The MMA UK Rising Stars sequence shines a highlight on the following era of expertise coming by the UK battle scene, that includes a younger fighter making waves every week to share their journey, ambitions, and what drives them inside and outdoors the cage.
This week, we give attention to Kai Sweeney. At simply 17, the West Lothian native has constructed an undefeated beginner document (2-0 in MMA, plus an beginner boxing title) and trains out of the famend Larger Degree MMA. Pushed by an obsession to succeed in the game’s pinnacle, Kai believes a world title is inevitable. We sit down for a Q&A to be taught extra about this devoted athlete’s path and his bold plans for the long run.
MMA UK Rising Stars – Q&A
1. Are you able to begin by telling us a bit about your self – the place you’re from and the way you first bought into MMA?
Kai – I’m a 17-year-old beginner MMA fighter with a document of 2-0. I additionally had an beginner boxing profession, staying undefeated in that too, and picked up a Scottish title. I’m from a small village in West Lothian referred to as Stoneyburn. I first bought into MMA when my dad talked about it to me that he needed me to check out Larger Degree MMA and see how I get on. I additionally watched MMA at a younger age and simply liked combating. My earliest reminiscences from after I was like 6, taking part in video video games, and my dad would purchase me and my brother DVDs, and we might watch them on a regular basis
2. Which fitness center and coaches are you presently coaching with?
Kai – I practice out of Larger Degree MMA, and my coaches are James Doolan, Kieran Reid and Dylan Tuke
3. At what age did you begin coaching, and what impressed you to take it severely?
Kai – I began coaching in MMA at 15. I all the time performed soccer as a child, and every now and then I’d present as much as boxing coaching, as a younger child displaying up as soon as in a blue moon. My dad didn’t need me to go so much as a result of he didn’t need me to pack in soccer as quickly as I entered Larger Degree, I fell in love with it and knew I needed to do it for a residing immediately.
4. Who’re your greatest influences inside and outdoors the cage?
Kai – Mark Ewen is a giant affect on me in the best way he thinks. His mentality is completely different, and clearly an important fighter. A very good few lads within the fitness center affect me in several methods, however I all the time regarded as much as Mark the second I stepped into the fitness center.
5. What do you see as your strengths as a fighter?
Kai – An apparent one, my boxing. I consider I’ve bought the most effective fingers in beginner MMA and have the flexibility to cease the battle in a blink. I’m assured all over the place, standing up or grappling. I additionally really feel like a very good energy I’ve is my mentality I don’t suppose lots of lads my age are placing within the work like me and are as obsessed.
6. What has been your most memorable second in your profession thus far?
Kai – My most memorable second in my profession thus far is my MMA debut. I completed the battle within the first 2 minutes towards a strong prospect on UKFC. Additionally, profitable a Scottish title means having to placed on 5kg to enter the event.
7. What are your short-term and long-term targets within the sport?
Kai – Brief-term purpose for me is to get an beginner title quickly. Clearly, no rush as I’m nonetheless solely 17, however I have to get extra fights and be as lively as potential. An extended-term purpose for me is to succeed in the top of the game. I don’t simply wish to be on the highest stage; I wish to be the most effective, and that’s inevitable for me. I really consider I’m going to be a world champion sooner or later, and I received’t cease until that occurs.
8. How do you stability coaching, combating, and life exterior MMA?
Kai – Going to sound unhappy, however I don’t have a life exterior of MMA. That is my life, I practice full-time coaching 2-3 occasions a day, and I wouldn’t have it another approach.
9. What recommendation would you give to different younger fighters simply beginning out?
Kai – Simply keep out of hassle, preserve your head down and put within the work. In the event you’re devoted sufficient and have a very good angle, the remainder will come.
10. Lastly, what can followers count on to see from you sooner or later?
Kai – Followers can count on one thing nice. I’ve bought a particular model. I’m each technically good and highly effective. I can end fights with my energy, and I’m good with the best way I decide my photographs. I don’t throw for the sake of it.
Kai is obtainable for 1-2-1 personal classes and could be contacted by his instagram right here
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