Rhys McKee | PFL Belfast Debut Win, Big Fight Plans & Irish MMA News | The Energized Show

news_summary

What is up and welcome to The Energized Show! On this episode Fight Academy Ireland's Rhys McKee joins us to discuss his PFL Belfast Debut Win, We Review PFL Belfast & Irish MMA News. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Hit the notification bell for more Energized Shows! Youtube …

news_transcript (youtube_captions)

I think it's [clears throat] the first time in my career coming out of a loss or coming out of the UFC where people were like, "What are you going to do now? Is that you finished?" And like that was never a question I've ever heard coming from people's mouths. So, I think the more I heard people saying like, "Uh is that you finished? Are you done?" Like I was like, "How do How would that How does that even make sense?" Like I I'm like 30 years of age, so experienced. Yes, I've I've done a lot of stuff people would would deem to be enough to call it a day, but like I still have so much to do. So, I feel like I had a chip on my shoulder coming into this fight and I think that's what motivated me so much. >> [music] >> The Energize show, up the Irish. Here we go. >> [screaming] >> Okay, what's going on, guys? Welcome to a brand new episode of Energize, brought to you by Our Kings Competitions. Ross, >> intoxicated or something? Introduce the guest, man. Today, we have the one and only Irish MMA legend. He is the new face of the PFL. It is the one and only It is Rhys Skeletor McKee, fresh off a win at PFL Belfast. Rhys, how good does that feel? Yeah, it feels good to be back in the winning column. It feels good to, you know, feels like um everything's back to normal again. Coming off a win always is better. And I think that was the main focus of uh last week was to get back sitting on a win. And tell us this, Rhys. Obviously, when, you know, it was announced you signed for PFL, it was a big thing. You were a free agent for a little while there. Felt like PFL PFL put the feelers out, then it sort of went cold, and then it came hot again. What sort of happened and what led you to signing with the PFL? Uh yes, so like we had we had early discussions with the PFL. And for me, it was like, you [snorts] know, we were just kind of seeing what was about in the the agent or the the the free agency. And then, you know, I didn't feel like I was really getting anything that excited me. So, I was like, "Yeah, I'm going to going to kind of play my options." And that was fine. So, kept [clears throat] looking around options. And then, PFL come back and uh they got me excited with an offer. So, yeah, it made perfect sense. So, and then, obviously, the Belfast thing was was fantastic. But, I felt for Belfast, it just needed it to be a worthy opponent, a worthy everything. And once them lines aligned, then I was happy to play my part. Rhys Rhys, just touching on that as well. Myself and Ross were talking about a few weeks ago. I was like, "I wonder if PFL came back to you after Paul was off the card." Was When they came back to you again, was that after he was he was pulled off the card or while he was still on the card? Yeah, so I believe we obviously knew Paul was out. And then, we heard from PFL. So, I do believe that did change the narrative of how things went. Um you know, that Yeah, of course it changed everything. So, they needed someone to kind of be the the face from the north, I suppose, on the show. So, um who who better than me? Yeah, absolutely. They sent the Skeletor signal instead of the bat signal. Yeah, of course. Of course. >> Is that when you Is that when you asked for the the walkout music as well? No, the the walkout song was something that I actually said the first time we spoke. That was something that I would be I would feel I'd want want to be done. Um so, that was nothing really to do with like That was nothing to get over the line or anything like that. That was always something that I said fighting in Belfast, I feel like this is a it needs to happen. Yeah, in fairness, I think when you were fighting Justin Burlinson, we we were they were trying to make that happen. But, it wasn't it wasn't a possibility. But, I think it looked really really good on the stage, the way the way the I'm going to call it a titantron. It's like a WWE titantron. I love that from the PFL. I love their walkout, the way they had the sort of the video playing in the background. And you make the walk to the cage. And and Ryan was there and you sort of walked by him, gave him gave him the little nod on the way. I I love that. I think it's absolutely incredible. I think it really adds that like massive star feel to it. And I think like that's deserved. And I think PFL were onto a winner by going back to the well and getting Rhys McKee on this card. I feel like it needed that big superstar from that region to really really keep the card together after Paul dropped off. And I think like if you weren't on the card, I feel like some maybe maybe not cuz there's a few other Fight Academy Ireland people on the card. But, like some general MMA fans might not have been as enthused to make the travel on a Thursday night cuz it was obviously an awkward time for the Irish audience. But, look, you have to be grateful that we got it on a Thursday night cuz at the end of the day, like look the amount of Irish talent that got to perform on the card here as opposed to if it was in Boston, how many Irish eyes would have watched it? Probably a lot less because timings didn't work. But, because it was here, it gave that special feel. Did you feel like it was it felt like a special night in the arena? Yeah, definitely, you know. And um for me, I feel like it was I feel like it was special for to have me in the show because I've been around and done like a lot of fights with the UFC and like a lot of like um fights away from home. So, I feel like when I did fight in Belfast last year, it was big and it was a world title fight. But, I feel now I've went and had like these global fights that when you're coming back, it feels much bigger. So, I feel like it was people's chance to kind of see Rhys at home again um after he done something big, you know. So, I feel like I feel like that's what kind of made it special for me. And you know, the likes of all the Rafaela's that got to compete in that night, you know, even for me, like to be honest, if the event if it was anywhere else in the world, like obviously I've been very around a child this week. Like if it was anywhere else in the world, timing wouldn't have aligned for me. So, you know, it had to be in Belfast to make sense. And it probably had to be on this date for it to make sense. So, you feel like there's there's a story there alone. Like I feel like I was meant to be in the show. I think the show was always going to have me on it. Yeah, I think I think it needed Yeah, I think I think if you spoke to anyone in in Ireland who follows MMA whatsoever, they were like, "It's actually tragic Rhys McKee. Like you weren't on the card until you were on the card." You know what I mean? It just made no sense. I I was I was sitting there being like, >> [snorts] >> you know, obviously, what Paul's done in the PFL is massive. I was like, "He main event, you co-main event." Should have just been that way from the start. And I think PFL, as they did in the end, they should have rolled out the red carpet for for for Rhys McKee. I think I think you're an absolute no-brainer signing. Everyone who's ever watched the fight just knows how good that is stylistically. And I think the Lahore fight ended being good. Like I I even enjoyed the bit of promo back and forth with the with the video they had you watching that. I thought that that was that was a That was brilliant. And I think he was the perfect opponent for you. There was a bit of history there with you both being in BAM and stuff like that. And I suppose I'm sure now that that that must have been difficult as well. So, I know you were sort of doing a bit of training or whatever. But, obviously, it's different to training to having a fight day booked. What was that like? And what was the sort of conscious decision there when you were like, "Right. I'm training away, getting the help the lads or whatever. But, then also, now I'm fighting on the card." Is there a mental switch with that when that happens? You know what? It's me and Pat McAllister and Shondo's had a lot of conversations about this. Like I am So, obviously, when I when I when I believed that I was going to be fighting in PFL, I was very much getting ready. And then, it slowed down. And I, to be honest, took my foot off the gas. And then, we [snorts] were looking at these other promotions like Octagon and where else wherever else we were going to end up. And um you know, I was talking to Pat. And he was like, "You'll never be ready for April." And on the same day, PFL came in. Um again, we had another few conversations. And I I was just very much like, "Listen, I'm [snorts] the man for this. I'm the man who can do the short notice fights. You know, preparation was far from ideal. I have a really bad shoulder injury at the minute. Um you know, any other circumstance, the fight should never have happened. But, I just knew mentally that I really wanted the fight and I really wanted the chance to compete. And you know, Pat and Shondo, they were um they were on board as long as I was in. You know, there's been times I've had perfect preparation, but mentally probably not wanted it as much as I did last weekend. So, you know, I feel like I would have went in there with a worse injury or even worse prep. But, it was far from far from decent. Not even far from ideal, it was far from decent. But, mentally I was I was on the money and knew that I wanted the fight. So, I seen Pat share a story this week kind of saying like, you know, how it was less than ideal. But, you know, mentally, if you're the man for it, then you're the man for it. And that's what I kind of said after like, "I am that guy that can do that." Like people need perfect um perfect circumstance. I absolutely don't. And sometimes I actually thrive under worse circumstances, which is kind of weird. Yeah, I was going to I was going to actually ask you that cuz Pat did put out that story as well. But, like one thing obviously after the fight, you like you took the gloves off. And like everyone was sort of like, "What's he going to do here?" Obviously, it was sort of slightly reminiscent of when you were on Cage Warriors and you took the UC flip-flop out. But, like you you sort of like like like let people know with like something from the heart. You were sort of saying people sort of like doubted you. Or like can you sort of explain what was sort of being said that and like what made you feel like you had to like speak back to the people that like the fans or haters? Um well, I feel like it's uh I [clears throat] think it's the first time in my career coming out of a loss or coming out of the UFC where people were like, "What are you going to do now? Is that you finished?" And like that was never a question I've ever heard coming from people's mouths. So, I think the more I heard people saying like, "Uh is that you finished? Are you done?" Like I was like, "How do How would that How does that even make sense?" Like I I'm like 30 years of age, so experienced. Yes, I've I've done a lot of stuff people would would deem to be enough to call it a day. But, like I still have so much to do. So, I feel like I had a chip on my shoulder coming into this fight and I think that's what motivated me so much. Like and I think I even wanted to be the man that could do it without proper preparation because I think if anything it reminds myself that I am that guy. Like I I am the person that can do that. Like I'm not a normal athlete. I'm not a normal person. I fought at the highest of highs. And for people to think that I'm done just because what I lost a fight like it's crazy. Like it's crazy. So um yeah, I definitely I had a massive chip on my shoulder and I had a massive problem and I've always had a problem with people that tell me how to live my life or how I should do things when they're not the men in their arena themselves. So um yeah, you know what? I've always been a guy that's sat on the fence. Been very don't offend anyone. Don't do this. But I'm at the stage of my career where I don't need anybody else. I don't need it winning opinions. I just need to be who I want to be and the reason I'm doing this is because this is exactly what I want to do. So everybody's opinion in the nicest way can well, [snorts] you can do whatever you want with their opinion actually. Yeah, well, what what's that what's that lovely phrase? Uh opinions are like [ __ ] Everyone has one. Um so look at I I I I I suppose I think I think um the MMA fan base is phenomenal in some ways that like, you know, they get behind their own. But it's almost that Irish pugnacity where they want to build you up to a certain extent and then like, you know, if you fall off a bit they're they're they're the first ones to put the boot in and I think yeah there's something about people who fight in the UFC and then no longer fight in the UFC that like people feel like they can say what they want to be with them for whatever reason and like you know what I mean? I I I I I I'm a big fan of like don't say anything to anyone that you wouldn't say to their face. So I think that's a definitely something that um people should have a bit more respect for. And look, you've plenty of rope left in this career and you can go as as long as long as you want. And I think like this is only a new chapter and it looks like it's going to be a very fruitful chapter for you. Um I saw and after the fight that uh you know, this was the most lucrative fight that you've ever had. Is that is that something that's really put you put a pep in your step? And just like obviously you have young family, another one on the way next week or maybe this week. Is that something that's really like gave you that bit more sort of satisfaction in fighting? Yeah, of course. Like I've had a lot of like really nice moments in fighting and stuff and you know, been around the world and been given really nice kit bags and UFC tracksuits. But like it means nothing really because at the end of the [laughter] day when when it's all when it's all said and done it's about it's about bread, isn't it? It's about you know, what you're providing, you know, to your family, to yourself. Like their quality of life is massive. So yeah, like this [snorts] is the most lucrative packet I've ever got after or for one single fight and it's um very important, you know. Uh the job doesn't remain the same. I'm still as all in as I've ever been, you know, I've won a world title for you know, a lot less money and was as in for that fight as was for any fight. So it's just nice to finally get you know what I feel all fighters should really be getting. You know, I don't think I don't think um uh yeah, I feel I feel like the whole the whole game should be aligned, but it's not. Um but for now all I can do is enjoy it and just know that it's fruits of the labor of the 15 years of hard work I have. But now it's coming to the point where it's like, "Ah, this is amazing." And does does that include the 50k bonus as well that you made more more on top of that as well? Yeah, yeah, yeah. 100% yeah. Ah, happy days man. I'm absolutely delighted for you. Like I love seeing the fighters make money they deserve. I love seeing someone like yourself who's done what they've done not only like throughout your own career before the sport actually get their get the reward that they deserve. So I think it's absolutely magnificent. And before we ask you what's sort of next for Reese McKee, just want to touch on the gym itself. Like amazing night for the gym. Uh obviously one of the people's main events Kealan McGrath beat Alan Philpott. I'm sure that was a tough watch for you. You know what I mean? You're you're you're you're close with both. Um but obviously that that had a lot of eyes going into it. And then Owen McCafferty, what a performance. Incredible stuff. I actually have this uh really uh fun memory that you're probably unaware of. We were up at Akuma and Owen McCafferty uh just just just uh fought and he won the belt and you were there. And your first interaction was to talk about a certain moment in the fight and the way his feet were for for when he was throwing a certain shot. And he was like just ingrained in trying to find out that knowledge. Like he seems to be an athlete spawned. And like it was it was it was just really interesting to see. It was it was like a fly on the moment while just to see to see that. And look, he's he's he's in such high regard in that gym. But uh what did what did the night mean to the gym? Yeah, the night meant a lot, you know, and uh like it was pretty cool training camp like with uh like all different stages of a career. Like, you know, me and Kealan are probably quite quite matched in terms of where we are. Um Owen is absolute, you know a baby in the game and I spent a lot of time with him in fight week. It's like uh you know, there were times me and him spent the whole day and went on on drives and fight week and stuff and it let me like kind of I like took a lot of motivation from Owen because he would have been asking me questions about you know, how does fight week work and stuff? And sometimes I like almost forget like I'm so in this game so long that I don't even realize how good it is what we're doing. And uh so I took a lot of motivation from this week because yeah, I don't I don't even really have any I don't even know how to describe what I mean. But I think he was just so young in the in fresh in the game and he's looking at me as the ultimate experience person that I'm like flip this is class that I can be this for him. So I suppose from me maybe motivating him he motivated me. So I thought that was special. But that guy, he's so respectful. He's so talented you know, nothing's like that he expects nothing. He doesn't like there's no entitlement in that young man. And like I genuinely genuinely believe he could be the greatest ever to do it from Ireland. Like and um you know, so it was a big night for him. A big night for Kealan, you know, his first fight with FAI. Like, you know, the coaching change. And yes, it was a tough one. I've known Alan my whole MMA journey. He was the first person to ever coach me in an MMA class. So it was tough. Um but at the same time I just kind of stand out of that fight and let the lads do what they do they done. You know, obviously I had an opinion on the fight. I had you know, feelings about the fight. But like I didn't let any of that get in the way and I very much, you know, let the lads do their thing. But um a massive night for the gym. Like three and oh. And I remember when we went two and oh and it was just me last. I was like, "Oh, flip." Sometimes these this is hard when you're the final one to put the to make it the perfect night. >> [laughter] >> We got it done. Yeah, you you you got it done. And the first decision win in your career, Reese. So I know we I called you out fair. I'll say it here. PFL I've signed a new decision merchant. >> [laughter] >> No, but it was it was it was actually a really well fought fight by yourself. I thought obviously, you know, you felt like he couldn't hang with you on the feet. He tried to, you know, start a lot of grappling exchanges. But the jab looked really really fresh. The low kick looked really really fresh. You looked like you were never in danger in there. What was your take on the fight? See, to be honest, like obviously it was a short notice fight. So I just had to be calculated. Like the last thing I wanted to do was to blow up in there and you know, be really tired. Like I've effectively like, you know, I had a few weeks training for this fight. Um I felt good. I felt ready to fight. 100% there's no reason there. But I felt once I got stable in the fight, I knew Alex skill wise was never going to put me in trouble. Um I knew he was going to wrestle to try and slow the fight down. But you know, he caught he caused zero damage. He just held on for, you know, 30 10 minute and a half 30 minute and a half in a few rounds. Like you know, there there was never there was never a moment of panic. And I think if anything it's probably one of my best performances in my career because I showed maturity. I think a few years ago I would have, you know been hungry to finish him in the first round and you know, you could have risked everything. You could have ended up exhausted and it could have swung the whole fight. So you know, at this point in my career I think that was my you know, 25th professional fight. Like I've finally learned the lessons. I'm finally coming in and just doing enough to win the fights. Like and and no, it wasn't like I won a tight fight. I I schooled him and you know, I don't have a mark on me. So it was everything that I wanted from it. Were you Were you surprised he got up on the cage as well to celebrate? Uh >> [laughter] >> You know what? I said I seen him on the cage and thought maybe I don't know. Maybe he's seen someone in the crowd that he wants to say hello to because he definitely didn't >> [laughter] >> He was he was he was waving the Pat and Chandaloo. Something like that. Yeah, maybe he's waving the Pat and Chandaloo. But um yeah, I don't know. Alex is a a character and you know, he played his part. Fair play to him. Like you know, he he played his part. But he knows he didn't win the fight. I actually to be honest, when I was getting the decision I thought 30-27 was harsh. But then I watched it back and yeah, I won every round. He done he didn't do any damage. He didn't score any. He flashed took me down a few times. I had him in trouble numerous times. So um yeah, it's he knows he didn't win that fight. It's fine. Yeah, I I think I I think I I think I I think it was it was mad Anna who didn't win that fight as well. Like I think like I think I don't think anyone I don't think there was a a sniff of a round won by Alex in that fight. So look it was what it was. But I suppose for you looking forward, Reese, I know, you know, baby on the way. Hand hand not in the best shape at the moment. But next time you do a training camp, you'll be doing it at the new Fight Academy Ireland facility. How exciting is that going to be? And then also with that being said what what do you want next? So I know you probably want a bit of time off to heal and, you know, spend time with the family. But what's next for Skeleton? Yeah, well, I mean certainly yeah, like there's a few bits there to break [laughter] down. I think the the new gym will be fun, of course. I haven't even seen the gym. I've like I've put the blinkers on. Chandaloo tried to show me photos and I don't want want it until you know, we get down there. Like I like to enjoy the moment when it happens, not see the teasers. And then, yeah, I want a bit of time off with the family. Obviously, new child coming. I need to get this hand sorted. So, we need to see what's happening with that. But, when I fight again, it it just has to be a ranked fight. You know, I just need to You know, it has to be a ranked fight. It has to be someone, you know, that's going to get me closer to the the bigger fights and bigger names. And that's really it. I don't know who. I don't know anything like that. But, if their name's on the ranking list, then it wouldn't make a lot of sense for me. Yeah, we put a poll out there saying that who people like to see Rhys fight next, either at the Lazy King or at Doom Cedric Doumbé. And the people said that they'd like to see you fight Doumbé next. Yeah, Doumbé like I would like to see Doumbé fight again, regardless of it was me. But, yeah, but that'll be class. That would be so fun. Um he's a superstar in France. You know, um so to fight him in front of the French people would be absolutely crazy. But, yeah, like I'm keen like if it's a big fight, you know, he's obviously in the rankings. He's obviously a the massive name in the MMA world. So, that would be a huge fight. Yeah, Rhys Rhys Rhys, you just want big fights right now. Like, you know what I mean? You want to go up in the rankings, fight for the title. That's that's the plan, isn't it? Well, that's what everyone wants to see anyway. Uh also have to give a shout out to um Cage Conflict returns on June 27th. So, uh shout out to everyone that's going to be competing on that as well. >> [snorts] >> So, Rhys, you were going to say something about the name of Paul? Yeah, I just want big fights. Yeah, I just want, you know, the more people that want to see that fight, the more people that, you know, don't want to miss it, then then that's the fights for me. Like, you know, even they were talking about in the pre-fighter about like or the fighter interviews about like a few guys. And I was like, yeah, they're big names, but they're boring fights. And like, you know, I want to try and keep this game exciting. And, you know, I'm in it to have fun. So, you know, yes, there's a time if we're fighting for a belt, then it might have to be fight someone who's not that exciting. And and then that's fine. But, until then, I'm going to keep the fights fun. Obviously, you're going to have that bit of time off. Obviously, Paul's got a knee injury. But, could have possibly realigned that maybe late in the year, sort of October, November if PFL could come back to Belfast and the two years could turn out on the same card. Is that a Is that a possibility? Yeah, that'd be class. I was saying this to Paul on the after the fight. Like, one of my goals is is to um you know, call me in with Paul. Mhm. You know, I think that'll be fantastic. It's, you know, arguably, you know, two of the biggest names ever to come out of the country on the one card would be would be I Look, I'm always giving you the thumbs up. Yeah, thumbs up. That's that's very energizing, man. Very energizing. Very energizing. So, yeah, like that that would be a massive massive [laughter] pull. That'd be That'd be very fun. Yeah. Too many jokes in this episode, lads. I'll be I'll be I'll be all I'll be all for it as well. And I think there's a obviously there's a growing FAI contingency and a growing FAI contingency that are turning pro as well. Um in the in the near future or have just turned pro that could definitely feature on the card. I saw um Blaine O'Driscoll will be turning pro soon. It's a uh Cory McLaughlin is fighting Caolan Loughran like unbelievable fight night there. Like that's a very sexy fight. Um ridiculously good matchmaking there. Like that that 100% could have been on PFL Belfast. And people would have been foaming at the mouth for. Uh like love to see see see those guys on the next PFL card as well. I think it's a I think PFL are doing a really really special thing up north. And I think long long may it last, you know what I mean? You never know, they could come knocking for Paddy McCorry as well. Yeah, 100% and like we'll have to see what's next after that. Totally. Yeah, there's um it's exciting for everybody in the gym, you know, like there's the We really do have the world at our feet at the minute. We do have massive options. And, you know, I think as the lads have always said in the gym, it's just about keeping us all ready and keeping us signed in and just knowing that, you know, you can get a text one night and your whole life could change with your next fight. Yeah. Rhys just before we wrap things up as well, um we were meant to have you on in the build up to the fight. And people were on to us saying, "Why didn't you get Rhys on the show?" Like we'll let everyone know we're still best mates, man. We're still scolarized. Oh, yeah, we're still scolarized. Scolarized stronger than ever. >> [laughter] >> And uh but before we let you go, two of your very good teammates are uh fighting this weekend on your old stomping ground on Cage Warriors over in Glasgow, Scotland. Uh Caolan Loughran and Owen McDonald coming in on short notice as another FAI lad coming in on short notice. Um how do you how do you feel they're going to do? I know Caolan's new to the gym. Have you got much work in with them? Yeah, too much. The man's a monster. Honestly, Caolan is, you know, a massive massive issue in sparring. Like he is probably the the sparring and this is a compliment, probably the sparring round that I least enjoy. An ultimate technician. Like I couldn't say enough things about him. And, you know, when he starts putting these wins together, everybody's going to realize how good that kid is. Like And someone told me, I think he's only 21. Like frightening. Like he, you know, I've you know, we've done about 10 to 15 rounds and I've maybe hit him twice. And he's Yeah, he's he's beat me up a few times. So, very talented guy. And then Owen is, you know, Owen is another person I couldn't be a bigger fan of. Like his grappling's unbelievable. His boxing's so crisp. He is another person that, you know, when he shows the level that he is and has been at, it's all going to click. And these guys are both going to have big nights in Cage Warriors. I'm glad to see them in Cage Warriors. Obviously, it's a show that I am fond of. Like the but um yeah. It's a fantastic show. Like a massive Even the Even the title fight. I'm not doing a promo for Cage Warriors here. But, the title fight is um is big too. Like it's [laughter] You want the winner of them PFL. Yeah, it's a it's a fan it's a fantastic night. Like so, yeah, I'd say the whoever wins that fight goes to the UFC. And uh yeah, who knows what happens with the loser. Yeah, also Rhys, last question for me as well. Um who do you think now would headline Cage Conflict on the 27th of June? He might know. It's not. You know what? I actually don't know. And I actually I actually couldn't guess. Yeah, cuz everyone's getting signed up. I know if if if he can win in quick fashion in in chaos, I'm sure Blaine O'Driscoll would love to get a headline uh that that man loves the headlines. Yeah, I'm trying to fit um Yeah, I'm trying to fit Yeah, I've no idea. I've no idea. But, um they'll definitely fit They'll be It's probably probably already is done. And that's actually a testament to how much is happening at the gym. Like I would actually have no idea who would be. Come here, is Omar Solomon signed to PFL now or is that Was that a one-fight deal? I'm not sure. I'm not sure. And I hope he gets a headline as well. Yeah. Yeah, I I hope as much as I love to see him again in Cage Conflict, I would love him to have the nights at PFL and stuff. So, you know, again, the world's at their feet. So, whatever happens to these boys is going to be good. Yeah, Rhys McKee. Yeah, something like Michael Shields could headline as well in amateur fights. Like like as much as I love seeing pro fights on the domestic scene, if you get the high-level amateur fights as well, like they're they're great to see. Yeah, you know what else is very good as well? Nathan What's his name? Mick Mulligan. Mick Mulligan. Another monster. Another monster. Like, you know, I grappled him grappled him a few weeks ago. You know, this is someone who was a fair amateur. Took my back, choked me four or five times. Like, you know, people don't realize the level of that gym. Like people don't realize. Obviously, under the lights is when a lot of us shine. But, like in the gym, like there's so many monsters. So many. It's crazy. Too too many people in that killer team group. Yeah, we do we do see where where to park gets a bigger cage in this new gym. He's going to open 10 new spaces. Oh, I love I love it. Now, Rhys, it's It's been Rhys, you Thank you very much for your time. Is there anything else you want to say to the people that like they were actually buzzing to see you back in action and getting the win? No, just that the people who know know, and the people who don't, well, they can continue not to know and just be hearers. And that's fine. Mhm. We need both to make the world go round. So, no, it's good. We're in a good place. We're back to winning ways. You know, life's good. Going to have a child this week. And uh Yeah, life's good. Life's blessed. Yeah, things things are all coming up Scolar. And we love to see it, man. Well deserved. One of the nicest guys in the sport and one of the most violent guys in the sport at the same time. So, you know, winning and all from threes. All the best to yourself, Rebecca Ruby. Unbelievable stuff. Um we absolutely love to see it. And look, enjoy the rest of your day, but Appreciate it, guys. Thanks so much. The Enjoy Show. Up the orders. So, Ross, that was Rhys McKee. Your favorite McKee, man. Yeah, absolutely. Great to see you, Rhys. Happy, winning, and just winning in life, I suppose. He's he's he's he's top man. And look, he's a legend voice in me. It's it's weird cuz I'm a legend who's still doing it. But, that's what he is. And he was he was giving us the thumbs up the whole time as well. I know he said he wasn't, but he definitely was. Yeah, he [laughter] definitely was. Definitely was. But, look, love Rhys McKee. Top lad. I would appreciate his time. So, if you are new to the Enjoy Show, make sure to like and subscribe because we are here every week. And Ross, we're going to actually carry on the PFL talk. And we're going to discuss all the PFL action that happened on Thursday. So, I think we're actually best off starting from the very first fight of the night as Omar Solomon defeated Shane Mullen in the first round via submission, Ross. Yeah, less than 2 minutes it took Omar Solomon to get the job done against Shane Mullen. Look, everyone in the build up this card was saying Omar Solomon is one of the hottest prospects. We've been saying he's one of the hottest prospects for a very very long time. Paul Hughes said he was the future fighting on the broadcast. And look, he looks every bit of a He went in there, got the job done rather flawlessly as well against Shane Mullen, who was a very very credible opponent in his own right. So, I think Omar Solomon is definitely one to look out for. But, Rhys Rhys also gave a massive shout out there saying that he could potentially be the best ever to do it from Ireland. Yeah, 100%. Look, he's he's another Derry fighter, which uh they seem to all be very good in Derry. And must be must be the growing up, but he's a very unassuming looking fellow, you know what I mean? He's a baby baby face. He looks like you know if someone if you put on a school uniform and someone said he was 16, you wouldn't blink. You'd just say, "Yeah, probably is." And he is an absolute phenomenal athlete, phenomenally skilled. And I can't wait to see his trajectory. I think I'd love to see him go back to Cage Conflict just to get get the reps in while the while while the fight game is there for him. You know, let him go let him go three and 0. Let him continue to build up that record. And look, I I'd love to see him on the PFL next time they're in Europe. I think that's a very good option for him. I think uh I suppose with the PFL, you know what I mean? What I will say is he's two and 0, so he's young in his career, so they'll be constantly bring people in for him. So, if he can get the reps in Cage Conflict in the meantime, definitely go for it. Yeah, like he's he's very hot right now, so he should just keep the the the ball rolling. And as we said, that's why I asked Reece I was like, "Who do you think could actually headline Cage Conflict?" Because all the all the all the big names are getting signed up. Yeah, absolutely. And look, the gym is the gym is on fire at the moment. It's it's the best performing MMA gym in the country right now. There's no doubt about it. So, um let's let's let's the good times roll for FAI, you know? Exactly, man. So, here we go into the Pedro Carvalho fight against Sergio Cossio. Pedro came in on short notice and got the unanimous decision victory in arguably one of the best fights of the night. Yeah, this one was an absolute war. Pedro Carvalho went toe-to-toe with Cossio. Both fighters looked like they nearly finished for a certain times. Pedro definitely got hurt to the body at times. And he looked like he hurt Cossio on numerous occasions, but this was an absolute war. Um if there was performance bonuses available, this one definitely would have got fight of the night for me. Uh absolute war. Great to see Pedro back. I think he looks like he should uh keep his home. I know this was a catchweight fight, but I think he looks like he is a better fighter at lightweight than he is a featherweight, so I don't want to see him back down at featherweight ever again. Yeah, well, this one was 165 lbs. This is the key for Carl weight, Ross. Yeah, the key for Carl weight. The key for Carl weight. Uh but no, he did he did he did look really good there, so fair play to him. Yeah, then we have to torture on Kieran Clarke losing to Dean Garnett in the first round by spinning elbow. Ross, this was absolutely ruthless, man. Yeah, look, Kieran Clarke I thought looked better on the on the feet than we've ever seen him. And uh look, he got caught with a spinning elbow. It was very very very rough to see that. He was also down for a prolonged period of time after the fight. Coming back after such a long layoff, it must be very hard to get back in there and feel that comfortable, especially against an opponent like Dean Garnett, who is a seasoned veteran. So, look, fair play to Kieran Clarke for taking the fight. And hopefully we get to see him back there again. He is definitely a hell of a talent. You know, he didn't go 10 and 0 for no reason. And look, Dean Garnett is a very talented pound as well. I think I'd like to see him maybe take on Caolan Loughran next, who who fought in the other bantamweight showcase for for for the night. So, we we shall see about that. Yeah, that that that's been an elbow that was like like a crafty veteran move, wasn't it? So, uh Yeah. Look, Kieran Kieran seems to be recovering well, so that's that's the the good news. Then Ross, going into Team KF's Aslan Shaban defeated Nasrudin Pedros by TKO in the second round as well. That The thing is about this fight, like he was the only Team KF fighter on the card. I didn't feel like PFL actually like really promoted him very well at all. I don't even think they put a fight poster up for him, but he went in and got the win. Yeah, I thought the promotion for Aslan was really really poor from PFL's point of view. I don't I don't remember seeing one post from the PFL about him in general in the build up to fight week. I think they definitely could have done more for him on that front. But I suppose the performance the the finish was great. Landed the knee in perfect timing. And one way to get a promotion to promote you is to win, and he's done that. So, let's let's see how they promote him in his next fight, cuz I think I'd like to see more from him. Yeah, then we have to go into what was voted the people's main event as Caolan Loughran defeated Alan Philpott by submission in round one. Ross, this fight there was it was the most hyped fight. A lot of promotion went into this. It was for the the King of the North crown. And it was I don't know about you, but I was very surprised at how fast this was finished. Yeah, I wasn't expecting to be over within 90 seconds. Caolan Loughran once he got the back, it looked like it it was game over. Look, Caolan went in there, did his job, got the job done. I think what's most important for Caolan is what's next. And I think it is a Dean Garnett or a Lewis McGrillen. I think they're the two fights for him to make. And I think they're the two fights that PFL can really really build on. Um look, that's that's what I want to see next from them. I wouldn't mind seeing Alan Philpott fight Kieran Clarke next as well, just as a as a as a fight for both of those, cuz I think I think the winners of that fight should fight each other and the losers of that fight should fight each other. I think it makes sense. It will make sense if they're doing location-based fights, if they're doing them in the UK or Ireland. I think they're the fights that that will sell. So, I think why not do it that way? The poll was put out, Ross. Kieran Loughran, who should he fight next? Dean Garnett or Lewis McGrillen? >> Oh, it's definitely Lewis McGrillen that's going to be picked because just cuz Lewis McGrillen is such a big character. He's he's going to win most polls he's in. Yeah, the 66% want to see Lewis McGrillen. Look, I I think that like that like let's not get this twisted, like Caolan's still very young in the fight game. He's fought in the UFC. He's won in the UFC. Like he he he wants he said after he wants to be in the rankings. So, like he needs to be fighting the likes of McGrillens. Yeah, 100%. Yeah, that that that's I think he's happy to do that as well. I think Oh, no, of course he is, yeah. I wouldn't be surprised if the next time the rankings come out, there's a load of changes in there. Like Reece McKee will find himself in the rankings. Caolan Dean Garnett will probably want to find himself in the rankings. Another person Another person will be Owen Sharratt. Another person Another person will be Owen Sharratt. Owen Sharratt will probably want to find himself in the rankings. Arguably the best win of the night as he defeated Chris Mixon by unanimous decision. Ross, huge fight for Owen Sharratt. Went in and made a massive splash. And he even called a couldn't even better promo after. Yeah, look, Owen Sharratt is someone the PFL are very very high on, and for good reason. He he looks really really good at the moment. He is a very very unique fighter, being 6'5". And he got got in there and got the job done against what was what? The number seven number eight ranked fighter in the entire PFL. So, look, I think Owen Sharratt is definitely someone who we should keep a close eye on. I think he's someone who's going to rise those rankings. But again, I feel like his next fight should be against someone who's seven or eight again in the rankings. Yeah, same. Like he's That's the thing, you don't want to massively push Sharratt, but like he keeps winning. And that was a huge win, so Sharratt Sharratt, cuz he's just Do you know what? He's so funny the way he go goes to the mic after. He's like, "Where's the session after?" And he's like, "Yeah." It's just like, go on the Sharratt, man. I was dead. Uh as we said, Ross, we had the the Reece McKee, >> [laughter] >> who defeated Alex Lohore by unanimous decision. Like Ross, that like it was great to see Reece back. And how much did you enjoy that fight? Yeah, look, great to see Reece back. Great to see him back winning ways. I felt like it was very mature performance on his behalf. I feel like he really gave his best effort out there while short notice. Um he really brought the noise from the crowd. I thought you know, having having him walk out really gave him that superstar feel. And look, as he said on the show, he did what he needed to do. He went out there and you know, fought a smart fight. Didn't didn't uh sort of have a have an energy jump jump at any stage. Re- really calm calculated performance. And no doubt about it, won three rounds to nil. Yeah, then in the main event, unfortunately, Derek Kelly was defeated by KO by JJ Wilson in the first round. Ross, this was another devastating knockout. We were in touch with Derek Kelly after the fight as well, and he said he's doing grand. He will be back. We know he'll be back, but seeing that was like it was shocking. Again, it was similar to Kieran Clarke in the way that like it was the best I've ever seen Derek Kelly look on the fight on the feet. Now, I know look, the fight only lasted less than a minute, but you could see with the fluidity the way Derek Kelly was moving, the way he sort of had that bounce and step. He looked a lot better striking. Obviously, JJ Wilson is one of the best fighters in the PFL, one of the best fighters in the lightweight division. And was it maybe a touch of too much, too soon? Hard to tell. Like anyone can be caught. Uh it was unfortunate he got caught and put out. Uh I love to see Derek Kelly back in there, maybe come October, November and get another fight in there. Give himself a a chance to recover. I don't like seeing fighters who get knocked out go back in there too quickly. And look, Derek Kelly is going to be a top 10 fighter in the PFL for a very very long time. And I've no doubt next time we see him back out there, we'll see a much better performance from him, one that he'll be happy with. So, look, I think he's he's making all the right moves. Obviously, sometimes it doesn't go your way. In this occasion, it did not go his way. But Derek Kelly is definitely still one to watch. Exactly. Like that was his first ever defeat in I think what? 18 fights? 19 fights? >> Yeah. So, overall, Ross, you have to give your honest opinion on the PFL on a Thursday night, the promotion, the fights, the event itself, the highs and lows. What would you give it as a rating? Yeah, well, look, I think in terms of the promotion, I felt like they put out a lot of content quite late on in the week that I think they could have done better. That's probably on a shorter fight week, but there was a really good promo at one stage where it was a lot of sort of old boxers and MMA fighters and people of Belfast talking about how much Belfast is a fighting city and I felt like that got released on like the day or the day before and there was a few other promos of that ilk that were like released very late on in the week for for them. Um I also think the media day, I felt like they that should have been live streamed and the weigh-ins were not live streamed. Uh you know, you could go see them live in person, but I've I haven't seen them in a long time not live stream the weigh-ins. So, they're definitely flaws that I would see in it and then obviously as we talked on like I'm not sure about didn't get a a fight poster posted in the build up to the fight which I thought was really really strange as well. So, like there was there was bits like that that it didn't really make sense. We were in contact with the PFL pure team and the media outlets and we're saying, "Oh, can we post this? Can we post that?" And they're like, "Oh, no, you can't post this." Or like "Post it at your own risk." Which I I was like, "What do you mean?" Uh and I just feel like they need help with all the media outlets in the country promoting their uh promoting their their product and I feel like they're not aligned with the media the way they should be in this country. Uh that's that's that's that's my personal take on it. But in terms of like booking the fights, I feel like they booked a really really good card in terms of uh the fights they delivered, they absolutely did. Uh I wouldn't change any of that. Obviously, if I could swap some of the other fighters with winning where they lost, I probably would, but we cannot control that nor can they. Uh and then I know Thursday night like at the end of the day, people aren't mad on that. They would have preferred a Friday night or a Saturday night, but look, they signed a TV broadcast deal. It was in Boston. One thing that they did do that you must give them credit for is they moved it from Boston to Belfast and look, I'd much rather a voice from Belfast than be in Boston. How we can get more Irish fighters in the crowd. So, look, I'll probably give it a 7 out of 10 as a whole. I think like probably like as the actual fight card and for the fighters, probably 9 out of 10, but you know, I feel like slightly let down on some some of the media side. I think the PFL Europe Instagram account at one stage went 3 days without posting anything within 2 weeks of the fight which I just thought was bizarre. Carry on. So, yeah, I think they have they have some ground to make up on that side of things. And I'd I'd love to talk to some of the higher-ups within the PFL to find out like what sort of strategy they have come fight weekend like what what's their priorities, you know? Yeah. Even the way like if you had to compare them to Cage Warriors, like Cage Warriors have probably 1/10 of the budget if not the less. And they I I feel like they do more cuz it's like like they did Cage Warriors like are consistent in the build up to events with promotion, whereas the PFL Belfast one wasn't. >> each time with Cage Warriors. It's like a rinse and repeat. Yeah. Whereas uh PFL is not a rinse and repeat. So, look, I think that that was that was that was a good review. I think overall for me highlights are going to be Rhys McKee being sung out to the cage will be something that will probably live on in Irish MMA fans for forever. One and 0 in the PFL, he's going to look to make a big splash. Caolan Loughran has become king of the north, big win in the domestic dust-up. Oma Ayyad I feel like a star is born. Unbelievable talent, can't wait to see what is next from him. Owen Sheridan making a massive splash, he he should find himself in the rankings next time out. Hopefully Decky and Ciaran Clarke we'll see them again soon. Really really wishing them all the best. And then Pedro Carvalho putting in a fight of the night performance. I think overall as a whole, I think unbelievable stuff and I'm not sure about he also could end up in the welterweight rankings as well. So, I think overall as a whole for the fighters, really really good night, a night to remember. And look, let's hope PFL come back again soon. Exactly, bro. Well, everyone knows when you're cutting the promo, I do make sure not to say anything. But when I'm giving an amazing point, you're like, "Hold on." Uh Ross, speaking of holding on, we have to before we get into the UFC action, we have to give a shoutout again as Cage Warriors is coming back this weekend in Glasgow, Ross. And the main event, Justin Burlinson's taking on um Shaun Clancy. Junior. >> Shaun Clancy, that's it. Champion versus champ. And then there's also three fight nights on the card as well, Ross, as Fight Academy Ireland duo Sennan Coakley and Owen McDonald are on the card. And also Team Ryano's very own Graham Sheehan is competing on the card, Ross. Yeah, absolutely. Look, obviously Sennan Coakley fighting is in his DNA. He is going to be a massive talent to watch out for. I think it's really really cool to see him make his Cage Warriors debut in the yellow gloves. He's obviously joined Fight Academy Ireland recently, so it'll be very interesting to see how his second one out goes there. He won his pro debut at Gladiator. So, let's see how it goes. Or sorry, at Cage Conflict. So, let's see how it goes there. He won won the belt previously at Gladiator. I was getting them confused. But um we also then have Owen McDonald. He's coming in on short notice. He's undefeated, it's a catchweight bout for him. He looks primed and ready. He he's a man who I feel like will get to show his talents in the yellow gloves and become a real problem there. Be interesting to see if we see see him at bantamweight. I think he fought a flyweight opponent in the past, so let's see where he lands in that Cage Warriors division. There's not many bantamweights on the Irish scene at Cage Warriors, so let's see how he goes. And then Graham Sheehan, he obviously lost a pro debut at Upper Cage Conflict against Marek from Fight Academy Ireland. But he has a chance now to go and fight in the yellow gloves. Obviously, Graham Sheehan, unbelievable amateur career. His brother was a former Cage Warriors champion. He's got a big reputation to uphold there and let's see how he gets on in his Cage Warriors debut. I expect Ireland to come home with three wins in Glasgow so this weekend. Let's go. Yeah. Who do you think the better drinkers would be at the at the Irish or the Scottish that night? The Irish, obviously. >> [laughter] >> Root this man. And then um yeah, we also we just briefly going over the UFC action as over the weekend Mike Malott defeated Gilbert Burns, Ross. I was actually very shocked with this one. Yeah, look, I think Mike Malott I think we were only having this conversation on the phone the other day that I think once you lose to Neil Magny, you almost write someone off in a way. I don't know if that's a a positive thing or a negative thing, but that's that's sort of the way you look at it. I think for Mike Malott, I wouldn't mind seeing him in there against someone like Leon Edwards next. I think if Mike Malott can get a win against Leon Edwards, that's another massive scalp to his name. And I also think Leon Edwards probably needs a winnable fight. So, I think that could definitely headline an event sometime in the near future. Or if that fight's not going to go down, why not put him in there against Michael Venom Page. Michael Venom Page is constantly looking for more opponents to sign on the dotted line to sign across the cage from. So, I think Mike Malott might be coming to the UK sooner rather than later according to my bookings anyway. And also the UFC love putting on a card in July in the UK, so that could be good timing-wise. Yeah. Then also this weekend the UFC is back as Aljamain Sterling is taking on Yusuf Zalal in the world-famous Med Apex, Ross. Give us your prediction for that. Yeah, look, I think Yusuf Zalal is on the up and up, but I think Aljamain Sterling, you know what he's going to do. He's coming to grapple you, he's coming to take your back and he's going to look for the finish. I think over the course of five rounds, Aljamain Sterling is very very hard to beat. His grappling is very very elite. I think if Zalal can't get the finish in the first I'm going to say seven or eight minutes, it's going to end up as a more of a grappling match than a striking match. And if it's grappling for that long, you have to expect Aljo to take over and get the win via submission. There you go. But as you know yourself, our predictions are always not great. Yeah, know yourself. Predictions are always wrong. >> [laughter] [gasps] >> Uh we just want to give a massive shoutout to Rumble Fighting Championships that's going down on Saturday as well. So, Ross, that was the that was the end of the show. For the people tuning in, make sure to like, share, subscribe. Anything else you want to say, Ross, as always? No, just thanks to everyone who has joined us. Thanks to Rhys McKee for joining us today. Just everyone make sure to like, share, subscribe. And as always, stay energized. 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.