Northern Ireland’s Ellen Egan is all set to make her amateur mixed martial arts debut this Saturday in Alloa at Goliath Fight Series 4.
The Scottish promotion return after an incredibly successful third event earlier this year. That said, promoters Chris Duncan and Steven Harris are looking at bigger and better each time. Saturday’s event consists of a two-part show, with the first half being grappling bouts, and the second half being K1 and MMA. Action for all combat sports fans to enjoy.
Ahead of her first walk to the octagon, we had the chance to catch up wit Ellen Egan to see how she’s feeling. Hear what she had to say below.
Interview With Ellen Egan
Ellen, just over a week out until you make the walk for the very first time. How are you dealing with the nerves, anxiety and excitement levels as we close in on your big day?
I’ll be honest, Lewis the last few weeks, I’ve battled with nerves and anxiety, constantly thinking about my fight, but in the last week or so, I’ve begun to feel calm, excited and ready to get in there and do what needs to be done.
For the readers who will be taking note of you for the first time, how long you’ve been training and your journey into MMA?
I previously was a hip-hop dancer for years, but after the first lockdown, I was ready to start learning something new. I have now been doing MMA for just over two years and love it. During the last few months of my degree, prior to my full-time nursing job, I was able to train 6-7 times a week and was obsessed. I now just fit in as many sessions as possible around my job.
Ellen Egan on MMA Debut
You’ve obviously had conversations with your coach after training for some time, knowing the time was right to make your debut. Your coach was obviously happy with what he’s been seeing in the gym, but how did you know within yourself the time was right?
In the women’s MMA scene, as much as it is getting more and more popular, it can still be a challenge at times to get fights in particular weight categories. The female collective had posted about an amateur debut at 57kg, and my coach sent me the information. Unfortunately, I sustained an injury the day after being informed of the fight. A couple of weeks later, it came up that Gemma was still looking for an opponent. Thankfully after being afforded extra time to recover, I was ready to take the opportunity. After discussions with my coach Troy, we decided I was ready to go straight for my amateur debut with no novice experience needed. I did have doubts at first about whether this was the best action for my fighting journey, but I believe 100% in my coach’s decision, and since being in fight camp believe we have definitely made the right decision and are ready for Scotland.
Women’s mixed martial arts continue to boom. What current women fighters, if any, inspired you to walk through the doors of the gym for the first time?
As much as I’d love to name-drop some inspiring UFC female fights, Im not very up to date. I take my inspiration more so from female fighters in Ireland, the likes of Leah McCourt from Belfast, who fights out of Bellator and Shauna Bannon, who has just been given a contract with the UFC. It brings it back home and makes it more believable that if you put in the hard work, you can get to the top no matter where you’re from. I must also mention my fellow female training partners have been a great source of inspiration to me, continuing to step foot in the gym week in and week out, building my confidence, and just supporting each other in a male-dominated sport.
What to Expect
The exciting thing about making your debut, you’re essentially going in there as a blank canvas. That said, what expectations do you have for yourself ahead of June 24th?
I am excited to get my name out there and make a statement regardless of the result. I have high standards of myself, but ultimately, I want to embrace this opportunity, learn from it, and use my first experience to help mould myself and make improvements for my future in MMA.
Assuming you know nothing about your opponent Gemma Auld with her also making her debut. Has the preparation just consisted of focussing on your own game as opposed to what your opponent will do?
I know nothing about Gemma, not to say I don’t have a game plan in place. I do find it more important to focus on myself mentally and physically rather than to have my mind on things that aren’t in my control.
Finally, you get your hand raised and move to (1-0). How does Ellen Egan celebrate afterwards? Do you have any friends and family making the trip to get behind you?
I will be ready for a big party, our flights home aren’t till 7 pm the next night so I will be making the most of it. My dad and boyfriend are travelling over to support me along with my coach and fellow teammate. I’m sure they will make enough noise and support for the whole hall.
