Local man flying the flag for mixed martial arts

CONOR McGregor may be today’s poster boy for mixed martial arts in Ireland, but it was his sparring partner and trainer Owen Roddy who flew the flag for the sport before him.

A former Cage Contender Featherweight champion, the Ballymun man fought around the world as Ireland’s leading mixed martial artist at a time when the sport was virtually unknown.

After fighting for over a decade and accumulating a record of 11-4, he decided to retire in 2013 before he got a chance to compete in the world’s premier MMA organisation, the UFC – this was mainly due to the promotion not having Roddy’s weight class for most of his career.

These days, Roddy spends his time breeding a new generation of mixed martial artists at his own gym, SBG Charlestown, something he says played a significant part in his decision to retire.

“I felt that when I was preparing for my own fights, the gym and the other fighters were suffering as a result,” Roddy says. “I wanted to be able to put 100 per cent into them.”

Roddy now balances his time coaching martial artists of all skill levels, along with training with some of the country’s elite, including UFC Featherweight champion Conor McGregor.

‘The Notorious’ is scheduled to fight Nate Diaz once again at UFC 202 on August 20, clearing up the confusion caused by his recent dispute with UFC bosses.

Speaking to Northside People, Roddy recalled McGregor’s first day at the gym and says he immediately realised there was something special about him.

Roddy says he wants to use his position as one of the country’s most respected MMA coaches to help young people in local communities.

“We’re located right near Finglas and Ballymun here,” he adds. “We want to get kids off the streets and get them training, teach them discipline, set them goals and help them achieve them.”

According to Roddy, it is clear from rising attendances at gyms and the number of events being held in Ireland that it is only a matter of time before MMA is fully recognised and embraced by the Irish sporting community.

While MMA continues to grow in popularity, it’s clear that Roddy will continue to be instrumental in developing Ireland’s next batch of world-class fighters.

SBG is located at 3B Century Business Park, St Margaret’s Road, Charlestown, Finglas. It can be contacted on 085-7145233. You can also check out their Facebook page.

REPORT: Daniel O’Connor