Mikey O’Dea from Glenroe claimed a gold medal in his very first Mixed Martial Arts competition last weekend in Cork.
It was a phenomenal performance by the novice considering he has been training with coach Sean Tobin for less than a year at Trials Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Ireland in Mitchelstown.
Mikey was the only competitor on the day to register in the ‘first timers’ category so was moved up a division to face opponents with a lot more experience.
Incredibly Mikey dominated both fights, displaying great courage on his way to taking the gold medal.
Also on the day, Daniel Blake from Clogheen made his novice MMA debut. Dan was moved up to a heavier weight class than anticipated and although forced to compete against larger opponents, Dan showed great composure to make it through his fight, just coming out the wrong side of a decision after almost sealing a big takedown early in round 1.
It was a good showing by Dan considering the size disadvantage. Both fighters have been training under coach and professional fighter, Sean Tobin.
