John Kavanagh

John Kavanagh was born on January 18, 1978, in Churchtown, Dublin, Ireland. His journey in martial arts began after being inspired by the UFC tournament in 1993. This early exposure led him to become a foundational figure in Irish MMA, where he competed in some of the sport’s earliest local events in Ireland and the UK. Kavanagh holds the distinction of being the first Irishman to achieve a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His commitment to martial arts advanced significantly in 2001 when he became part of the Straight Blast Gym International association, under the tutelage of SBGi founder Matt Thornton.

Kavanagh established Straight Blast Gym Ireland in Inchicore, which has since grown into a renowned training facility. Under his guidance, the gym has developed numerous successful fighters, including prominent names like Conor McGregor, Makwan Amirkhani, and Gunnar Nelson. His coaching acumen has earned him international recognition, culminating in his nomination for the World MMA Awards “Coach of the Year” in 2016, and subsequently winning the award in 2017. Beyond coaching, Kavanagh has contributed to the organizational aspects of MMA as the current president of the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association (IMMMA) and as the promoter of Euro Fight Night, which held its inaugural event in October 2019.

His career progression demonstrates a continuous dedication to the sport, evolving from a competitive fighter with a professional record of 3 wins and 3 losses, including 3 victories by submission, to a highly respected coach and organizational leader. He is a 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Matt Thornton and a 2nd-degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate under Pat Conlon, reflecting his deep technical expertise. Kavanagh also authored “Win or Learn: MMA, Conor McGregor and Me: A Trainer’s Journey” in 2016, sharing insights into his coaching philosophy and experiences.