Young Tipperary fighter raising fund to represent Ireland at MMA World Championship
Clonmel fighter selected for world MMA championships – Community support needed to get him there
A young MMA fighter from Clonmel is calling on the local community to help make his dream of representing Ireland on the world stage a reality.
Kevin Walsh, a dedicated athlete training with SBG Clonmel, has been selected to compete at the 2025 IMMAF World Championships in Georgia this September. He'll be donning the green jersey as part of the Irish national MMA team—an honour earned through years of discipline and international success.
But while the achievement is monumental, getting there is another fight altogether.
Unlike many other nations, MMA in Ireland currently receives no government funding, leaving athletes like Kevin to cover all costs themselves—including flights, accommodation, and high-level training.
“I’ve already proven myself on the international stage,” Kevin explains, “with medals from the Youth World Championships, Under-21 World Championships, and the European Championships. But this opportunity to fight for a world title is something I can’t do alone.”
Kevin’s accolades include:
Bronze – Youth World Championships
Bronze – Under-21 World Championships
Silver – European Championships
Gold – Youth National Champion
Gold – Four Nations Champion
Despite competing against athletes with full-time coaching and funding, Irish fighters like Kevin have consistently punched above their weight. Now, he’s asking the public for help to continue that legacy.
“Any support at all, big or small, means the world to me. Without it, I may miss the chance to compete. With it, I’ll give everything I have for Ireland.”
You can support Kevin’s journey by donating at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-irish-mma-fighter-reach-the-world-championships