Rhys McKee joins us in the studio for episode #080 of Paddy Holohan's No Shame Podcast. Rhys is a pro MMA fighter with a record of 9-2-1. Along with running his own Gym, the highly popular RMK Training, McKee trains out of Next Generation Northern Ireland & is signed to Cage Warriors.
During the show, Rhys talks about the relationship with his coach Rodney Moore from an early age & credits him as a massive influence behind his decision to switch from football to MMA at the age of 16. Paddy also discusses some of his early encounters with Rhys over the years during various shows & promotions including an hilarious exchange of words while cornering Richie Smullen who fought against McKee that night. It's quite possible the Hooligan was attempting to play mind games with the young fighter, however Rhys gave as good as he got & the encounter was one which saw both men gain a little bit more respect for each other.
Watch episode #080 of Paddy Holohan's No Shame Podcast below:
Rhys recently moved from 155lbs to 170 & talks about feeling much more at home in the Welterweight division with plenty of offers on the table at that weight class. McKee discusses why he walks out under the Skeletor flag rather than a national one as both men examine the Irish question & the divide on both sides of the community.
Rhys also opens up on the sad passing of his father in 2016 & how a BAMMA title shot helped him to overcome with his grief. It was an intense 8 week camp which culminated in victory & saw McKee claim the Lightweight Championship Belt. Rhys talks about the incredible energy in the room that night with the whole stadium behind him & insisted it was a moment he'd cherish forever. Paddy is very much an advocate for taking in every little moment & fully appreciating an occasion before it passes you by, even something as simple as taking your kid for a walk in the park.
Listen / download episode #080 of Paddy Holohan's No Shame Pocast below:
It's clearly evident during the conversation that both men are incredibly passionate about fighting & Rhys explains the freedom he feels when going into battle. Paddy explains that true fighters are wired differently & believes most would have been warriors in an ancient war times.
The final 15 minutes of the podcast includes beautiful philosophical conversations about the famine, the life of a fighter & the power of psychedelic drugs. The show concludes with a discussion around the Justin Bieber's recent callout of Tom Cruise, Conor McGregor's offer to promote it, with Paddy making a sterling case to be added to, what would be, THE Card of Cards.
Another deeply thought provoking, powerful conversation & the full episode #080 of Paddy Holohan's No Shame Podcast with Rhys McKee is out now across all the usual platforms including iTunes, Youtube & Spotify. Like, Subscribe & share the love, No Shame.
