Phil Campbell | Cage Conflict XIX Recap, Clan Wars 56 Preview & UFC 333 Preview | The Energized Show

Ringkasan

What is up and welcome to The Energized Show! On this episode Irish MMA Commentator Of The Year Phil Campbell joins us to discuss Cage Conflict XIX Recap, Clan Wars 56 Preview & UFC 333 Preview. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Hit the notification bell for more Energized Shows!…

Transkrip (youtube_captions)

[music] Diana. >> Okay, here we go. >> It's time. [screaming] >> Okay, what's going on, guys? Welcome to a brand new episode of Energized brought to you by Orings Competitions. Ross, >> are you intoxicated or something? Introduc. Today we are bringing you the energized commentator of the year. He is the voice of Brave Combat Federation and many other Irish combat sports. It is the one and only Mr. Phil Campbell. Phil, how you doing? >> Boys, >> this feels like one of the most long overdue podcasts in Irish MMA history. >> What took you so long? That's my question. >> You know what? After the people voted as MA commentator of the year, we were like, we need to get this guy on. We need to get this guy on. And then we waited 10 months and then we got him on. [laughter] But h great to have you on, Phil. H great to see all the success you're having. Great to see everything you're doing with Brave HL now as well. IMAF still on the Irish scene and all the shows as well. Great to see. How are you doing, my man? >> I'm doing great, man. uh very very busy. Uh I got back yesterday from doing Fight Star Championship in Manchester. So would you believe that was my first ever English uh English UK based show. So it took eight years to get over to the mainland. It took me took me less time to get to Bahrain than it did to get to Manchester, but it was it was a real fun experience and hopefully I get to work with them more in the future. >> No, congratulations, Phil. You're doing great stuff. Can you for people actually tuning in like obviously this is your first time on the show. Can you tell the people how he actually got into commentating in in mixed martial arts? >> Well, I I um I used to fight so um as many many moons ago, >> undefeated and undisputed, one might add. >> Well, I don't I don't want to brag, but there's a few belts knocking about there. But probably competing before a lot of guys a lot of guys were even really aware of it was even before I think the first sort of wave of Irish fighters had made it to the likes of the UFC and rose to prominence. But um I was meant to fight on a show and either I got injured or my opponent got injured and they asked me if I wanted to jump in and do guest commentary. Um and I did and it kind of took off from there, you know, very quickly. It was three or four months after that. Um I was in Abu Dhabi doing my first show for Brave. So it happened very very quickly and long may continue. >> Yeah. Because everyone that tunes in that like knows how like enthusiastic you are and like how knowledgeable you are of the sport. So like anytime Phil came on the mic like we know we're in for a bit of crack, don't we Ross? >> Well, >> it kind of comes from you. I was I was a fan first and foremost before I was even a practitioner, you know, and I think that kind of genuine enthusiasm. I can't like I can't fake being excited about something that happens. And I'm as equally excited if I see someone score a beautiful knockout as I do someone score a beautiful submission or even a beautiful transition from the likes of say uh half guard into side control. If they do that clinically, that's just as exciting and as entertaining for me as one of the the more marquee finishes or something like that. >> One thing I do want to touch on the contrary is obviously you have a lot a lot of different dance partners as as time goes on. Obviously, you know, you have your co-commentators, you know, in PFL and then like when you go to the local show like who knows who it might be on the day, you know, sometimes you know well in advance, sometimes you don't. What do you what do you say to your co- commentators when like you know maybe it's your first time ever co- commentating with them? >> Well, I always make sure that um if I can I'll speak to them beforehand and just see what their what typically the role they're more comfortable with. They're more comfortable being the color guy, the playbyplay. I find that I can kind of fit into either mold depending on one what the organization wants and what the coolcoms is more comfortable with. But again, it's just like anything. It comes down to just clear communication and knowing that we're there to make each other look good as well. So there's no talking over each other. You're not there to try and get your stuff in over your your comm's partner. You know, if you're working well together, you are both going to look good. >> That's that's totally fair, man. And you always make your partners look good. And um let let let's talk about your most recent gig cuz >> Oh, no. No. Actually, one more question I want to find out. Um, but is the goal to like eventually be a commentator on the UFC or it like what what what is the >> angle? I've thought about this and I've been asked this before. >> Yeah. >> I think I'm not a polished enough broadcaster for the likes of the UFC. I love the UFC. I love their product, but um I'm not as uh clean at the ad reads as like the likes of a John Anick and I'm not as knowledgeable as the likes of a Joe Rogan or or a DC. But I think I've carved out uh a little bit of a niche for myself working in the likes of the Middle East and and working for these these these other promotions. You know, if the call ever came to be involved with the UFC, you know, obviously that's where not just every fighter wants to end up, but I think every broadcaster aspires to that. But if it never happens, you know, I still feel like I've uh I've had a very worthwhile career to this point. >> Yeah. But one thing I will say which I think uh is probably not really thought of too much like the success you've actually had as a commentator that this can be your full-time gig is absolutely sensational. If you think about the amount of fighters who try and you know make it as a pro fighter and make that their career. >> There's a lot more people doing that who are successful at that than people who can actually commentate full-time and make that their full-time gig. There's very very few. There's probably less than 50 people in the world who commentate full-time on combat sports. Yeah, >> I think a lot of people just kind of see like, you know, I I have the opportunity to work with these huge organizations, the likes of the PFL, the the likes of Brave, the likes of IMAF, but people don't see the the the work going on, you know, working every show possible, whether that be here in Ireland, north or south, if I can get like a a gig working somewhere, you know, it's it comes down to that old adage of the the harder I work, the luckier I seem to become. So people just kind of see the the nice bits, the the marquee stuff as opposed to the kind of the work that goes on behind the scenes. Because make no mistake about it, it is a full-time job. I'm not just turning up and commentating, which I believe is another mis misconception with with the profession that you just turn up uh commentate and go home. but the the work I put in, the research I put in because it would be a disservice one to the organization and then more importantly I believe to the fighters if I didn't do my due diligence if I didn't do my tapework if I didn't reach out to the fighters and speak to them you know on a card say there's 20 fights on a card I if I'm commentating on those 20 fights I will reach out to the 40 fighters that are on that card and do not just my tape study but also I have questions that I like to ask them you know little things that maybe aren't necessarily to do with the fight even little things about them as people what they do in their spare time. Little things to try and you know humanize the fighter if you will. So people watching aren't just seeing two guys in a cage. Maybe during the walk out I'm communicating a little bit of their story if you will. So that people who are watching for the first time can be like okay I can identify with his story. I can empathize with his story and then that could be their guy for the fight. You know >> see there's a reason why Phil Campbell was voted Irish commentator of the year. the people the people in the amazing know and respect that this man is at the top of his game and we're we're lucky to have you still on the Irish on on the island of Ireland containing and that just goes to show your passion for the sport and how much you love to see these Irish athletes grow uh by by doing the Irish shows cuz uh we're we're lucky to have you know what I mean like uh you wouldn't like it's not like you get a fighter who's fighting in the PFL and then he'll come fight on the regional show or you know what I mean like that doesn't happen so like to have a commentator who's commentating on the big shows where everyone wants to be and then comes back and commented on the Irish saying, "Love to see you, Phil. Love to see it." You know, >> you know, I've just I have just as much enthusiasm and love for the Irish scene because, you know, it was the Irish scene that I competed on. It was where I started doing my first shows. You know, I still have so much love and and and respect for what these guys are doing. You know, promotions like uh Cage Conflict, uh IUR where where I'll judge sometimes or Wrath where I'll judge for Big Arm Wallace. um you know any vertus where I can commentate. You know I still have so much love and passion for for the Irish scene because you wouldn't have the the big shows, the big fighters if you didn't have grassroots MMA. So I think we're very lucky especially here in Ireland that grassroots MMA is thriving. >> Yeah. And also like just just for those who don't know like you're a qualified referee, qualified judge as well. So therefore, you actually really understand the intricacies of all the details that's going on in that cage from from the from the ring walk having been a fighter to you know the referee's technical decisions. You get to understand all the different aspects which is something that really really adds a lot of value in the boot. >> I'll have to correct I'm not a qualified referee because that is a job I would not want to do refereeing and you know obviously Aron Wallace is one of my best friends in life not just in MMA. So, you know, I keep a close eye on on sort of the nuances of judging, but you could not pay me enough to be a judge. What those guys have to do for me, that is the hardest gig in MMA because if you do your job well, if you do it brilliantly like you're meant to, you're a ghost. If you make one tiny mistake, you know, you're you're you have the potential to to be a viral clip or to be part of a or to be part of like a compilation clip where you've made a mistake. So, I do not envy the job they have to do and I have so much respect. Um, as for judging, yep, fully qualified judge through uh through Mark Godard. Um, and I love uh I love judging, too. I mean, I just love being involved in the sport in any capacity. >> Yeah. Yeah, it is absolutely great. And look, we're lucky to have you. Um, what we do want to touch on next is where your last gig was. Uh, you were up in the Devonish iconic arena. You know what I mean? It's it's known for it's known for Cage Conflict on the Pleasure Boys. Uh, so >> what was Phil doing that time? >> Yeah. Where was Phil that day? But uh it was yourself and Paul Hughes obviously you know the the biggest Irish um fighting name who who trains in this country you know I mean um unbelievable to sit alongside him and and commentate with him. Um what what was that experience like? And obviously you've you've you've sat in coms with Paul Paul before but uh what's it like to sit in when you know one of the best fighters in the country. But do you know what? Like I like I like to think I'm relatively knowledgeable in the sport of MMA. But when you sit beside someone like Paul Hughes who's just a wealth of knowledge. He sees things that that even that I don't and it's a very very easy night for me because I usually just throw the ball and say, "What do you think?" So yeah, his his knowledge and his ability to to communicate is second to none. It's so so impressive. >> Yeah, absolutely. And look, obviously it it was a stellar night uh up cage conflict in the Devonish. was um you know the place was packed as it always is. Sold out show tell us this uh Damon Mcwigan went and he won in the first round and look he was fighting a Brazilian he was 3 and0 coming in there he was coming off a loss that that was a big night for him a big moment for him. What was it like when he made the ring walk and got his hand raised? Do >> you know what there was a lot of pressure on Damian not just headlined in the show but then he was coming off that loss uh at Cage Warriors. So for him to go in and put in a clinical performance like that against a fighter who was more experienced, who was undefeated, his opponent was coming in 3 and 0, three finishes in the first round. So for Damen to go in and be clinical from start to finish was so so impressive and and right now I fully expect him to kind of, you know, use this as a springboard to to really kick on in his career. But we knew even from the get-go in his amateur days that this young man was such a talent. So, I'm really excited to see what he does moving forward. >> Phil, do you think that like obviously because he didn't play in Cage Warriors, he might be a free agent now that he could potentially go to PFL or would you see he go him going back to Cage Warriors? >> I would like to see him go back to Cage Warriors, get um get a couple more fights um and then progress perhaps to the likes of the PFL. And that that's no disrespect to Cage Warriors at all, but I think the the quality of opponents that he could face in the the PFL uh would be a little bit deeper than that of Cage Warriors. But wherever he goes, he's going to be an exciting talent. You know, two wins now as a pro, two finishes. You know, he has the ability just to to flip that switch, become clinical, become a little bit vicious, a little bit nasty. Uh and I think now that he's kind of cured that edge to his game a little bit, there's no stopping the kid. >> Yeah, absolutely. And like one thing I will say from uh from seeing some clips of the performance was uh some fighters when they turn pro, they really struggle to add in those knees and elbows, but he was throwing those elbows like he was throwing them for years on end. So like that is something that you do want to see cuz you see fighters who are three or four fights into their pro career who had a lot of amateur fights and like it's not natural for them to throw the elbows, but he he was in there getting those elbows in like he'd been throwing them all year. speaks to the the level of coaching he's getting the FAI from the likes of Liam, Pat, Adam, the they would have been very carefully sort of managing the the progression of his career. So, in the likes of training, he would have been throwing those elbows, throwing those knees on the pads and stuff. So, I think it just speaks to the level of training he's getting and how well he's being looked after by his coaches >> 100%. And like speaking of the FAI talent that was on display, uh Nathan Mulligan with well you as you say if you're looking for a viral moment that was your v viral finish of the night and uh the viral moment actually came from uh Mr. Aaron Wallace as well with the with the newly uh uh touted ref cam. >> Big hor looking head on him. Outstanding. Um, but yeah, that was 8 seconds. Uh, and it was clinical. And make no mistake about it, gentlemen, Louis Paulie is legit. So to do that against an opponent of that quality is absolutely incredible. It was clinical. And I'd seen messages that he had been sending back and forth fight week that that was how he was going to finish the fight. And it was absolutely outstanding. And uh, shout out to content creator Mr. Arm Wallace for for the footage. not just one of the best referees in the game but also nice uh can add that little string to his bow. The thing is, >> is that something that you think that organizations should start picking up on like the PFL, like Cage Warriors, is that the refs should maybe wear the glasses because I know PFL have done it in the past and it just adds another another string to their bow in terms of, you know, looks from the fight. also as much as uh it it can also really help the ref cuz like when I saw the knockout right in like sort of on the stream and then versus when you see on the ref cam it actually makes Aaron look like he he like h he's actually a second or two slower because he to get in and stop the fight but because that's how fast it happens and when you see it in ref cam you actually realize how quick someone can go from being conscious to being unconscious and how quick the ref has to actually get in because when you watch on the live saying about how difficult the job is. >> Yeah. >> Goes back to what I'm saying about how difficult the job of refereeing is. They have to make that splitsecond decision. You know, there was the head kick. Had he have stopped it immediately after the head kick, he would open himself up to well the fighter was still active, you stopped it too early. So to have that presence of mind to be close enough but yet far enough away that you can make that decision, um I think is so impressive. But the the meta glasses, it's it's not the ref cam footage isn't necessarily new in MMA. Back in the days of Pride Fighting Championship, you had the referees with the GoPro on the chest. But I think with the Metag Glass, you're really getting that bird's eyee view. And it also can show to people watching just how uh intuitive and on point a referee needs to be. But what a finish. First and foremost, what a finish from Nathan Mulligan. >> Yeah. Phil, going into that fight, it was actually voted the people's main event. And like what what was the what did you feel like the atmosphere was like when both lads were walking out cuz like this was like a landslide the fight to watch >> absolutely electric like you both guys were have been on an absolute tear on the regional scene so and they haven't fought you know there've been no gimme fights for those guys and what I really love coming from the respective gym ZKJ uh and FAI they're fighting the top guys in the sphere do you know what I mean nobody's trying to pad the record or anything like that. So, you're seeing the top guys fight the top guys. Um, and yeah, it was a beautiful finish. And, um, I want to say speaking to Louis Paulie a couple of days afterwards, yes, he was upset, but that young man has an ironclad mentality and he'll be back >> without doubt. Nathan Mulligan was actually voted the champion of the night as well on the poll we put out as well. I actually, Ross, you definitely jump in on this now. I think Nate Mulligan is that next guy on the amateurs um in FAI to watch out for. >> Yeah, I definitely think so. I think he he seems like he has he has that if factor and certain fighters have it and he just seems to have it. He seems to have that level of confidence but also that level of skill to back it up. He's got some frighteningly good finishes. Uh we've seen him beat Taylor Hef as well before who is the uh Virtuous uh champion as well. So like you know what I mean? Like when you when you start collecting the belts and you start beating these guys who are the belt holders, you know, show in, show out, like that's that's when you know, look, this guy probably has maybe one or two more fights left at amateur before before he turns pro. And he looks like a scary prospect and he's he's only a young kid as well. So I'm I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where he goes next because he looks like he looks like the man to beat in the sort of lightweight, super lightweight division on the Irish regional scene. It was also great to see his striking because his wins up until that point had all been by submission. So to see a little bit more of his striking to see him express himself a little bit more in that regard was also really uh really impressive. >> Yeah, absolutely. And like look, it it just goes to show there's a wealth of talent coming out of Floyd Academy Ireland at the moment. So uh he he seems to be the latest hot prospect on the on the books for Fight Academy Ireland. Um we did see some other title fights on the night. Uh Eric Maru beat um CJ Armstrong. Eric Maru again maybe not as much praise as uh some of the other fighters in the country but he is right up there. He could easily be the best middleweight in the country fail right now. >> Yeah, he's a very very dangerous fighter. You know, he has a type of he has a type of power that you don't necessarily see uh at amateurs. So, and again still very very young in his MMA career. He's going to bounce forward and do great things. And again, frightening, frightening power, but a fantastic performance once again from him. >> Yeah, the CMAC guys like the if you look what they were 5 years ago, they were such a like young gym, no pros, like you know what I mean? Very different setup to most other gyms. But it goes to show there is definitely me method to the madness in CAMAC because if you look at what their gym is producing right now, you know what I mean? Top pros Keith Ko, Alex O Sullivan, Jordan Bradshaw, you know what I mean? The list goes on and then the amateur is really really stood them. So, uh, that gym is on absolute fire at the moment. >> Yeah. >> Well, you mentioned some of the the the fire they have that have graduated from amateur [clears throat] to pro. So, it's a great blueprint for for Eric to to follow. They're seeing the things that his teammates have done and transition seamlessly into pro. So, he's exactly where he needs to be and at the perfect gym. >> Yeah, a absolutely. Um or someone else who took home a belt who also has a claim to say they're the best at their weight class in the country. Nathan Taco Chambers with a with another rear naked choke win the backpack. Uh and look, not easy to do it against I think was seven and one going into this fight. H unbelievable uh submission artist. We got to see him at ADCC. Obviously fights out of Yoda Martial Arts under the toutelage of Ryan Roddy who's a very well-known uh jiu-jitsu black belt competitor. So like th this uh gives that submission win even more kudos and especially getting another rear naked choke cuz you know it's it's a bit like uh probably not the fairest comparison, but when I always say when someone goes to fight Ben Akran, you know exactly what he was going to do. He was going to try and take you down and hold you down. with Nathan Chambers, you know, he's going to look for your back and try and rear naked choke you. Whether you can stop it or not is another thing. And this is another occasion where someone was unable to stop it. I always find this a fascinating fight to watch when you know what someone's game plan is or what their effective best finish is and can someone stop it or not. >> It's it's not kind of unlike the the Ronda Rousey armbar. You know what's going to happen, but you don't know how to stop it. Uh you had spoke about it in the last show guys that the winner of this fight could take their claim to being the best bantamweight on the island and I think that is true. I think that's a clear illustration of that is the fact that Nathan Chambers has nine wins as an amateur all by way of finish seven by way of rear naked choke. He's now going to the IMAS in Tlisi Georgia next week and I would be very surprised not to put the pressure on him I'd be very surprised if he doesn't medal. Yeah, he he is becoming that guy. And look, he's he's there in SPG NEC and he's he's in the he's in the room with, you know, Conor McCarthy and and Alex Kio and I know Matt does a bit of resting up there. Like he has seen these guys, you know, at the level he's aspiring to get to and obviously he's putting in the work. You can actually see physique-wise his physique is getting a lot sharper as well. And uh that's that's something that is in your control at all times. mean to stay in shape to get ready and you know to really build on that SNC which is something that you don't really get to see enough of out of the fighters that like you know are they on top of their SNC you know what I mean we don't get to see that much that like that's that's a that's only something they they know whether they're putting in the work on that end you know what I mean uh at the end of the day for me I always think looking at those fighters you know your cardio and your strength and condition has to be a non-negotiable you know what I mean like if you lose a fight via your fitness like that's That's not that's not a good excuse to have because at the end of the day, if you get beaten by someone who's more skillful for you or get caught, so be it. But if you get beaten by your cardio, not great. And like we see that from the amateur shows all the way up to the top pros, Phil, don't we? >> Yeah. It's And to to speak on Nathan Chambers again, this is a man that makes a six-hour round trip daily to train. So, you cannot question his dedication. And as you say, we're seeing him really develop. And I think he's only 24 years of age still. So, he hasn't scratched the surface of his potential and, you know, if he keeps training the way he is, keeps training diligently, looking after himself, his nutrition, strength and conditioning, the skills there, and I think he can build upon that, but he has the potential to to be a real breakout star. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> No, no, that that was actually that was a very impressive win. Nathan will obviously be up for like an award at the end of the year as well. Um, how many more fights you expect Nathan to have as an amateur, though? I wouldn't be surprised if after this IMAF tournament uh at the end of the month going into November, uh I think there's not a lot left for him to do in the scope of of Irish MMA. He's won titles in three different promotions. If he can pick up an IMATH medal, it kind of sets him kind of sets the stone nicely for him to turn pro. >> Yeah. In 2027. >> Yeah. like he's he's he's 24 now and like to beat Rian Dun Levy and own Garl in backto back first round rear naked chokes like >> that that that's that's that's really really impressive like those guys are are always in around the titles those two and also they're both known for their jiu-jitsu as well. So like you know I mean that can that can be underrated. Uh >> this is this is one this is one you forgot to put in the preview last time but we did talk about it on the show. It was the re the pre the the preview clip got. >> Yeah. So, uh Jed Paulo h went and he is the cage conflict featherweight champion. Um I think when the poster went out didn't say it was for the belt, but I think Jed Po was the defending champion going into it. Uh he was actually won by head kick knockout the the time previous which was absolutely spectacular. Um look Jeb Paulo you know I think was he living in his brother Jess's shadow for a while? I think so, but not no not anymore. H obviously he was spectacular at Vertus. Now he's uh you know defend his belt at Cage Conflict. He's really really starting to put it together and he is one of those guys who you know when he turns pro I think things will continue on this trajectory for him. I think we saw with the likes of like Solomon Simon and Lewis Burn who sort of had 5050 careers in the buildup to their pro career and then all of a sudden they turn pro and they start going on a tear. I think Jed Pedle's finally putting it all together and it's shown in the cage. Do >> you know I love to see young fighters taking difficult fights and you know the the record with the greatest of respect to the amateur game the record is relatively immaterial because you're going to turn pro so you want to get as much of a grinding as you can. I'm reminded of the likes of Palahan um out of SPG Cork who put in a shift as an amateur and then when he eventually turned pro, you know, he had fought the best that the island had to offer. So, he had a great grounding. So, to see him do that and Jess Paulo's perform, sorry, Jed Paulo's performance, called him Jess there, sorry, Jed Paulo's performance, it was a very, very smart, very cerebral, very cerebral approach against a very dangerous James Wallace. So, to go in, be smart, stick to the game plan, I was very impressed. >> Yeah, absolutely. like that that's what it's all about, you know? I mean, your I always say your your last amateur fight should definitely be harder than your first pro fight. And uh that's that's that's where where you want it to be. And look, uh he's gone home with the belts. And look, some great title fights. Phil, you you were in the in the in in the front seat. So, put you in the awkward position. Which one was your favorite title fight? >> [laughter] >> So my my favorite finish was Nathan Mulligan, but my favorite fight uh was probably um Owen Gorl and uh Nathan Chambers. I thought that was two top guys fighting each other at the peak of their amateur careers for the not just the cage conflict title but for the title of the best bantamweight on the island. So I was really impressed with both fighters I think are incredible and have really bright futures in the sport. >> Absolutely. We we did see one or two other uh veterans the Irish amateur amateur scene pick up some wins. Uh Rory Burke picked up a big win. H wouldn't be surprised to see him have uh maybe one or two more fights and move into the pro ranks uh fighting out of SPG Clone Mel. He's been Natie Stalworth and he's fought the who's who of the Irish amateur scene. And then uh Johnny Dugen is looking to get back down in the EFC uh cage h very soon. What a show EFC are putting on down the south of Ireland. H incredible stuff that they're doing. uh he he'll be back down there. So, great to see Johnny Dugen in the wing column as well. And uh shout out to Sean Carle who got on to us saying, "Lads, where were the podcast last week? Um myself and uh Barry actually both had uh lost family members in the in the last two weeks." So, we were off at funerals, which is uh >> yeah, >> not great. But, uh we are back and we are back with a bang with the one and only Phil Campbell. Uh so, just wanted to give everyone a shout out on that. Phil, was there any other performance that really stood out for you on the night? >> Uh, big Jimmy Nolan, Bounty himself. Uh, very few amateur MMA fighters have their own secret or special move, if you will. The Bounty faint. So, we got to see that. And at 37 years of age, to still love the game and get in an amateur and get it done. I'm so impressed with not just his performance, but his enthusiasm to to be digging away and getting a win. >> Yeah, absolutely. Actually, I think I can't remember who it was at the last cage conflict, but there was there was another fellow fighting and he he landed a massive knockout and uh I've never I've never seen the I can't remember his name, Phil. Do you remember his name is and uh he >> Yeah, I it was the big knockout of the night. Forgive me. I can't remember, but he'll probably give me pilters for it. Oh, you know, I'm I'm going to see if I can find him. But, um, yeah, I just remember I feel like there's always one person who just comes out of the blue and gets gets like the knock out of the night. And, uh, that that's that's what it was this time out. Big Jimmy this time out. But, uh, it's great to see. It's great to see, you know what I mean? And look, um, Cage Conflict always putting on top shows. Where, where will we see you next in the commentary booth, Phil? And where will we see you next domestically in the commentary booth? Next up, I'm going to be out in Tlisi, Georgia for the IMAS, the World Amateur Championships. So, that's a good uh eight day stretch, eight days of commentary right from uh youth to junior to senior. So, I'm going to be commentating with Jude Samuel. He's a legend of international MMA. And then I think my next next domestic gig I think is Gladiotara on the 13th of December, which is a great show. So, shout out to everyone involved there. Danny Core, Juror, a fantastic show that's really established itself uh as one of the the top two top three shows on the island. >> Yeah, it's it really is an absolute uh monster. It's really really uh you know what the matchmaking is always sensational and I think it was announced yesterday uh big big hot tub Troy Gibson's going to fight uh Shay Lee to uh in a pro welterweight bout. That's going to be absolutely sensational. Sure. I remember the hype for Kieran Masky versus uh Cory McLolin. That was unbelievable. Uh these are these are these are the fights that the people really really want to see and that level of matchmaking from uh Jared Danny is absolutely sensational Phil isn't it? >> Like it's it's a great show to work. Um again even uh Bla Miguel and Kim Masky at uh Amateur uh back in the day was was an absolutely fantastic fight. So to see these guys going in again fighting the best at the right moment. So I love to see these young fighters take on these challenges. Uh but it's a great show, great crowd. I'm really looking forward to it. >> Yeah, absolutely. And uh if you want Phil complaining of shows for 2027, get on to them early because that man's diary books up fast. But uh yeah, you also have Emma course fighting on that show as well. So two pro fights. We we we do love how I feel like we've been spoiled on the island as of late Phil with uh you know shows come out with two three four pro fights at the one time. H it's really great to see but you know it was bound to happen because the talent on the on the island is constantly rising. These guys are you know at the top of the amateur game are all ready to knock on the pro and the amount of talent this country is pouring out h inside and outside the cage Mr. Campbell is absolutely sensational. Phil, is there anything else you want to say to the people before we wrap things up? And also let us know if you want to have Phil on more often because uh look, he's not cheap, so we need to know in advance. [laughter] >> Thank you very much for uh for having me on. I appreciate it, guys. Um and support local MMA as much as you can. Follow the fighters, buy the tickets, go and see the shows. This is how uh the scene keeps going. This is how these fighters then get opportunities to progress in their career. So go to your local MMA event. You better believe it, Phil. Thanks so much. >> Yeah, >> the enjoy show up theish. >> So, Ross, that was Phil Campbell, your favorite commentator in the in the whole entire country, man. >> Look, [snorts] Phil, Phil feel Phil feels an absolute legend. Really, really delighted to have him on the show. H you know, we'll have to have him back on maybe maybe for a preview for for an upcoming show. H really is the top guy. So, maybe we'll get him on before Gladiator. Who knows? We we can see what the story is. But he is uh always good to have on the show. Well, it's his first time on the show, but it won't be his last. Won't be his last. What a guy. Like he he really is like an absolute trailblazer in the country. Like he's really shown uh that Ireland's punching puffs weight not only in the cage, but outside the cage. >> Yeah. Well, it's nice to spotlight people that are like doing really well in the scene. It's not just in the cage, but there's so much more going on outside the cage as well. So, um look, it for people tuning in, let us know if you like that. would you like Phil back on again? Like I'm pretty sure that like that was a good one. So, uh we'll definitely have to do that more in 2027. Um if you are new to the show, make sure to like and subscribe and also if you can give us the hype on YouTube as well, that'd be great. That's like a new feature. Everything is obviously free. So, uh we'd really really appreciate it. Um then I'm just there is a few more things to talk about as well as clan wars returns this weekend and also the UFC is back with UFC 333 but there's just some Irish fights coming up this week that we have to let you know about. Uh Fufu Farz from SBG Cork is fighting on Thursday the 22nd of October this week. And then also Irish Muay Thai Phenom Ty Ganon fighting out of Dublin Combat Academy is fighting on Saturday night. And then also we have to give a shout out to Nemesis Events goes down on Sunday. But Ross, Clan Wars returns this Sunday as well. Clan Wars 56 goes down and in the main event it is Phantom versus Team Rhino. Yeah, absolutely. Two of the big dogs are going toe to toe. It is the big sexy Brian Draber is taking on Christian Constantinov in a heavyweight pro bout. Rare we get heavyweight boats in the country. Rare we get heavyweight pro bouts in the country. So uh really really excited to see this one. Brian Draper I think is this is his third attempt to make his pro heavyweight debut. Really looking forward to seeing it. Don't know much about Christristen Constantinov. So really looking forward to seeing how this one goes. Hopefully we won't need the judges for this one. Hopefully um we'll see a knockout on that. But uh really looking forward to it. Clam Wars always does excellent production on the night. So a great show to make your pro debut. Many fighters have made their pro debut on there and gone on to have glorious MMA career. So long made that last other unbelievable fights on the card. Cody O' Connor is taking on K here in a featherweight bout. Really excited to see that one. H two of the top prospects in the country going toe-to-toe. H return to the sha cage for Ethan Shy. Really looking forward to seeing him. Um haven't seen him in a hot minute. Um Sean Porter versus Bradford Mcclur. That's another fight that I'm definitely looking forward to see uh some great fights there. And then Chris Boyd versus Gustavo Borges. Gustavo Borges looked really, really good last time in the Clan Wars cage. So look, the guys up in Clan Wars, they always put on a good show. The production levels is always some of the best in the country seen. I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be an absolute f phenomenal night up there and uh all eyes are going to be on that heavyweight main event, Pasmo. >> Yeah. No, I'm looking forward to it, man. That's a I wonder when the last time there was a heavyweight main event in Ireland in MMA. >> Yeah. Well, definitely a pro anyway. >> Yeah, pro. >> I know Simon Saki has done some pro uh some amateur main events up at Clan Wars, but uh yeah, pro. It's been a hot minute. It's been a hot minute. [laughter] >> That is that goes down this Sunday. Um, it has been it is sold out. So, get your links in the fighter bios cuz it that helps. Every little helps, Ross, doesn't it? >> Every little definitely does help. And, uh, look, we're definitely looking forward to watching Clan Wars. It is going to be a big one. >> Yeah. Then, right, Ross, this Saturday night, the UFC is back. It's a pay-per-view card going down in the Etihad Arena. And in the main event, we have Alexander Fulcanowski taking on Mosar Evv. There's going to be two title fights on the night as well as Pod Yan's taking on Morab Devashidi for the third time. Ross, starting the main event, Falconski, he's back at being the champion. He's taking on Mobar Evov who was undefeated at 20 and0. >> Zero finishes by the way. >> Yeah, zero finishes. Look, I think this is going to be very very interesting when we saw Al Alexander Valkcanowski fight this style before against Islam Machev twice. We've seen him have a lot of success in the first first uh first fight. Obviously, Mosvar Mosar Evov is not as good as Islam Makachev and obviously this is that featherweight. I think Vog has a very very good chance but I think the question is is how much does Vog have left in the tank and how much does he want it? Obviously there's never been a question over his work ethic. There's never been a question over him wanting it inside the cage. I'm not sure. He lost his belt and came back and won his belt. Uh Oman Vog is not to be messed with but uh look I think I think uh Mavar could be his time at this stage. He's a young hungry prospect and he he's looking to capture that belt. One thing I will say about this car basis I actually think Pod Yan versus Morab should be the main event. I think they that you know that fight being a trilogy is a fight that I think more fans are going to look forward to than than the Vulcani fight. What's your thoughts on Matt? Oh, that's >> you see usually you know yourself the heavier weights are the have preference over being the like above the lower weights but like obviously before they've they've switched it around and like the lighter weights have been a main event and then the co-ain event has been a lighter weight >> but um >> I would agree but I think Vulcan obviously is the biggest name on the card so therefore it makes most sense to put him there and he's probably realistically getting paid the most out of anyone So you really >> I suppose in Abu Dhabi as well is probably like I mean there's a big Dagistani contingent always over there. So maybe that's maybe >> Pan and Ravi would have like a like Pian's from Russia and Morab's from Jordan. But so like >> perhaps a Vegas head now though. >> Yeah. But like he's not carrying the Vegas flag into the into the octagon is he? >> Yeah. But I feel like Movar Evo is like very Dagistani as opposed to the other two lads aren't the same. who read who we read to say someone's more something than others. >> Well, I just did it. [laughter] >> But look, also also in the card you have Lonnie Cavana as well. He's >> hold Yan versus Morab. Who you backing in that one, man? >> I'm going to go for Yan, man. I feel like he won the last time out and I feel like I feel like he found a way to stop the wrestling. I feel like, you know, that wrestling's worked for Morab every single time. Does he have an answer for when the wrestling doesn't work? I don't know. >> Isn't it funny how we're people are like Morab's going to be the goat man and then he loses and then all of a sudden it's like Yan is definitely winning this. It's the game is the game's gone, man. The game >> it's fickle. It's fickle. It's fickle. >> It is fle man. You're only as good as your last podcast. Lonni Kavnet is back Ross. >> Yeah, he is. And look, a win here uh over Tearov, you know, he's right there thereabouts for a title shot. He really is. And with the way Joshua Van is going as well at the moment, you know what I mean? He he's he's he's going to be flying through those flyaway contenders. So yeah, I'd be I'd be I'd be all for it. Like that'll be two young guns, Lonnie Kavanaaugh and uh Joshua Van going toe toe. Um that that can never probably set a record with the youngest title fight of all time when you combine the ages. H obviously you have Alexander Volkov versus Kunv. H Volv is obviously going to be looking at that heavyweight title landscape now that Tom Aspenol is gone. could have win here for Volkov. Catapult him into title contention next. He's had some contentious fights there with Sirill Gan before. And then Aaron Pico versus Lucen Kada. This is a massive fight. This is former former sort of Bellator golden boy Aaron Pico who's had a mixed bag of results in the UFC taking on Lucen Kada who was the octagon champion. Uh Lucen Kada had a viral finish last time out. So let's see can he do it again. Uh really really looking forward to this main card. I think it's uh definitely one to watch out for. It's one of those ones where you're like you're happy to watch fight after fight on the main card. >> No star. >> No, but the great thing as well, it'll be on like >> a reasonable time. >> Yeah, it's on a reasonable time for us, man. Like like these Well, I was saying it. I think we were chatting about it there the other day. It was like once it goes beyond 3:00 a.m. and you're waiting like it's like the second >> you need Patty Pit to come out otherwise you're you're gone. Like [laughter] hands, >> man. I can't I can't stay up like like I'm getting old, man. I'm getting old. So, I'm going to have to edit that out. Hey, I'm getting younger, man. Benjamin button this up. But, uh, Ross, that is the action that's happened this weekend. The UFC 33 is definitely the the main event comment event are definitely fights not to be missed. Um yeah, we also I know Ross mentioned earlier with Phil like unfortunately with a couple of family members passing which is uh you cannot foresee and when like like we were just like here look we we need to just sort of [snorts] >> be around our families and uh look sometimes you have to take a week off. So >> but like the content is still going out. We were shouting out the fighters fighting during the week like unfortunately Pedro Cavalio lost. Unfortunately Dylan Logan's fight didn't go to plan but um >> look we're here for another week of energized crack. We are back again next week. It is going to be a bank holiday and we have a big another big guest lined up as well. So, make sure not to miss that one because it will very much feel like a Halloween themed episode. Ross, but Ross, anything else you want to say to the people tuning in all around the world? >> No, just as Basmo said, if you are watching this on YouTube, make sure to give the Energized Boys your hype love. Uh, you know, thanks for everyone who reached out to us last week for not having a show out. Uh, really, really appreciate that. Um, look, make sure to like, share, subscribe. We love you guys. You know, Basmo for show or OSS. You know, the big dogs, we're we're in the building week in week out for you guys, trying to provide you with the best content possible, letting you know which Irish fighters are fighting, giving you the results, giving you our opinions. We try our best to provide the best content as possible. So, any interaction you have with our content, we really appreciate it. And uh, yeah. So, just make sure to like, share, subscribe, and as always, >> stay energized. >> Live from the Mecca, the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. >> It's [music] time. [screaming] Introducing first, fighting Adam, the blue corner. This man is a podcaster and he's been a diehard UFC fan for 8 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 Irish. It's the face that runs the place Chaos Cortis. I want to thank the Irish MMA community so much for getting behind me. York, the chaos cartel.