Max Lally | Cage Warriors 210 Dublin Preview, Irish MMA Update & Big UFC News | The Energized Show

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What is up and welcome to The Energized Show! On this episode SBG Charlestown's Max Lally joins us to discuss his upcoming fight at Cage Warriors 210 Dublin, Irish MMA Update & Big UFC News. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Hit the notification bell for more Energized Shows! Youtube…

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Has your plan changed now with the difference in opponents? >> Yeah, so the the game plan has definitely changed uh strategically. Aiden Aiden's uh obviously he's a lot more of a lengthy longer opponent in comparison to to this Brazilian. This Brazilian's a I think he's 20 he's 25 veteran. And in fairness to him, he is he's he has finishes everywhere. He's a lot of first round finishes. He's heavy hands. He's uh good submissions. Um, so it's it's it's just one of them I'm going to have to go out and and and uh paint the perfect picture, you know, um, in regards to how I've I've trained the past few weeks. Um, I think it's it's [snorts] h Aiden. I've I've obviously I knew I got Aiden like a good few weeks out from the fight, you know, so I was doing a lot of prep for him and then I got to change an opponent, but I'm I'm an adapt I'm an adaptable athlete, you know, and I'm a mixed martial artist. So, a few slight changes to the game plan have been made and um yeah, I'm I'm I'm going to be I'm going to be going out here fast and hard at this guy and I'm going to be looking to put on another statement and a sold out RDS, you know, [music] >> Diana Joy show up the >> Okay, here we go. It's time. [screaming] >> Okay. What's going on, guys? Welcome to a brand new episode of Energize brought to you by Orings Competitions. Ross, >> are you intoxicated or something? >> Introduce the guest, man. Today, we are bringing you Irish MMA sensation, undefeated cage warriors, featherweight contender, and the fourth favorite in the family. It's the one and only Max Lai. Max, how you doing man? >> All good, lads. Thanks a million for having me on again. >> Anytime, bud. Anytime. Anytime. How's all in the Li household? [laughter] >> Yeah. [ __ ] picking 15 different colors of [ __ ] out of each other every day. But apart from that, we're all good. >> I started something there, Max. That that video of you and your brother like wrestling each other in the kitchen, that went viral. >> I know. Yeah. I seen I seen that little I had to had to put him in his place. You know what I mean? Let him know who who number one was like. But >> yeah, >> he's catching up slowly. >> Is that an everyday thing in the valley household? >> Every day. He's just tell you I always find with with social media especially, it's always the most authentic stuff that go viral. The amount that happens in the that could happen over you know >> fighting over a bleeding point of milk, fighting over [ __ ] food in the gaff, you know what I mean? Aring white monster. So yeah. Yeah. No, it was it was [ __ ] it was uh Yeah, that's a daily occurrence that is. >> Yeah. One thing one thing about the lollies is like they're all invested into the into the social media. H like your man's your man's doing great. Nourish with Ivon. Shout out there. She killed it. Killed the game. The game [ __ ] better than me. >> And John with his mood hoover Friday is absolutely absolutely killing it. And young Christian little Jits Phenom done unbelievable ADCC. Was great to see him get the win. So, you know what I mean? Max, someone said you're slacking on the social media game compared to this. [laughter] >> No, 100%. Me dad me m swear to God. Me dad's in his 50s. M's in her. >> They must be getting stuff for photos outside now, >> man. Both of them are killing the social media. They're doing [ __ ] brilliant. You know what I mean? So, [ __ ] great to see. >> Who Who's going to be asking more selfies at Cage Warriors 210? Max. >> Ah, yeah. They be getting they be getting selfies with me mom me dad more than myself man you know [laughter] what I mean >> they're playing practically famous at this point >> yeah you up the lollies but Max obviously you're [laughter] competing >> stringers as well >> the stringers >> obviously you're competing at Cage Warriors 210 this weekend but we want to bring back to February when you're competing at Cage Warriors 200 and you won by round one submission. Can you tell us like what was the feeling like and like like how much did like everyone come and like support you that that night because that was a memorable a night in double. >> Yeah. No, I think lads at Cage Warriors 200 and I'm always very open with me emotions. I think it was the first time I've ever walked out for an MMA fight and seen a crowd and was kind of brought back a little bit. I was kind of like, "Holy fuck." Couldn't get over the amount of people. and also how um alive the crowd was, you know what I mean? It was a it was a it was a lively old crowd, you know. Um obviously was able to go in there and and and and find a way find a path to victory against a a tough lad. um and was was obviously over the moon with the result and then through that got a opportunity to go over and uh go to the UFC PI in Vegas and that that was obviously a huge opportunity for myself and yeah I've been been just building off that trip and everything I learned. It was a really really uh eye opening experience you know for a young athlete like myself to go over there and see how the best in the world do it you know and um just being able to implement that that kind of knowledge that I that I acquired over there into my training has been invaluable you know so really really looking forward to showing all this improvement on a big stage h in a week's time bring brings us back that moment cuz uh probably ve well probably very few people will watching this will get get to know but like well when we show up through the end myself and Baz we're one of the like first people there and then we end up being one of the last to leave and uh I I actually remember having a good chat with your granny and granddad uh uh your mom's parents at the event and then all of a sudden like we we found the news that you were told you're going to the PI Graeme came and told you I think there was a video of it then what was that moment like and what was it like when you got home that night and you were like [ __ ] I'm going to go over the UFC. That was magical. >> Very very euphoric. Um because I I'll tell you why it was very euphoric. I remember in the Ben Ellis fight, I found out that there was a a five grand bonus on the line in the previous September. And me and the lads were going away to Russia for a three-week training camp. And then we were going away to Japan. And I remember it was the first time I think I've ever went into a fight thinking about something else but the fight, if that makes sense. And I think [snorts] obviously all credit to Ben, it was a super super tough fight. Um, by no means am I trying to take away from his um performance whatsoever. But I felt like that some of the things I done and some of the decision- making just weren't uh normal in myself. So the whole focus going into February was not worrying about what I could get or what I might be presented with. It was about going in and performing, you know, and and and fighting really like like I've always done my entire career. And I was able to do that and then to kind of get an opportunity to go over to the TI after after that um that submission. It was just it was uh it was really nice, you know, because for the for the entirety of the camp, I actually didn't change too much. What I what I did change though was was a lot uh mentally, you know. Um so I was like, "Fuck that. I'm not doing any Scottish twisters, none of that [ __ ] I've got to I've got to just I've got to just do do what works, you know." And I was able to implement that. And through that, I got a huge opportunity obviously to go over to to Vegas and train with with with such high caliber people. and then also such high caliber coaches. So, it was a really really good insight for myself, you know. >> Yeah. Max, can you just tell us a bit about that PI trip? Because like did you just fly over and there was someone there like like maybe first was like right welcome and like how was it all was it all set up for you or was it just like >> everything everything was was set up. So, I I I got a regime and a schedule I think a good few days before I flew out. Um Graeme met me at the uh airport and dropped me off at me accommodation and then the following day we were straight into the testing. So they done all sorts of different uh testing on me, energy system testing, uh strength testing, power testing. Um they also done um all sorts of like different tests. I got a DEXA scan done. They measured my range of heart rate, resting heart rate, everything like that. So it was almost a a evaluation on myself, but then also the data was there to compare me to other UFC featherweights who have had these procedures done on them and to see where I where where I am with them guys, you know, and it was really really encouraging to see that I was there in some areas and maybe a little bit short in some other areas, you know. So it was just a whole gauge to be able to compare myself physically against the best in the world, you know, and um I think to be able to acquire that knowledge, but not just acquire that knowledge, but to to to know then and to be told, okay, this is the path you have to take to improve these areas to become as physically, you know, as as as advance as physically as you possibly can, like you know what I mean? So that's that's what I've really uh you know worked on the past few months that and obviously technically getting better in the art of mixed martial arts you know but as I said to to be able to get that knowledge you know is is is is money can't buy it you know it was a really really valuable experience >> and and with that obviously those results are so critical for you and it's really great to be able to see where you rank on again against against you know fellow featherweight UFC fighters. I know Kran when when he did his deck scan they said he was I think he cuts the second mount most amount of weight at bantamweight uh prior he said h since moved to PFL. But did you get to bring those numbers home and like show them to your own team then like be able to fill in the gaps? >> Yeah. So I got a whole report h sent to me a a whole report on all the data that that I got done. I think they said um with with with me they said I could put on they said I was like there thereabouts uh like h physique and size-wise for a featherweight I was in a good margin. They said if if I wanted I could put on maybe a kilo of lean mass and still be able to kind of >> be in that range of of of making making the weight comfortably and and that's that's that's what I have done now since. So obviously I went over to the PI um end of March, start of April it was um that timeline and when I came home just straight away just uh I just took action on all all of this these things that I acquired. So obviously my my my training regime was uh was wasn't changed too much but just um certain things I was doing in me in me strength and conditioning certain things I was doing uh in me cardio training altered a little bit and I was able to see see the results quite quickly you know what I mean so I was very very happy with uh >> the things and obviously I'm I'm still still working on them you know but um as I said just to be able to have that knowledge and be able to show me coaches back home that listen, what we're doing is working, but these are the little uh these are the little things we have to change to to be there. You know what I mean? It it it's it's great. And then obviously I have such a a great circle of coaches around me where they're so um adaptable and they're so um they're almost almost like a we're all learning together in that kind of way. you know, it's a lot of deliberation, a lot of try this out, try this out. It's it's a really good circle that I have around me. So, I was happy to be able to uh, you know, implement all them them positive changes, you know. >> And when you were there, did you get to do any MMA training with with UFC fighters that were there at the time? >> Yeah. Yeah. I done done a little bit with uh Davy Grant, uh, Vince Morales. I went I done a lot of me training in Syndicate. So, how it kind of worked was for the first three days anyway, I was there for a week. So, the first three days was a lot of testing in the PI. We get there at about 8 9:00 a.m. and then we'd leave at like 4:00 and then I'd go to syndicate that evening, get a session in in the evening. And then I just done double days until I I I flew out then on the Sunday morning, you know. So, it was a great really good week of training. And then also that that kind of after kind of being over there, it was like it'd be a good idea maybe to get some more exposure to uh you know good high level training partners like that. So um one of my trainer partners Jordan Skully uh fought a a good Armenian name Spart Spartek Mill. I'm going to butcher his second name. Sorry Spartek, but Spartek Millenko I think his second name is or Millie Millyaken. but he fought him in the IMAPs and through him we were able to get um over to train in Denver in in Colorado um we stayed with yeah Gi Gatei was there we didn't actually train with GI but um because he's just over to fight with uh obviously Taporia but um we were able to train with a lot of other really high level guys as well for four weeks me Jordan and Alex um and it was a really really really nice start to camp um and it was a nice little kind of start to camp and then be able to go home. We were 6 weeks out and all of us felt really sharp, really fit and it was just about kind of making the final few touches in that in that last little uh last little stint of camp, you know? >> Would you say that experience would like made you even hungrier or is it just you're still on the same path? No, it I I think it's it's it's definitely made me me hungrier because it's like it's just like I I can't explain the PI any other way that it's like obviously it's it's free for UFC fighters, but it's like >> so it's just for for me anyway, it'd be it'd be my my dream dream job to be able to go in and just train there every day and and be able to fight three, four times a year, you know what I mean? Um that's that's obviously the goal goal for us all. But it's almost like it was like a little taster to where I will be, you know, um in in in the next few years, you know. So it was it was really really good to get that insight obviously be able to meet all the coaches and the staff that work there and just get familiar, you know, because um like I I I see myself being in there one day, you know. >> Exactly. Makes sense. >> Is that is that opportunity up for grabs this time around, lads? Are you aware? I'm not I'm to my knowledge I'm I'm not sure that any kind of uh I I don't know now. It may be I think I think Graeme was uh trying to say he's going to try to do it once a year. So maybe it might be available again uh the following year or whatever like that or I'm not sure. But um I think I would I would take that opportunity over 10 grand cash, five grand cash um any day of the week, you know. It was it was really good. I think I got an interview done in the back after Cage wires 200 and I think it was was it what's his name? Rob I think it was shout out Rob Smith I think it was shout out to him but he was asked what he was asked I was asked what would I rather 10 grand or a trip to the performance institute and >> for me I just think especially at my age and my stage of of my career is is is h experience like that is just money can't you know what I mean? Exactly. So, so to be able to get that opportunity was uh yeah, game changing, lads. >> Absolutely. And look, you I suppose bring it closer to this fight camp and you know, the fight come this Saturday, you know, you're you're obviously doing lots of training out of out of SPG Charlestown, but you took yourself over to see Cory Sandhagen. What what what was that like? And obviously, you know, he's obviously a bantamweight. You're a featherweight, but there's obviously going to be a lot of bodies in and around that side. What was that like? And obviously he's one of the most unique strikers in the UFC. Like what was it like to get trained in with the likes of him? >> Oh, it was really good. I think I was I was very uh I was very impressed. So him and um one of his I think his coaches or one of his old training partners, Carrington Banks. So them two guys in Tiger Beetle is is the name of their gym. Um they opened that quite recently. I couldn't get over how good of a coach Cory was. um he really really showed me some really nice stuff. And I think um sometimes as fighters we get very caught up on the difference between skill acquisition, you know, um as in technically getting better and then getting sharper, you know what I mean? So I would associate getting sharper and being, you know, quick and sharp at what you're doing. I'd associate them kind of things with being in camp. whether when I was over there, I felt like I was getting both of them things simultaneously. Does that make sense? At the same time, >> it was obviously really good to get over there and and to get acquire that knowledge from from Cory, but then all the other highlevel UFC lads that were over there as well. And just being constantly being able to, you know, get them consistent tough rounds in against these really experienced guys is just it's another thing that that that money can't buy. You know what I mean? to be able to to spar them tough lads. Um because the trip was just was it was was so good. Just really really felt like I took a lot away from it. And um I'm definitely going to be looking to get back over there very soon, you know. >> Will we see a flying knee out the gap here? >> Some some some sort of high performance [ __ ] boys. Don't be worrying. Don't be worrying. >> Well, Max, obviously Cage Warriors 210 goes down this weekend in a soldout RDS. Um you obviously had a opponent Aiden Stevens and now you're taking on Xiao Salan Ha. Uh can you tell us like what do you know now about the the change in opponent and like has your has your plan changed now with the difference in opponents? >> Yeah, so the the game plan has definitely changed uh strategically. Aiden Aiden's uh obviously he's a lot more of a lengthy longer opponent in comparison to to this Brazilian. This Brazilian's a I think he's 20. He's a 25 veteran and in fairness to him, he is he's he has finishes everywhere. He's a lot of first round finishes. He's heavy hands. He's h good submissions. Um so it's it's it's just one of them. I'm going to have to go out and and and uh paint the perfect picture, you know. Um in regards to how I've I've trained the past few weeks, um I think it's it's [snorts] h Aiden. I've I've obviously I knew I got Aiden like a good few weeks out from the fight, you know, so I was doing a lot of prep for him and then I got to change an opponent, but I'm I'm an adapt I'm an adaptable athlete, you know, and I'm a mixed martial artist, so a few slight changes to the game plan have been made and um yeah, I'm I'm I'm going to be I'm going to be going out here fast and hard at this guy and I'm going to be looking to put on another statement and the sold out RDS, you know. >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Look, it looks like at the moment you're in you're in the co-main event, which is uh another huge opportunity for you. And look, obviously things are going very very well for you. You're still undefeated. You've got finishes to beat the band throughout your career. Um what what's the long-term goals for Maxi? Obviously, we just saw Adam Derby get signed on Contender Series. I feel like there's the the next wave is coming for for Contender Series. Might not be this year, but maybe next year. this time next year, Contender Series back on. Is that somewhere where you could see yourself? >> Definitely, 100%. Listen, lads, like I'm always the type and I always say in me interviews that I take it one foil at a time, you know, but um in this sport and what I've learned is um opportunity comes to those who are willing to take it, you know. So, any opportunity that I do get offered, I will always I'll always snap it up, you know. Um, for right now, obviously, we're focusing on uh Xiao this Saturday. Um, it was going to be a very, very tough test, but um, I have I have me eyes I have me eyes on Cenda series and I have me eyes on on on getting into the UFC, you know, those are have been my plan since I've been since I've been a young kid, you know, and um, I'm I'm open I'm open to getting the opportunity. If I was to ever get any big opportunity like that, you know, um I would take it because um opportunity when once you get it, you have to be that's you that's where big opportunities come from are those who are willing to take the risk, you know what I mean? So um that that's that's what I am that's what I like to consider myself a risk taker, you know. >> Yeah, 100%. Then look look I suppose if you look at I know I know Adam Derby is the only Irish person I think to ever fight in the Contender Series and he won but uh there was two Cage Wires fighters >> and signed and signed. >> Yeah, >> sorry. >> One and signed. >> Yeah, one and signed. Sorry. Um obviously there um Sean Clansancy fought as well. So there's only two Cage Warriors athletes who who fallen contenders series this year. Both have won, you know what I mean? So that that's got to go look good going into next season that they might look more cage warriors with considering how impressive those performances were. So it is definitely something that I think uh looks really good and I think there is an absolute rakeload of talent that is fighting on this card that could be looked at for the contender series. yourself, Conor McCarthy, Solomon Simon, H Lewis Burn, J Howard, Gary Rooney, all all all could be there. And and like I say, Patty Mccuri as well, but like God only knows what that man has to get a UFC contract. >> There's Yeah. Know, there's so much there's so much talent horror out of the out of country at the moment, you know, and >> it's it's uh yeah, it's great to be a part of it. It's it's really good to be a part of it, you know. Um, and just I always I I've said this a few times in interviews before, but like I remember um when I was a kid watching watching all the the Bama shows and stuff like that and it was like all the kind of new up andcomers coming through all on the same card. So it's a bit euphoric for myself to to be in these positions, you know, but I've trained very very hard for many years for these opportunities, you know. So um I'm very happy to to be in the position to be able to perform and entertain, you know. >> Yeah. Not young Maximus. earn not given. >> I think I think Irish MMA fans can like taste it. That's why the event is sold out as well because like obviously certain fights have fallen off the card, but like this the event is going to be massive. So the people that actually looking to get tickets, I don't know what you're going to do, but you can definitely fight. >> Yeah, you can tune in on UFC fight because the tickets are like gold. >> Yeah, there's no point asking the fighters at this stage. You know what I mean? You're going to have to sort your own way. [laughter] >> Oh, stop. No, but uh Max, just before we wrap things up, like what what can the people expect from yourself at Cage Warriors 210 against Jiao on the 26th of September this Saturday night live on UC Fly Pass and in the RDS? >> A clinical performance as always, lads, you know. Um I'm going to go out there and I'm going to fight freely. I'm going to fight to entertain as always and uh look to keep my undefeated record intact, you know. >> Anything else you want to say to the people tuning in now, >> guys? Thank you so much for the support as always. Um, obviously I wouldn't be in the position I am without yourselves and um, I'm really looking forward to putting on another highlevel performance at Cage Warriors 210 on the 26th of September this weekend. I would say get your tickets but you can't cuz it's sold out. So tune in on USC fight pass baby. Let's go. >> You up the lollies. >> Diana Joy show up the >> So that was Max Lai your fourth favorite lolli man. Yeah, absolutely. Love the laddies, great family, great great to see. And look, here here we have Cage Warriors 210 on the horizon this weekend. Huge card. Uh really really looking forward to obviously headlined by the one and only Patty McCari. He returns to the venue where he won the crown. H this going to be a massive fight. Again, another opponent change here for him. H Gustavo Susa is in, but I think it's a different body, same result. Patty Maria win here now. has to probably send him off to pastures new. He is a man who's done more than enough to get where he needs to go. H he's fought on the ultimate fighter. He's won there. He fought on the contender series. He won there. Surely a win here gets him somewhere uh where where he needs to be. Whether that's a big contract with the PFL or that's him gone off to the UFC. Fingers crossed for Patty McCari that he gets the job done. Uh really really looking forward to seeing what's next for him. >> Yeah, sure. We were at the Katy Taylor fight. We ran into Patty. So, >> he was saying he's ready to rock and roll. And um he also has a a baby on the way as well. So, look, >> things are looking good in the Maria household. Ross, the thing is, will this finish be more devastating than the last one at Cage Warriors 200? >> I think it would be a very very hard finish to to top, but at the end of the day, he's looking for those highlight royal finishes to get himself signed to the UFC. And I I think a win here, he should be directly signed to the UFC. H I think that's the level he's at. I think that's that's that's what we we need to see from there next. >> No, I 100% agree. And then obviously as we mentioned in the co-ain event, Maximus Lai will be taking on Jiao Salana. So, uh, everyone I think tuning in right now is very excited for that one. Ross, >> absolutely. Max Li will be firing on all cylinders. Also on the card in a 150 lb catchweight, Keith Kio will fight Jonathan Cordderero. Great to see Keith Co on the on this card. Hardest man to match on the card by the looks of it. And uh with very very good reasons the freak show fans will be out in force. Keith Kio is definitely one of the best prospects this country has ever seen. Massive amateur career behind him undefeated at pro. He is a problem for everyone. So really really looking forward to seeing Kiko and the CMAC army out for this one. Basma. >> Yeah it's just um I I think now he's fought twice in Dublin. Correct me if I'm wrong, but both times when he gets up on the cage and like the the atmosphere after a Kiko win, >> the crowd goes wild. >> They go wild. Yeah, they love they love Kiko. >> Yeah, absolutely. They really really do. Uh it's a it's a whopper night out when when the freak shows in the cage. >> Yeah, but also when we were mentioning uh potential contender series athletes in the new year. >> Yeah. >> Like's name is definitely going to be talked about. >> 100% 100%. He I think uh I think him with uh along with like a win for someone like Rowan Degan I think like by this time next year their records are going to be exactly what the Contender Series are looking for. So [snorts] yeah and and like speaking of people who be looking at Contender Series and exactly what the Contender Series is looking for. Next up on the card is the GTA selector J.R. Harris. a man who uh can no doubt dazzle on the microphone, but uh look, he he put in a a career best performance last time out. This time he's fighting a catchweight 132 pounds against Anderson Sorz. Sors has fought featherweight, bantamweight, and flyweight. So, it's going to be interesting to see what sort of shape he comes in. But, uh J Harris be looking to make a statement and a run at this flyweight division. So, definitely one not to be missed. And do not miss the post interviews with J. Harris. He's uh he's always a man who's entertained when a mic's put in front of his face. >> Um also >> just in the build up to that as well like the content Jar's been putting out on YouTube as well. Even the new haircut and everything with the glasses Ross. So like >> with the real Slim Shady, please stand up. >> Jerry is going all in on this one. And so I'm very excited to see what Jerry Hurst has to deliver this Saturday. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And one not to be missed on this star card is flyweight sensation out of Hulahan martial arts, Gary Rooney. Gary Rooney is is a man who we weren't too sure if we're going to get to see fight this year, but he's found a new home in Hulahan martial arts under his very long-term friend Patty Hulan's careful eye. And I expect Gary Rooney to put on a massive performance here and go out there and get the win. He's got a very tough opponent on his hands. Tom Creasy, Tom Key's brother, Sam Crees, was the former king of this flyweight division. So, uh, look, Gary, you'll be more than willing to be up up to the challenge on this one, Basma, won't he? >> I 100% agree. Like, I think even the way he like absolutely snatched the arm last time [snorts] out in Dublin. Oh, no. That was over in England, wasn't it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. On his Cage Warriors debut. >> Like, I think Cage best arm bars I've ever seen to this day in MMA. >> Yeah. It was like Velcro stuck to his chest. But the thing is I think cage warriors knew there and then they had a potential star in their hands like and then when they when he fought there then the next time in Dublin the Rooney chance in the in the ODS were >> and the up flats >> and the up the flats and then they also sent sent over >> the people who work for Cage Warriors to do a special interview walkound with with Gary around from where he lives as well. So look, Gary Rooney and we're not just saying this, another potential contender here at the in 27. >> He he's already told Dana White to his face to watch out for his name. So definitely something something to see. Uh one fight that I think could be a fight of the night contender uh Conor McCarthy versus uh Dimmitri Grillin. Uh unbelievable for Conor McCarthy. H this is a second opponent, but obviously his last fight he fought George Stains took his first professional loss. You wouldn't be surprised to see Conor McCarthy trying to take a step down in competition. Maybe someone who uh who maybe isn't as as experienced or as difficult, but uh not Conor McCarthy. He wants to go straight back into the fire, take on one of the top lightweights on the Cage Warriors roster. Conor McCarthy is someone who I definitely think could do the whole shebang, go the whole way, Contender Series, UFC. He's got reams of talent and he's definitely something to watch out for. >> No, definitely the Hot Stepper. Uh for people that don't know Grean, he knocked out Adam Cullen in like one of the most devastating knockouts of I think it was 2025, Ross. But uh >> and he he is definitely a perennial um >> contender >> title contender. Yeah. So like this this win is a huge would be a huge win for Connor and look George Dan is definitely will definitely be on the contender series. So look another big name for Conor McCarthy to take on this weekend. >> Yeah, absolutely. And uh next up we've got some domestic violence. We've got former lightweight king Solomon King Simon taking on Kenny Moana who's stepping up the lightweight. This is a very very interesting matchup. Um I can't wait for this one. I I think we we love a bit of domestic violence. Irish on Irish violence. Let's see who walks away with their hand raised. I think that one could be a lowkey banger. Going to be very interesting to see. I know Solomon's had one run out run at lightweight h this be's first run at lightweight definitely in a long time. time anyway. So, it's going to be interesting to see how how uh both guys are going out there fully replenished and ready to rock fight night. >> Yeah. Well, as you said that Solomon was the former cage war featherweight champion, he's now making a run at lightweight and then Kenny I think performs like he when Kenny makes featherweight doesn't look great. So, maybe lightweight is his new weight division. >> Yeah, he looks very depleted on the scales of featherweight. So, let's let's see how he goes at lightweight. Uh we also have a returning Damian McKenna who put on a stellar performance uh with a devastating body shot finish at Cage Warriors 200. He takes on Miguel Harrow his most exper experienced opponent today. H Damon McKenna always brings a big crowd down from OM with him. So going to be very very interesting to see how that one goes. And also on the card is someone who was calling out Damon McKenna, but who wasn't calling out Damian McKenna for this card? Cory McLolin will make his Cage Warriors debut. He's already fought the likes of Mario Dfano and Nahome Wii. Cor Mclaclin hits like a freight truck. We saw him saw that when he fought Kieran Masky in his last fight. He is uh definitely someone who's going to give Jordan Walters all he can handle and probably more Basmo. >> Yeah. Well, Cory after that win against Kamaski that we were we were saying that's probably the number one domestic fight of the year last year. Um, Cory obviously came out victorious and like I know he was saying that he wanted to fight Damian, but I think they're bringing him in now. See see how he does against Jordan Walters. A big win could push an even bigger domestic clash late in early in 2027. >> Yeah, I I totally agree with you. I think I think he's a problem in this division. I think he really is. I think his uh his talents outweigh his record, >> which is a good thing. And like and that's the same as Damian as well. Damian and know >> he's uh he's I think he's a big ticket seller and so when you put if you put two big ticket sellers together you're going to you're going to get you're going to get a big reaction in the arena. >> Yeah. Absolutely. You know it. And then looking at Lewis Burn versus Oliver Tero. These are two young prospects going toeto toe. Very excited to see how this one goes. Uh Lewis Burn looks unbelievable. In his last fight, he he beat Ben Ellis by decision over in Wales. So, uh that's obviously a massive scalp for him going into enry territory over on Samurai and at Cage Warriors 200, you got a win over Dylan Logan. So, he is firing on all cylinders. He's picking off some pretty big names there. So, great to see. H we also >> thing is after that win in Dublin and then going that win against Ben Ben Ellis, Cage Wars have seen his value and he gave him a new contract as well. So, look, I'm looking forward to seeing Lewis Burning back in action. >> Absolutely. The man the man is on fire at the moment and two rightfully so. H Alex Kio is fighting Cristiano Olivera h they don't call him taxi for nothing. Alex Kio is sending multiple people home uh early um inside the first minute. So unbelievable stuff from him. What what a fighter. I can't wait to see it. >> He was he was probably expecting that UFC PI trip as well, wasn't he? >> Yeah, probably was in fairness. Um what what a guy. Um, one thing I will say is I do want to give a shout out to Jordan O'Neal and Lee Hammond and Trevor Mckeno who are unfortunately not going to be competing on the night uh before we go to the next fight. Jordan O'Neal is obviously one of the most entertaining fighters um I've ever seen to be honest in person. Me and Basmo still waxed lyrical about him versus Troy Gibson and Cage Legacy in his last fight, you know, hands down eating the shots. Not advised, but from a fan perspective, like unbelievably entertaining. H Lee Hammond obviously absolute jiu-jitsu phenomenon and Wizard. Um, massive respect for Lee as a competitor. Would love to see him get back out there again. Hopefully we can see him under the Cage Warriors banner. I think it'll be a great spot for him. And then Trevor Mckeno just seems to be very unlucky with pull outs and people not signed up to fight him. So, uh, we'd love to see, um, big Trev back in there. The, what is it? Is the sexiest fighter in Cage on the Cage Warriors roster or the best looking? I can't remember which, but uh, >> both ring a bell. Anyway, >> I just remember the story that Alex Sullivan told us. He brought two girls to the devs. >> Yeah, he did. >> Um, but uh, speak speaking of uh, talents and musty fighters. H, Sen Koki had a sensational debut at Cage Wires last time out. only right that D1's favorite son is on cage wires 200 unbelievable massive fight for him against Louis Briscus uh selling ki you'll be expecting get his hand raised there expect some high level uh kickboxing and some great grappling send as well his last fight so going to be very interesting to see and then this one here >> he was also the way he made that big splash like his in ring antics and outr antics went went viral as well yeah and then because obviously He's from Dublin and he trains up in Belfast. He's probably he could have the loudest pop of the night cuz he has all the fan base. >> Definitely could. But uh one person who's definitely going to rival that is at the moment it's it's the it's the party starter. Rowan Degan's going to open the night. Apparently sold the most tickets. Um offley will be empty for Ronan Degan as he takes on Billy Sutherland fighting out of MMA. This is a massive fight. 200 ft of flyweight. going toe to toe. Both guys would be looking to get the biggest scalp of their career and make a march up that flyweight division. You love to see it. It's unbelievable. Basmo in Dean take a bow. This is one of the best cars we've had in a very long time and I am here for Basmo. >> Yeah. Well, the thing is right obviously it says here now on the website that Rowan Degan versus Bitty Suddland is going to be the first fight of the night, but I think that's that fight itself is going to get so much traction they're probably going to move that up a bit. >> Yeah, they definitely could. They definitely could. Like if if you're looking at it here, like the the only problem is who'd actually make the first fight of the night. >> I know. Well, that's that's that's the thing. But >> someone has to make the first fight of the night. >> The thing is if they put Alex Ko first like they did last time, you have to be there within the first 30 seconds. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Starting. So >> yeah, people people they can't they can't process the tickets fast enough. >> Yeah. So look, >> it's going to be a huge night. I think like we're very excited. Usually they have a 80 ADC Ireland on that day and then we go straight to Cage Warriors, but we're lucky enough this is the biggest show on the hottest ticket in town. Um, absolutely. >> I think Will you be able to cut a promo for this? >> Jeez, I feel like I feel like that's the longest promo I've ever cut. But look, Cage Warriors 210, it is absolutely stacked from top to bottom. Patty McCari will headline the event in the same arena. He won the belt and he it will be the last time you will see him in the yellow gloves. Maximus Max Lai, he'll be there to put on another dominant performance after winning a PI trip last time. I can't wait to see it. The freak show Keith Ko, he brings the audience. He brings the performance. I can't wait to see it. The GTA selector, what a fighter. What a scrapper. He is in in for a real show every time he's out there. Gary Rooney is back under Hulahan Martial Arts. What a fight he is against Tom Casy. Conor McCarthy out of the fire back into the fire. One of the top lightweight contenders in cage where he's taking on Solomon King Simon versus Kenny Okalana some domestic violence. Dame McKenna he will look to put on another sensational performance. Corin McLolin makes his debut in the yellow gloves. You cannot wait to see it. Lewis Burn in Kwires out of Kwyers back with a brand new deal. He will look to make a statement in that featherweight division. Alex Ko will we see more than 60 seconds of him? Probably not. uh sending Kley D1's favorite son. What a guy. And starting off with a domestic dust up in the flyweight division. Ronan Degan, the biggest ticket seller on the day versus Biddy Sutherland. What a fight night indeed. Brain boiling. You might have to get that ODS roof insured because it's going to be blown off. >> Yeah, man. Man, that is a that's a >> I love Irish MA. Can't you tell? >> You forgot one fight though. >> What fight? [laughter] forgot no fights. And while we're there, this is not the only show going on down in town. Um, the SPG Ireland crew are heading off to AFC uh over in Pampalona. Uh, there's four SPG fighters fighting on the card. Roger Lopez will be fighting on the card. Uh, we have Ryan Kio who've been out for for a while. He's fighting on the card. BJJ Black Belt, unbelievable fighter, unbelievable amateur career. Keem will be looking to continue his success that he's had a pro and it's been a hot minute but Mario Dfano will be back h in the cage at AFC 2. Unbelievable stuff that go down goes down the same day as Cage Warriors. So make sure to check out here for the results. We will be posting them as well. Unbelievable stuff. H Irish MMA is on fire. And not only that, if we make our way over to FCC over in Bolton, Arman the Crane Herxig, he will also be fighting for the bantamweight title. That is a massive fight also on UFC fight pass. H I can't wait to see that one as well. Fighting out of Manchester Top Team. Irish MMA has not let us down. Will not let us down. H it is the biggest weekend in Irish MMA all year. Bosma, >> it's definitely up there, man. like a cage like see cage >> there's no there's there's not a there's not a there's not there's not a weekend norm that has more pro fighters than fighting than this weekend. >> No >> and you know there's only one place to be when there's that many pro fights going down on the Irish scene. You got to get out yourself over to the energiz show baby. >> Exactly man. But then we also have to give a shout out to team KF Domcus who's going to be fighting on Babylon as well. And then just a couple of shout outs here. Take over Muay Thai King Cow's uh fight promotion goes down this Friday in Sally Noggin and then also there's a boxing event JB boxing that are also working with Condland Sports will be going down on the 26 as well. Same night as Cage Warriors and then New Era MMA will be going down on Sunday as well. Ross, before we wrap things up, there's just a couple other things you want to talk about. Like obviously there's UC stuff to talk about, but this weekend bare knuckle boxing is back as Darren Hill takes on Yoel Romero in the main event in Manchester. Ross, how much you looking forward to this one? Cuz last time out, Darren Hill got a bit of a scare against Jordy Shores Aren Charmer's. Yeah, look, he's he's had a boxing fight since as far as I'm aware, and he's won that as well. So Darren Hill is active, so I think the activity will definitely go in his favor. Yo Romero is not getting any younger despite how he might look. So, I think Darren Till has a great chance of uh of taking this one. But again, all it takes is one from Rioel Romero get the job done. So, uh it's definitely going to be something to look out for. >> Yeah, I'm I'm looking forward to seeing it. That's that bare knuckle stuff is absolutely vicious. Um Ross, just before we talk about some scraps, it's been confirmed that Tom Asol has had to release his UFC heavyweight title due to his eye issues. Um Dana White like hasn't been saying the best things about him. He was also slagging off Eddie Hearn saying who has actually done better once they've got Eddie Hearn as a manager in the MMA scene. Now Tom, yeah, Tom and Ian Garry are the only two fighters that have signed to him. So I feel like that's a bit of shade in as well. But Ross, what you make of that situation? And now Sirill Gan is the new UFC heavyweight champion. He's going to be taking on Josh Hawk at UC 334. >> Look, I I think it gets to a certain stage where how long can you be out and still be the champion and that's not that's definitely not shade on Tom Aspenol. I hope Tomol gets back, gets healthy and we get to see him back there cuz he is an absolute legend of a guy. Um love Tom Aspenol. have all the time in the world from one of the best talents the UFC heavyweight division has ever seen. You can make an argument from he's the best talent the UFC heavyweight division's ever seen. Uh I just hope he gets back fit and healthy and we get to see him back in there. But I suppose time waits for no man and Sir Gan is fit and ready to rock. Josh Hockett's ready fit and ready to rock. [snorts] I think Josh Hockett's the guy to to fight Sir Gan next. I I don't know who else a heavyweight you look at and go that's the next contender out there. Hawker went in there and he put on fight of the night against Curtis Blades. Maybe a fight of the year contender against Curtis Blades. Got the job done and him versus Gan probably makes the most amount of sense. I think it has all the makings of a barn burner. Basmo. >> Yeah, it was it was that win then after that Curtis Bades fight and then fighting on the White House card and getting the win against Derek Lewis and now he's in now he's fighting for the heavyweight title which is look >> you have to take these opportunities when they come. Also, in the com main event, it was announced that Kayla Harrison will be fighting Amanda Nunees. This I think this is I think the third time, definitely at least the second time they've arranged this fight as well. So, that's going to be very interesting. >> Yeah, it's one I struggle to get hyped for until it gets closer enough that like you're like, "All right, that's actually happening." >> Exactly. Then, uh we massive shout out to Joshua Van who retained his UC title against Alex Pantoia over the weekend as well, Ross. >> Yeah, absolutely. Look, Joshua Van, I suppose he got to prove that it wasn't a fluke first time out. I know it was a fluke ending, but uh he got to prove he is the he is the better of the two men. Uh winning on all judges scorecards. I thought it was a very competitive fight, but you could just see the the ring rust was real for Panto. I think if Pantosia goes and gets like a win or two, you might get you might get the trilogy between them h potentially and maybe PTOA could give a better account of himself. But uh look, I think Van's moving on leaps and bounds every time. He's much younger than Pantosia. I don't think I don't think Pantosa is ever going to get the better of him. H also shout out to Arman Serukian who uh solidified himself as the number one lightweight in the world. I think him versus Justin Gate. He makes all the sense in the world next Arman Sukin is killing on the social game. Hamzach in his corner. Neon the streamer in his corner posting afterwards with Nina Drama like Dana White and UFC should forgive him and they should put all their eggs in the Armanukian basket. Yeah. And then uh also Patricio Piple got the win as well. And then Gable Stevenson was knocked out against Shawn Sharief. I think they should make Gable Stevenson against Tyassan next. No, >> I'd be here for it. Like why not? >> And then just before we wrap things up this weekend, UFC is back. Uh UFC Vegas 121 if I'm not mistaken. Rahul Rouses Jr. is taking on Ranoi Barcelos in the main event. Ross. >> Yeah, absolutely. Uh bit of a funny one cuz I always thought they were big fans of uh Rohouse Jr. and maybe they they will consider that by putting him in the main event. Like look, this kid's only 21 still. I expect Roas to get the win. Um only that, but like look, headlining uh main event uh in the Apex. He beat Rob Font last time out. He's riding a fiveight win streak. I think that I I think obviously obviously he's not looked great in all his fights. He's had one or two blips, but he's only 21. I can see him on >> I can see him going on >> leaps and bounds. Like uh Barcles is 39. So it's probably probably the biggest age party we've ever seen enough to be. >> Yeah, exactly. So I think uh I'm going to go for the young gun. >> There you have it. So look for the people tuning in, we want to thank you very much. We will be putting out loads of content this week in the buildup of the cage warriors this weekend and we'll be doing postfight interviews with all the winners at the RDS this Saturday. So make sure you're tuned in, you're liked, you've subscribed and as always stay energized. Boom. >> Live from the Mecca, the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. >> [screaming] >> It is [music] time. [laughter] Introducing first fighting out of the blue corner. This man is a podcaster and he's been a diehard UFC fan for eight years. His favorite fight of all time is Bobby Lawler versus Rory McDonald at UFC 189. He fights out of his hometown, Dublin, Ireland. Please welcome Ross the champ. Yes, >> the enjoy show up the face that runs the place. Chaos Cortis. I want to thank the Irish MMA community so much for getting behind me. Yep.