When and why did you start training for fighting? I wanted to make a better life for me, my son, and my family. I tried a few different things, but when I found jiu-jitsu, I fell in love with it. I never had a problem fighting; I enjoyed it from a very young age.

What ranks and titles have you held? I am a purple belt in jiu-jitsu and I held an Irish title in MMA and won local and international BJJ medals.

Do you have any heroes? My hero is Tom Crean, an Irish explorer who traveled with Captain Scott and Shackleton to the South Pole. And my mother, who raised me and my sister on her own.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? To fight in the UFC means everything to me. This was a dream when it was very close to impossible, living on this small island in the Atlantic. To show my son what it really means to chase a dream and stop at nothing to capture it is very special to me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college and qualified as a fitness instructor, but I knew from day one I could not work a 9-to-5 job. I honestly felt I could do something special with my life.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as an apprentice carpenter and laborer on a building site, which were both enough to tell me that I could not work 9 to 5.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Ranked No. 1 bantamweight for four years.

Favorite grappling technique: Chokes

Favorite striking technique: One that hurts the other guy :)

 

• Pro since 2007

• Eight wins by submission (4 RNC, 3 triangle, triangle kimura), one by KO

• Has won 7 of last 9

• Eight first-round finishes

• Stablemate of Conor McGregor and Cathal Pendred