy the group a bit more. What uh Ireland actually set some records over there. There was some incredible achievements over there. Kieran Vernon became the first person to knock someone out twice in a fight. Um obviously you know, Jamie Abbott was fighting a weight class up. You were fighting a weight class up. Um Dennis Perry picked up the first ever win for SBG Strabane No Tap competition. Um Connor was probably the lowest person to ever win a middleweight fight in No Tap history. So, there was plenty of um records set and plenty of moments over there. But Connor, I'll start with yourself. What was your highlight of the tournament? Probably the fight itself, man. Getting the opportunity to compete. Like I was kind of like you know, even being with the boys like warming them up on pads and all. Being part of the squad but none of these like actually is getting in there on the biggest stage. And obviously when you got the when you got the call up Connor, like like how did that come about? So, we were watching like during the fight Cameron didn't tap. He went to sleep and like we were like I we might not be able to fight tomorrow. So, they just I just pulled him out like to have a day off and yeah, so just literally the day before I they gave me a shout like would I be comfortable fighting middleweight and I just gave my coach the text and he just go for it. And um then I got the option. Ross, when you got the call up I was on track to make welterweight, you know. Yeah, so you went to eating. But Connor sorry Ross, when you hit when you hear that like the way Connor was like boom, let me just step up and represent the country. Like what how does that make you feel? I'm sort of not surprised. We we were actually at your last fight at Cage Legacy. Like we were very very impressed with you. We thought your hands are absolutely sensational for an amateur and I was actually looking being like that fellow has no bother." Watching your style is actually sort of reminiscent of I was going to say you and Ian Garry, but he's actually still quite young himself. But that's that's that's what I see when I look at you. So, I wasn't surprised at all. I thought you gave a great account of yourself. We almost disappointed you didn't get to go in again on the Saturday yourself. Oh, it would have been cool. Yeah. Like I didn't really want to fight middleweight, to be honest. Like I I love to fight welterweight, but you know, like just the option there, yeah. Like when all the boys are getting ready for the fight, I don't know. It was a bit annoying sitting inside. Well, like that is what it is, you know. I'm still so grateful to you have to get the option to compete in that tournament. And Lewis, yeah, from watching it from watching at home, guys, like it was just it was like unbelievable, especially in the first the the first round when you're taking on Oceana and the very very end Gustavo getting the getting the Was it heel hook? Knee bar. Knee bar, excuse me. Again, to to to win it, like it was just unbelievable scenes over here. Like every like the you know many people there is in the Irish MMA scene here. Everyone was tweeting about it. Everyone couldn't believe it. And then like to go on then beat Mexico and reach the final as well. Like we couldn't be any more prouder of the two of you as and the whole entire team as well as a collective. Guys, what was that team involvement like? Cuz obviously a lot of you guys trained in different gyms and a lot of you guys like Lewis, you you'd even fought Jordan what, a week ago for for a second time before or 2 weeks before you actually went over there. How did the team gel? And I've been to three tournaments so far in my with different Irish teams, but this one by far had the best atmosphere out of all all of them, for sure. Everybody was like we're like a little family going around. Like you know what I mean? Kind of shared a room for a week. And I was some it was a great buzz, like you know what I mean? Everyone was supportive of each other and everybody was there backing each other up and in the training room. Probably I was going around doing training squad sessions. at the weight appeal and stuff every single day. Yeah, it was just it was it was really good, really great atmosphere. Yeah, 100% like everyone was quick straight away. Like I didn't even know barely anyone before this competition, you know, and I feel like I made good mates now on this trip like it's in class like Yeah, it it did it did look like a lot more of a team. Do you think cuz Lewis obviously you've been to previous IMMAF events, do you think the previous you go over representing Ireland in previous IMMAF events, but you're sort of out for your own. You sort of want to win the gold medal for yourself as opposed to on this occasion your fight, I'm not going to say it was irrelevant, but it's only one out of nine and like you need all your teammates to be able to perform and put scores on the board as well. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Like like I said you know, the IMMAF uh competitions that that they are a bit more individual. Like this one uh they they keep score of every fight so like you you start away. It's it's like a game of football I don't know what I'm saying. Uh as well as that there's there's the sub so like if you do get injured, pick up an injury or you're not you're not qualified to fight the next day, you can get switched out, you can get switched back in. Um yeah, like even fighting fighting some of the teams, you know, if you if you got a loss the day before, you had to go back in the next day anyway, you know, you had to just keep going cuz it was for the team. Any other IMMAF comp like yeah, you lose or out. Sometimes like you know, they don't even bother with the training cuz they're just in their own head after a loss, but this one you just have to stay switched on because you lose one day, you're up the next two days fighting like, you know, so yeah, it was definitely it was more of a a team sport this this one. And do you feel there was any pressure on you? Obviously cuz you guys were fighting at lightweight and fighting at a middleweight at the time so you knew the scores going into your fight. Did that add any extra pressure onto you? Uh not really, man, to be honest. Fairly, like you know, we just kind of took it as a fight. You know, the same pressure for any fight like just go in there and do your best and just go and win like Um It was a big event, you know, I felt like a really big stage but I just kind of took it like any fight. It was it was massive event. Even that trophy that the the Bahrainis lift after it, the size of that thing. Imagine Imagine having that at home. Yeah, yeah. I wouldn't even know. Here's a question for both of you guys. I'll go with yourself first Conor and then Lewis you can jump in afterwards. You guys have fought for regional belts at home and I I've seen you guys at regional shows and the support that both you guys bring individually is huge. Uh we've talked about claim for life Conor before. And what's got you bring a big crowd with you and and you've won belts as well. But what was the support difference like when you're actually representing Ireland? Did you feel you were getting more support? Yeah, kind of like my phone was absolutely blown up, you know, that kind of way but uh Yeah, like I felt like everyone in the whole team was backing you, you know. Um compared to the regional shows like it was very quiet in there. To be fair like there was a lot of lights and all but like I felt really like it was quiet. You could hear the corner, every word the corner said. And um Yeah, it was cool representing Ireland and I felt different like walking out with a tri-color was class like I loved that but uh Yeah, it was I don't know. I think just the fight itself is kind of similar to any fight, you know, if that makes sense. It's a fight to fight. And Lewis, what do you think of the support difference from fighting in the regional show? Obviously you had the crowd there but in terms of like getting messages and stuff, was your phone blowing up more than normal? Yeah, of course. Like I had a had a lot of family friends watching from back home. Uh I think it was a bit mad with some of the time changes cuz like it was 3 hours ahead over here but yeah, like people were watching every single day uh sending messages, uh best wishes and stuff. Um but the atmosphere in the stadium itself like like Conor said it it wasn't a bit quiet each day. Even even the crowds were there in the last day. Like for some reason like you could just hear everything that was going on like with with Ed here. The coaches came and stuff like instructions they were giving me and stuff. But, it was yeah, it was it was it was great atmosphere. It was Um yeah, yeah. It was It was good. It was good. I enjoyed it. Enjoyed everything about it. Yeah. For people who don't know, the lads are still over in Bahrain right now. Actually, if they if they they couldn't If you're listening, they are still there. But, lads, I want to know something about the camp. Like, Conor, looking at the whole entire team and now that the competition's over, like, who do you think really stepped up or someone that you thought might not be uh that great, but really really pushed themselves like and really impressed you, Conor? And then, Lewis, you can respond second. Um I don't know. Maybe Lewis, like, just saying Lewis the way he prepared like us staying with him, you know? Um just when it was in three wars, like, I would have three whatever four days. Like, I thought that was very impressive like um going the distance, getting nine rounds in total. Like, I didn't really know Lewis before and then I kind of got to see his mindset before he fought that night. I thought that was really good. So, yeah, I probably thought he was very impressive with Lewis. Lewis, what about what about I'm feeling these two lads are actually going to start their own podcast. Yeah, bleed romance here. I want to know. Who stepped up to play for you, Lewis? Uh yeah, like, Conor Conor done brilliant going up the weight and absolutely bashing that Mexican guy. He had a great scrap out of him. But, uh I think Dennis Dennis done brilliantly as well. Like, Dennis Dennis was a good goer. Dennis was like just having wars with with the big boys as well and I think he he fought every day as well. Uh Gus Gus was great. Gus the last day on the fourth day last fight. Jesus Christ, he had his knee melt. Like, with one one second left in the fight, he gets a power hammer like Uh but, like, the whole team the whole team done really really well. Like, you know what I mean? You done Ireland proud. Like, everyone was pulling their weight the whole the whole competition. Getting the wins in. Like, we came back We came back every single day. Like, I think the first day like it goes down to the wire with the last fight. The second day I think we were we were 3-1 down or something. And then from that 3-1 down I think we won like four fights straight like that after. So yeah, but the whole team pulled away and they they they really all fought bravely, yeah. Yeah. What about What about What about behind the scenes? Who's the Who's the most crack? Like who would you definitely bring next time to the next I Am the Champ Super Cup? Conor, like you can't pick Leon Edwards again, but Ooh, I don't know. That's a good one. Ah lads, you're putting me on the spot here. You're putting me on the spot. I don't know. I'd say We don't We don't chase favorites. We don't show favorites. Sorry, lads. It was great craic going on and the beer with everyone. Spending that much. Jesus Christ. And who's the one person you wouldn't want to room with? Yeah. Ooh, who is that? Ah lads, you're Call them out now, lads. Call them out now. I'm saying no. I'm saying I'm saying Ask me Cameron. Ask me Cameron. He should be banned from the next Ah, stop it. Yeah, he He'd make a show of you. He'd make a show of you. He even does one-arm push-ups. Ah, stop it. Ah, Cameron's a legend, man. You'll all get free gear angles for that as well. That's what really comes down to it when you're representing Ireland. There's free gear angles. Really it was. It's all about the beer. Yeah, but looking at it now, like the way you guys went over, like like the like you were meant to fight Russia and then like just look at the way the teams like after really uniting and the whole country here has been watching and if they haven't they don't know what they're doing, but it's just No, it's been a huge brilliant watch and lads have done really, really well done to two of you guys and I'm sure your family and friends are very proud of you as well. Ah, thanks a million. Conor, one thing that we haven't touched on yet, which I I actually found interesting from a spectator's point of view was you went over there and you fought probably for the first time in your amateur career without your own coaches. How was that for you? I obviously saw Andy come into the cage and you had a bit of a chat afterwards and you know, you actually said to him great coach. Yeah, yeah. What's that after the fight, but what How was that like fighting without your coaches there? Um no, the lads, Joey and Andy, they looked after me like I planned it. Like I said before, you could hear everything they were saying. And I found it just really clear, like you know, just like clear instructions like you know, just attacking his leg. Just you know, the game is just kind of clear instructions like I thought I could listen to them really easy in there. And what they were saying was working, you know? I just looked at the base kicking that fight like just keeping the range, just jabbing, attacking his leg, you know, straight shots. And they were just saying stuff and showing it in and calling it as they saw it. And then Louis, I'm going to ask yourself, obviously you're training with different bodies over there. Obviously there's people with different skill sets over there. What's one thing that you picked up off a teammate that you'll bring home, make you a better martial artist? Um It doesn't have to be a word. I get free drinks. No, I think Ghost showed us a nice a nice neighbor. I think that the Ghost showed us a neighbor kind of force like Yeah, yeah, second day, first day training. Yeah, yeah, he pulled it off that day like that wasn't a specific move, you know? Or even a mindset. Just just from even even just watching all the guys fight like he he gave everything they put everything on the on the line. Even the others was like the beginners like fighting about anything which I mean just going in there and just being killers like just having that killer mindset. I definitely got off everybody. That they going to using going forward you know in the next couple of fights. And what about yourself Conor then? Who Who did you pick something off? Uh Ghost showed us a really good sweep from half guard. That That's one thing I was like, "Yeah, I'm going to start using that." The first training session, we trained twice. I think it was Monday we did two sessions like cardio one, did a technique in the morning and then we just did a bit of rolling and flowing that night. And And Ghost was drilling some nice off guard escapes, and that's one thing I'll take. Sounds like those BJJ was uh very useful over there, Basman. Yeah, obviously, yeah. Uh for the people that are tuning in now, if you haven't liked and subscribed, make sure to do it, and make sure to follow the two lads on Instagram at Conor McCarthy and at Lewis underscore underscore Byrne. Uh Conor, Lewis, do you have any uh have you got any fights lined up now for the people that are tuning in that they should make sure to watch and see you compete again? Uh Conor, if you want to go first and let the fans know when and where they'll be able to see you next. Yeah, all you are. Um feeling like or just under two weeks, I think. Um 3rd April, I'll be fighting. That's the next one. Your plans, Yeah, I got a catch me there as well. Uh I'll be on I'll be on the UAR as well with Conor. And we'll be fighting for a lightweight title. So, straight away lightweight straight for the super couple of my titles straight away. That's how it's done. Ross, where where where are we meant to be there as well, bud? Yeah, I think uh the two lads stock has definitely gone up as well. I think more people be interested to see them. Um one last thing I want to touch on before before you go away, um h- how how good were the coaches over there to you guys and and how well did they have you prepared because uh they they seem to have been giving you motivational speeches every day. They seem to give great corner work. How integral were they to the team? Uh they were savage, man. Yeah, it was my first time working with Andy and them as well, and it was very impressed. From uh Liam O'Grady's speeches and Andy's before we go get on get on the bus and all to like when they're in between rounds and all. Like I was very impressed with the level of coaching they have and they're great uh federation to win at. Lewis, Uh yeah. I don't think yeah, we I don't think we would have got as far as we did without the coaches we had standing. Uh like Andy's my own coach, so I know what to expect with Andy. And then Liam and Jerry done brilliantly as well. Like they're actually there for for the whole team, and they gave great instructions, great support. of all of us. Shout out to the entire team that went over to Bahrain as well. Uh Ross, any any last words before we wrap things up? Or sorry, lads, have you got any sponsors or anything you need to shout out as well? I've no sponsors. If anyone wants to sponsor me. If anyone wants to sponsor his team Ireland's Conor McCarthy or Lewis Byrne, make sure to get in touch with them. Yeah, well shout out to the Bahrain Super Cup for putting on such a an outrageous event. And then shout out to team Ireland, like you guys all knocked it out of the park, regardless of who won what fights or whatever, like just seeing you guys over there, like even standing up on the podium as as the national anthem played or standing up on the the entrance way, like that that gave me goosebumps and must say the jerseys were actually cool. We didn't actually get to mention them. I was like I was like that was a That was a nice little touch. Also, shout out to the ref who got kicked in the head as well. What a legend. We nearly forgot that. Oh, stop. Oh, did that ref actually get replaced, Lewis, or did he get up and fight? No, no, he was laying he got panned out on the ground on his back and he just jumped back up in between the rounds and I I wasn't even noticing, to be honest, cuz I was I was getting super hard on it. That's why I walked off in the video. I looked like I didn't give a bollocks about the ref. I was just I I I heard the bell. I heard the bell as I was going charging at me to support. And he was trying to continue, he continued. I went right before he raised me hands, I asked him, "Are you all right?" And he just said, "No." In fairness, I think he watched the Toys in Fury get knocked down by the anti-weld and then he was like, "Ah, the Undertaker." That's that's how it goes. So much heart though, wasn't it? Oh, stop. He nailed it. It was a perfect shot. Beautiful kick. Although, like in fairness, he was a mile away from Lewis. But uh no, lads, uh y'all did the country so proud. We were watching you every step of the way. Um I I can't wait to see where abouts he is going next. Um like I said, like I think your stock is definitely raised um for when you do go pro. This experience will definitely worthwhile and going over fighting on foreign soil, you know, having the sort of even the entrance in the walk down into the cage, the size of the cage and stuff like that. That will all stand to you in the future. Really really looking forward to watching you fight again. And if anyone is watching this, make sure to give the boys a follow. Two absolute legends of the Irish MMA game. Big fans of both of yous. Um Anything else to add in, Basma? No, make sure to check out the lads competing in IOW Fighting Championships on the 3rd of April. And that's where it all goes down again and we'll see you there. So, make sure to like, share, subscribe. And as always, stay energized. Energize show. Up the Irish. I've seen you guys a couple of times. I've seen a couple of clips. I think you're doing some of the videos with Dylan Moran and that. But I I saw. So, keep going. Keep up the good work, guys.