Video: Dan Hardy Previews UFC Fight Night Dublin

Video: Dan Hardy Previews UFC Fight Night Dublin

by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

UFC Welterweight and EMEA commentator Dan Hardy previews UFC Fight Night Dublin.

UFC Fight Night Dublin takes place July 19th. The main card for UFC Fight Night Dublin: McGregor vs Brandao can be seen on Setanta and 3e (part of the TV3 network) in the Republic of Ireland, and BT Sports in the UK.The prelim card will be shown live exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, fans can sign up to Fightpass.com to receive a free 7 day trial.

Check out a full schedule of fan events, including weigh-in times, fighter signings and more, here: HERE

Paul Redmond 'Neil is on Another Level to When They Last Fought'

Paul Redmond 'Neil is on Another Level to When They Last Fought'

by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Copyright Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors

It's been 5 years in the making but the UFC finally returns to Dublin for what promises to be a memorable night for all the fans in attendance, but none more so than the 4 Irish fighters on the card.

While all the talk will be about Conor McGregor, one of those fighters, Neil Seery, faces one of the toughest challenges in his career in the form of Phil Harris, an English flyweight who already has a win over Seery when the two previously meet in 2010.

Fighting out of Team Ryano MMA in Dublin, 34-year old Seery, a former Cage Warriors flyweight champion was given a shot in the UFC when Ian McCall dropped out of his scheduled bout with Brad Pickett in March. After a huge social media campaign to give Seery the fight against Pickett, Seery got the call and stepped in on late notice to face the British veteran. Seery lost his bout to Pickett by unanimous decision but earned praise from UFC president Dana White for his game performance.

Seery will now fight for the first time in The UFC with a full camp under his belt when he faces Phil Harris at The O2 in Dublin, July 19th and noted Cage Warriors featherweight and Team Ryano MMA teammate Paul Redmond says Seery has made the most of his camp:

'Camp's gone great for him. He's firing on all cylinders and peaking just at the right time. [He's] probably the sharpest I've ever seen him.'

A pro since 2005, Seery first fought Phil Harris at Bamma 3 back in 2010 losing by unanimous decision. Since the lost the Harris, Seery has put together a 6-2 record since the fight with 4 wins inside the distance, including a devastating body kick KO over Paul Marin. Harris on the other hand is 3-2 with 1 NC, and will need to win this bout to save his UFC career. Seery however, has a different plan in mind, wants to celebrate in front of his friends, family and countrymen but more importantly he will want to revenge his loss to Harris, and Redmond sees it coming:

'I think fighting in Dublin in The O2 is gonna be something special for him and all the Irish. Neil really is on another level to the last time they fought. My predictions Seery by KO, 1st / 2nd round all day.'

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on UFC Fight Night Dublin

Video: UFC on the Fly: Conor McGregor

Video: UFC on the Fly: Conor McGregor

by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

The UFC Follows Conor McGregor ahead of his main event showdown with Diego Brandao at UFC Fight Night Dublin.

UFC Fight Night Dublin takes place July 19th. The main card for UFC Fight Night Dublin: McGregor vs Brandao can be seen on Setanta and 3e (part of the TV3 network) in the Republic of Ireland, and BT Sports in the UK.The prelim card will be shown live exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, fans can sign up to Fightpass.com to receive a free 7 day trial.

Check out a full schedule of fan events, including weigh-in times, fighter signings and more, HERE

Phil Harris talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of UFC Dublin

by Chris Houten @mrhouts

On Saturday night Phil Harris steps foot back in the octagon. For some, his return may be surprising since it was only a couple of months since he was released. However in MMA the scene changes very quickly and Harris has benefited from this and will return to square off once again against Neil Seery, who Harris previously beat. This time the advantage of the third man is firmly with Seery as the fight is in his own backyard at the O2 Arena, Dublin. Before that fight Harris took time out of his schedule to talk to Kingdom MMA and discuss his last fight, his return to the UFC and of course a look ahead to the fight this weekend.

Chris: So you're back in the UFC fighting Neil Seery, how has your camp gone for this fight?
Harris: It's gone very well, it's been a long camp and I'm more than ready.

Chris: Other than the usual Gym 01 guys who are there week in week out, Brum, Pennington, Caswell etc. who have you worked with for this camp? Has Lee or Grant been down over the last few months?
Harris: Brad Pickett has been down at the start of my camp, also Mark Handley has been down, and Sam Creasy has been down for sparring. I've also been up to Poole martial arts and they've lots of good Thai fighters.

Chris: You were pulled from a fight in the Middle East for Cage Warriors just before you resigned with the UFC, have you essentially been in camp since April?
Harris: I'm always training so I'm never actually out of a camp! After this fight I'll be slowing down my training for a few weeks.

Chris: You originally lost your last fight to Gaudinot, however the bout has now been overturned due to Gaudinot failing a drug test. Was the fact Gaudinot failed a drug test instrumental in you being brought back into the UFC?
Harris: No the UFC asked my manager if he had any UK/ Euro guys at flyweight and he said that I deserve another shot and they listened to him and gave me another shot. A plus side of having an awesome manager (Graham Boylan)

Chris: You were caught early in the Gaudinot fight and you almost looked out of sorts. Talk us through the fight, how did your preparation and build up to the fight go, and where did you feel you went wrong in the fight?
Harris: I had no excuses for that fight I made a mistake rushed a take down and left my neck open. Louis jumped on it!

Chris: With the failed drug test, the loss to Gaudinot has been changed to a no contest. How are you treating this fight, is it bittersweet to have the loss overturned or are you still treating it as a loss?
Harris: It's still a loss in my eyes.

Chris: When the news broke that Ian McCall was out of UFC London in March you were pretty supportive of the UFC signing Neil Seery, it felt like you both seemed friendly. How would you describe your relationship with Neil and what is it like to fight someone you know, respect and maybe even like?
Harris: I've a lot of respect for Neil he's a top guy, he deserved his shot in the UFC so I supported him and was pleased when he got the call up.
We'll definitely have a drink after the fight.

Chris: How much better do you think Neil Seery has become since the first time you fought?
Harris: He's probably going to be more well rounded now but I'm pretty sure his come forward throwing punches style won't change.

Chris: How do you feel about fighting Seery in his back yard? Are you expecting the most hostile environment you've ever fought in?
Harris: Yeah I'm expecting to be the bad guy but it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Chris: There are 2 other flyweight battles on the card along side your bout with Seery. You have Pickett vs McCall, and Holohan vs Sampo, how do you see those fights playing out?
Harris: Pickett has a tough fight but will come through the winner, haven't a clue how. Holohan vs sampo will be a great fight holohan will win via submission in round 1, maybe a triangle.

Chris: Finally we are half way through the year now, what can we expect from the Gym 01 guys in the second part of 2014?
Harris: Brett Caswell will finish the year with a massive win along with a few others Scott Pooley has a big fight in the pipe line
Also the next generation of fighters are coming through, watch out for Ollie Davidson and Alan Talis both big talents!

Chris: Would you like to thank anyone ahead of the fight for helping you prepare?
Harris: I'd like to thank Bri Adams, Head gym01 coach. Mok Rahman, my striking coach/pad man. All of my training partners at gym01.

Also my sponsors Smuggling duds, JY nutrition, Sweet sweat and Funky gums.

Also my lovely wife Debbie.
Thanks again for your time Phil and we wish you all the best for the fight on Saturday night.

Video: Countdown to Fight Night Dublin: Nelson vs. Cummings

Countdown to Fight Night Dublin: Nelson vs. Cummings 

Video: Countdown to Fight Night Dublin: McGregor vs. Brandao

Countdown to Fight Night Dublin: McGregor vs. Brandao 

5 Things to do in Dublin When not at The UFC

5 Things to do in Dublin When not at The UFC

by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

With fans from all over the UK traveling to Dublin this weekend for UFC Fight Night Dublin, the streets of Ireland will be filled with fight fans.

While the UFC has put on a fantastic schedule of events to keep fight fans entertained this week, here are some of the finest attractions fight fans might want to take in when not at the UFC.

1. Guinness Storehouse 
Located in the heart of Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's number 1 tourist attraction, and is simply unmissable.

Featuring 7 floors of rich Guinness heritage, the Guinness Storehouse tells the story of how the brand grew from humble origins to the global brand it is today. Journey through time as you learn about Guinness' rich history, discover the ingredients to make the perfect craft beer, learn how to pour your own pint of Guinness from a Guinness ambassador, and finish you day with a nice cold beer in the Gravity bar.

Tickets are €18 at the door, or receive a 10% when booking in advance online. For more info see:
https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/TicketSelection.aspx

2. Bulmers Live at Leopardstown
The Ultimate way to start your weekend, enjoy an evening at the races, while you soak up the vibes from one of Ireland's most successful bands.

As part of Bulmers essential summer festival, The Stunning will be performing all of their hits including "Brewing Up A Storm” in between some of the finest horse racing Ireland has to offer.  Tickets start from €15 with gates opening at 4.30pm, the first race begins at 6pm. For More info see:
http://www.bulmersliveatleopardstown.com/

3. The Sporting Emporium Casino
A 2014 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence winner, The Sporting Emporium is Ireland's leading private members’ Casino and Card Club, catering to all types of players, from complete beginners to those who like to play for higher stakes. Located over three floors just off Dublin’s Grafton Street, it is a recent winner of the prestigious 'Best Casino Club' award, and includes over 30 tables offering Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Brag, Punto Banco, plus 300 online casino games.

Open from 6pm to 6am every night, The Sporting Emporium Casino is excellent way to relax on the evening. Worth noting this casino is a members only casino, therefore you will need €25 membership to enter, however each membership does come with €25 worth of chips for you to play with; register online for a bonus €5 worth of chips to play with. For more info see: http://www.thesportingemporium.com/

4. National Leprechaun Museum
Step into another world, where you will discover the sounds, sights, stories and magic of mythical Ireland, at the National Leprechaun Museum.

Based in the heart of Dublin, the museum is a story telling experience taking you to the heart of Irish cultural identity and imagination.Your journey begins with a look at representations of the leprechaun through the ages. Along the way you will explore the relationship between landscape, folklore, story-telling and magic. Feel what it’s like to journey deep beneath the rocks of the Giant’s Causeway, take a journey to the end of the rainbow to see if the elusive crock of gold really exists, and submerge yourself in the unexpected as you move through the fascinating world of the leprechaun.

Tickets are €12 for adults, book online at receive a free gift at the museum. For more info see: http://www.leprechaunmuseum.ie/tickets/

5. Kylemore Karting
Ireland's largest indoor go-kart track, Kylemore Karting is a 60,000sq ft. karting facility with 3x 360 metre tracks comprised of flyovers, underpasses, hills and banked corners. Enjoy the ultimate Grand Prix experience with Trophies and certificates for race winners.

Kylemore Karting is open daily between 11am and 10pm with sessions starting from €15. For more info visit: http://www.kylemore-karting.com/temp/sessions.htm