Combat champion prepares for European elite
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Kevin McAlonan. from Dunloy, is fighting in the Czech Republic.
Mixed Martial artist Kevin McAlonan (26) from Dunloy is heading to the Czech Republic next week to take on some of the best fighters Europe has to offer.
An electrician by day, the Total Combat British Featherweight Champion spends most evenings training at the EFR Gym in Antrim, coached by good friend David Patterson.
Next week's trip to Prague is Kevin's first ever international four-man tournament.
He is more than confident having won an Ultimate Conflict match in Newry on October, 4.
The Dunloy Champion told Guardian Sport, that success would depend on whoever wins the battle of minds.
The local fighter's professional record contains 9 wins, 3 losses and 1 no contest.
He recently moved up a division to Lightweight where he expects to make quite an impact.
“Mixed martial arts is the purest type of combat where it comes down to a battle of wills and who wants it more. It's a highly skilled and technical sport which consists of striking and grappling to win," he said.
“It will be a great experience and a chance to see what I'm really capable of. With the UFC coming to Dublin in January it would be nice to make an impression and get a chance on the big stage and represent the EFR Gym and my team.
On his return Kevin hopes to travel to Thailand or Hawaii to train with the world's best fighters, especially his idol combat specialist, BJ Penn.
“I'd like maybe even to start up my own gym to give people another sport to become involved in, but all this costs money so any sponsorship would be a great help," he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my coach David Patterson for helping to create these opportunities for me, and the boys at EFR gym, especially Aiden Marron my training partner. Also my partner Patricia who supports me and keeps my feet on the ground throughout all my training."
