Tullamore man wins professional MMA debut in Belfast

Tullamore native Ronan Deegan made a dream start to his professional mixed martial arts career on Sunday night, securing a first-round submission victory at Clan Wars in Belfast.

After eight years of dedication to the sport, Deegan stepped into the cage for his pro debut and wasted no time making an impression. He finished the bout with a rear naked choke in the opening round, showcasing the composure and skill he’s developed over nearly a decade of training.

Ronan began his journey in MMA as a complete beginner at Éire Grapple in Tullamore. Through consistent hard work and a tireless commitment to improvement, he rose through the amateur ranks and now finds himself among Ireland’s growing pool of professional fighters.

Speaking after the fight, his coach Kieran Davern praised Deegan’s development: “Ronan is the definition of hard work paying off. He has been consistent and hardworking for years and earned every bit of this moment.”

The win marks an exciting new chapter for the 25 year-old, who now sets his sights on climbing the professional ranks in the highly competitive world of MMA.