Straight Blast Gym Ireland founder John Kavanagh trains the likes of Conor McGregor and Gunnar Nelson. Now Kavanagh is putting together a team that includes Khabib Nurmagomedov, financially supported by the fifth son of the King of Bahrain, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Sheikh is the founder of Bahrain’s KHK MMA.
The new team will aim to bring together a host of top fighters from around the world, varying from up-and-coming prospects to established professionals competing in the UFC.
They have already secured the services of UFC lightweights Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.
Irish amateur fighters James Gallagher and Frans Mlambo, both of whom lit up the recent IMMAF Amateur World Championships in Las Vegas, will continue their development as part of KHK MMA while remaining under John Kavanagh’s stewardship. Kavanagh says he will also contribute with regular seminars and training camps.
This is a very exciting development for MMA and it offers a unique opportunity for these fighters. It’s something I’m privileged to be involved in and I think the potential here is enormous, Kavanagh told The42.
The people behind this venture are clearly passionate about the sport and I’ve been very impressed by their enthusiasm. This will give young fighters, such as James and Frans, the ability to achieve their goal of reaching the top without having to cope with financial concerns.
Former UFC fighter Alex Soto will also be part of the team, along with Russian prospect Eldar Eldarov, top US amateur Jose Torres and Bahraini duo Hamza Kooheji and Mohammed Shahid.
On Saturday, 15 August a press conference will be held in Bahrain, and further details about the team will be revealed.
