Ireland’s Fighting Spirit: The Next Generation of Irish MMA Stars
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Conor McGregor’s influence in MMA is more evident than ever. The Irishman took the sport to unprecedented heights, captivating audiences worldwide with a meteoric rise never seen before. His success paved the way for a new wave of Irish fighters, and today, names like Ian Garry, Paul Hughes, Nathan Kelly, Shauna Bannon, Rhys McKee, Karl Moore, Ciaran Clarke, and Caolan Loughran are carrying the torch on the biggest stages. Meanwhile, veterans like Danni McCormack and Will Fleury continue to cement Ireland’s reputation in combat sports.
But before them, it was fighters like James Gallagher, Kiefer Crosbie, and Will Fleury who were expected to lead the charge. Even earlier, pioneers such as Norman Parke, Aisling Daly, Joe Duffy, Cathal Pendred, Richie Smullen, Sinead Kavanagh, Peter Queally, and Paddy Holohan helped put Irish MMA on the map through their battles in the UFC, Bellator, and The Ultimate Fighter.
Now, as St. Patrick’s Day approaches, it’s time to look beyond the household names and spotlight the next generation. Ireland has no shortage of fighters with heart, grit, and the skill to make waves on the global stage. Here are some of the rising prospects ready to carry Irish MMA into the future:
Nauris Bartoska (4-0)
Nauris Bartoska is a 25-year-old Lithuanian-born fighter with serious superstar potential. He has been embraced by the Irish MMA scene, training primarily out of SBG. However, he has also spent time at Tiger Muay Thai. There, he trains with UFC fighters like Rafael Fiziev and Petr Yan. As a professional, he holds two submission victories, two decision wins (including one in boxing). Most recently, he knocked out his opponent in December to capture the IFL Bantamweight Championship. Competing at both featherweight and bantamweight, his long-term future could lie at 145 lbs.
Bartoska’s amateur career began with a submission loss. But, he quickly rebounded, winning seven straight MMA fights across his amateur and professional record. Impressively, all of his finishes have come in the first round, proving he can end fights early or go the distance when needed. While the level of competition raises some questions, Thailand’s fight scene is no joke. Turning pro in 2023, he has plenty of room to grow and develop—especially if he maintains his current pace.
James Sheehan (8-3)
The welterweight Cage Warriors veteran began his MMA journey in 2013. Over the next four years, Sheehan compiled an impressive 8-1 record while competing internationally in the United States and the United Kingdom. His early success set the stage for his professional debut in September 2017. But, his transition to the pro ranks was anything but smooth. Sheehan lost his debut at Cage Warriors Northwest Academy 2 in Liverpool. He went 1-2 in his first three fights, including a tough loss to future UFC star Ian Machado Garry in February 2019. However, he rebounded in style, putting together an impressive five-fight win streak in Cage Warriors, with three of those victories coming by stoppage.
Sheehan’s momentum was halted when he faced future UFC prospect Oban Elliott at Cage Warriors 153 in April 2023. But, history repeated itself as he once again bounced back with two straight wins. His most significant victory came in April 2024 when he defeated Daniel Konrad for the vacant Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship. Now, the Dublin fighter looks to solidify his reign as he prepares to defend his belt against Justin Burlinson at Cage Warriors 188 on April 26.
Paddy McCorry (5-1)
Fighting out of West Belfast, 27-year-old Paddy McCorry began his amateur career in 2016, competing across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Bahrain. He wrapped up his amateur run with a 5-3 record. Transitioning to the professional ranks, McCorry got off to a blistering start, securing back-to-back first-round finishes in under four months. However, his competition quickly ramped up as he faced the experienced James Webb in his Cage Warriors debut at Cage Warriors 145 in November 2022. Undeterred, McCorry rebounded with consecutive stoppage victories against similarly skilled opponents in Cage Warriors.
McCorry’s natural finishing ability soon caught the attention of the UFC, earning him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter Season 32 in March last year. He won his opening fight against Mark Hulme. However, he saw his run cut short in the semifinals after a first-round submission loss to Robert Valentin. Returning to Cage Warriors, McCorry bounced back in dominant fashion, stopping Tye Palmer via first-round TKO in November. Now, he’s set to continue his climb when he faces Ghassan Abdenabi on the main card of Cage Warriors 188 on April 26.
Conor McCarthy (3-0)
Conor McCarthy is a name to watch in the lightweight division. As an amateur, he was incredibly active, competing 13 times in just two years. He compiled an impressive 11-2 record while capturing multiple titles across different weight classes. While he primarily fought in the United Kingdom, he also ventured to Italy, gaining valuable international experience.
McCarthy made his professional debut in February last year and has quickly established himself as a promising prospect. He secured back-to-back first-round stoppages over Rafael Gomes and also finished Gabriel Lanza. His most recent appearance came at Cage Warriors 179 in November, where he made his promotional debut and earned a unanimous decision victory over the well-experienced Gianluca Rocca. Currently riding an eight-fight win streak—including the five consecutive wins that capped off his amateur career—McCarthy is proving to be a force on the rise.
Leon Hill (7-2)
Leon Hill turned pro after winning a regional title against fellow Irish fighter Paddy McCory. As an amateur, he went 6-5 before making his professional debut in 2020, where he lost his first fight by decision. However, his next defeat wouldn’t come until three years and six wins later. Notably, that loss occurred at welterweight, while Hill typically competes at lightweight.
Hill has proven himself a dangerous finisher, securing all seven of his professional wins inside the distance. Whether by submission or knockout, he has shown the ability to end fights wherever they go. His signature move appears to be the rear-naked choke, accounting for three of his victories. Recently, he has faced increasingly tough competition, signaling both his growth as a fighter and his confidence in taking the next step in his career.
Solomon Simon (5-0)
Nigerian-born Irish fighter Solomon Simon is one of the sport’s premier featherweight prospects. The 29-year-old gained valuable experience as an amateur, making his debut in May 2018 and competing in 18 fights, finishing with a 10-8 record. His final amateur bout came in August 2022, ending in a split-decision loss. Simon transitioned to the professional ranks in January 2023, securing a third-round TKO via ground-and-pound. He quickly made his Cage Warriors debut just months later in April 2023.
What makes Simon an intriguing prospect is that he remains undefeated as a professional, with all five of his wins coming via stoppage. During this streak, he has also taken out two previously unbeaten opponents. His most recent victory came at Cage Warriors 179 in November, where he faced 20-fight veteran Walter Cogliandro. He secured a slick third-round Ninja Choke submission. Simon is now set to return at Cage Warriors 188 on April 26, where he will take on Cristian Iorga.
Scott Harvey (4-0)
Scott Harvey is an undefeated Irish fighter who has found more success as a professional than he did during his 3-4 amateur run. Wasting no time after turning pro, he captured the Cage Conflict Featherweight Championship in just his second fight. However, instead of defending the title, he moved down to bantamweight for his next bout. One challenge he faces is activity—competing roughly once a year—but that will change soon as he is set to face fellow undefeated prospect Leon Armes at Cage Warriors 188 on April 26.
Harvey has competed at both bantamweight and featherweight throughout his career. His upcoming fight marks his first return to featherweight since winning his Cage Conflict title. So, there are questions about whether he will settle into a division or continue bouncing between the two. With two knockouts and two decision wins as a professional, he may be developing a new affinity for striking after showcasing strong submission skills as an amateur.
Amy Scully (7-1 AM)
While still an amateur, Amy Scully has already made a statement in the strawweight division. At just 20 years old, she’s displayed impressive improvements while competing in IMMAF and organizations like Shock n’ Awe and Elite Fighting Championships.
With her well-rounded skill set, fun personality, and natural fighting ability, Scully has all the makings of a future standout in the sport. Becasue who wouldn’t want to be like her? She rocks hair dye designs and whoops ass for a living. Definitely keep an eye on her as she continues to rise through the ranks.
Lee Hammond (5-1)
There was a lot of hype surrounding Lee Hammond before he entered The Ultimate Fighter house on Season 31. As a highly touted prospect under Conor McGregor, many believed he had the potential to win it all. However, he was eliminated in the first round by the eventual winner of the show. Despite the setback, Hammond still showcased his talent. While he’s technically on a two-fight skid, his future remains bright. With more consistent activity, he could continue his rise toward the big leagues.
His last fight marked his first professional loss, competing under the Combate Global banner. Given how stacked the lightweight division is, a move to featherweight could be a smart decision as he progresses in his career. Though still early in his professional journey, Hammond amassed a 15-5 amateur record, giving him extensive experience at just 29 years old.
Eoin Sheridan (2-0)
Among the promising Irish MMA fighters early in their careers, Eoin Sheridan is quickly turning heads. While his amateur career had its ups and downs, he has found success as a pro, recently securing a win at the PFL Europe 2024 Championships.
A two-time Team Ireland representative at the IMMAF Championships, Sheridan has honed his skills under John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland. Notably, he even served as a training partner for Conor McGregor ahead of McGregor’s 2020 bout against Donald Cerrone. With momentum on his side, Sheridan is one to watch as he continues to develop.
Eimear Darcy (2-0)
Eimear Darcy is another rising name in Irish MMA. After going 5-2 as an amateur, she’s now on a strong start to her professional career and looks to make it three in a row when she competes at Cage Warriors 188 in Dublin. Women’s MMA in Ireland doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. So, it’s refreshing to see fighters like Darcy making an impact.
At 30 years old, she’s proving that it’s never too late to break through, following in the footsteps of women who have found success at the highest levels later in their careers.
Who is your favorite Irish MMA fighter? Let us know in the comments below!
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