Local MMA star seeks support ahead of pro debut
By Navjyoti Dalal
What started as a distraction and coping mechanism from bullying at school has turned into a fully-fledged sporting path for Jordan Scully, one that he will step into professionally in August.
The Tullamore lad is well known in the town as an amateur MMA athlete, with his achievements including a gold at the European championships in 2024. Ahead of his amateur to professional transition at the IMMAF European Championships, Jordan has appealed to local businesses to sponsor him.
Caroline Hogan, his unofficial manager and a friend of his mother Sinead, has also launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help cover the costs for training, travel and more. So far, Jordan has received sponsorship from Dunnes Stores, and Tullamore Credit Union. All sponsors will be advertised on his jersey.
A welterweight category sportsman, Jordan said: “I am looking for sponsors to enable me to compete. I live in Tullamore and train at SBG, Kildare. I am urging businesses in the two towns, or in other areas, to help me.”
With the funds raised, Jordan aims to undertake training in Denver, Colorado, sparring with some high ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters.
Jordan has been participating in MMA bouts since a young age and represented Ireland in the past. He leaned on crowdfunding at that time as well. “There are a lot of costs to bear as a sportsperson. And people’s support truly makes a difference. I owe it to community support that I could travel abroad for championships, to Kildare every day for training, or be able to attend training camps outside Ireland,” Jordan explained.
He added that part of the hurdle is that MMA is not a recognised sport in Ireland, so to raise money especially as an amateur athlete, is difficult.
The 22-year-old has been very open and vocal about his autism. “I have Asperger’s Syndrome. Through my sport I am representing people with autism. My awards are a win for the community,” Jordan said.
While at the beginning of his sporting journey it was challenging for Jordan to manage his nerves and anxiety, things have improved with time. “Now it is a huge help in terms of focus, always striving to improve myself, and outdo myself. With time I have become comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Caroline believes the sport has tremendously helped Jordan in overcoming his anxiety. “His self-esteem and confidence have grown so much by competing. He has learnt to regulate his emotions in times of a setback,” said Caroline reflecting on his journey.
Interestingly, Jordan took up MMA as a teenager struggling with bullying issues. He explained: “I was going through bullying at school then. So, to gain confidence and also develop some self-defence skills, my brother suggested I give MMA a try.”
Family continues to inspire him and play an important part in Jordan’s life. “My mam is a healthcare assistant, which is not an easy job. She does it so gracefully. I have an older brother who works in Lidl, an older sister who is a psychiatric nurse, a younger brother studying at university in Galway, while my younger sister works at a restaurant. They are all terrific people and inspire me,” he added.
Jordan’s first professional outing at the IMMAF is likely to take place in late August, once a sparring partner is chosen. “I am hoping to play for on a promotion called Virtus, on August 27,” said Jordan.