Belfast MMA champ's fighting spirit after nearly dying at birth

Photos show Damien McGuigan who is on a nine-fight winning streak
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Damien McGuigan knows what it's like to fight. He has been doing it since he was born.

He was lucky to survive birth, arriving premature and spending the first four weeks of his life in an intensive care unit.

It's a miracle that he is even here today, but once a fighter, always a fighter.

READ MORE: NI teen on how darts 'changed my life' as he prepares for Junior World Champs

READ MORE: GAA club urges vigilance after 'deplorable act of vandalism'

Now 20, McGuigan is the number one amateur flyweight in Irish and UK MMA. He is also number three in Europe.

And all after losing his first fight.

Since then he has gone on a stunning nine-fight win streak and claimed five titles along the way. And now he's ready to turn pro.

The West Belfast fighter said: "I was really sick as a baby, and that's why I got into combat sport. It was the best thing that happened to me.

"I have been fighting since I was a baby, and it has helped me in so many ways. I could never imagine doing something I love every day, and make some sort of career out of it.

"MMA has changed my life in some many ways. And I just grateful for the opportunities it is giving me."

READ MORE: Shane McGuigan showed off boxing IQ with exact Anthony Joshua KO prediction

READ MORE: Jim Magilton warns his Cliftonville players to prepare for a 'tough week'

McGuigan trains out of Fight Academy Ireland under coaches Liam Shannon, Pat McAllister and Adam McGarrity.

His love affair with combat sports stretches back to when he was just three years old after taking some advice from a family doctor.

"I started off kickboxing when I was three and then some boxing, then I did Jiu-Jitsu before moving into MMA six years ago," he added.

"As a child I had bad asthma, and the doctor told us I needed to get into some form of sport. My dad did kickboxing, and he thought it would be a good thing to get into, for self defence and things like that.

Photo shows Damien McGuigan with four of his five titles
Damien McGuigan with four of his five titles -Credit:Instagram: Damien McGuigan

"I always watched the UFC when I was young and I loved it. So I tried kickboxing and one thing led to another, and hopefully I can make a career out of this now.

"I don't get paid as an amateur, but I will start earning some money as a professional. It won't be much at the start, but I am just grateful I am able to do something I love every single day.

"Sponsorship is so vital, especially as I am turning professional. So if anyone can help please get in touch. I work part-time in a bar to get some money in, but apart from that I train full-time.

"After work today I will be heading straight to the gym. I don't get to go out that much to see my friends or anything like that. I take some people one-to-one for private training and do my own training, so it is flat out. I wouldn't have it any other way."

McGuigan claimed his fifth amateur title on September 14, beating England number one Alex Home at the UK Fighting Championships in Preston. It was a step up for the West Belfast fighter, and he did it after suffering a bout of illness which threatened the bout.

"I am now number one in Ireland and the UK, and number three in Europe. I am on a great run at the minute," he said.

"I have won all the major Irish titles, and the last one was one of the most prestigious titles to win in the UK. So that was a good one to win.

Photo shows Damien McGuigan after his latest win
Damien McGuigan after his latest win

"That was in Preston a couple of weekends ago and it was a real step up. It was a five-round fight, which is longer than I am used to. It was against England's number one.

"I was actually really sick before the fight but managed to get through it and get the win."

McGuigan's amateur record now stands at 9-1. His nine wins came after he lost his debut against Lewis Lever back at the 2022 UK Fighting Championships.

He admits he was "devastated" to lose his amateur bow, but believes it was the best thing to happen to his career.

"I was absolutely heartbroken after that fight, but it made me realise how tough this sport is and what I have to put into it," he said.

"It opened my eyes to what it takes. There are a lot of people like me who are doing the same, training every day and all that. So I have to make sure I am doing more and training at a high level.

"So that loss helped motivate me and keep me on the right track. And I now know what it takes to be the best."

As for the future, McGuigan admits he has plenty of lofty ambitions including opening his own gym.

But first up is his eagerly anticipated professional debut which should land early next year.

Photo shows Damien with UFC fighter Caolan Loughran
Damien with UFC fighter Caolan Loughran

"If everything goes well, then my pro debut would be February next year. I want to be prepared for turning professional," he said.

"Long-term ambition would be to make a career out of this. UFC world titles have always been my ultimate goal.

"But I would like to open my own gym and coach my own fighters. That is a dream as well.

"I love the Fight Academy Ireland gym and there are some brilliant fighters there, including the likes of Paul Hughes. That's why it is one of the best gyms.

"I get beat up a lot at that gym but that's what I want. I am training with the best people in Europe.

"Paul Hughes is someone who inspires me. He has helped me loads.

"Also all my coaches, they believe in me and spend time with me. That gives me so much confidence.

"The whole gym is thriving, and I want to be part of that success."

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox