An afternoon With Robert Devan, Denis Kang, GSP And The Crew From Tristar Part II

In the words of the famous Canadian rocker Neil Young “ My my..... hey hey..........It's better to burn out than to fade away.....” As I learn more about Robert I can see why he relates so well with the lyrics in this song.

After attending a pro sparring session at Tristar gym thanks to Robert's Manager and Coach Eric O'keefe, I was fortunate enough to sit down for some lunch with one of Ireland's top up and coming MMA competitors.

Skoupar: Could you tell us the influence your parents had on you in terms of their martial arts experience?

Robert: “My dad had done a little boxing and karate and my mother had done a little bit of judo. They didn't train to an advanced level but they did understand my interest in pursuing martial arts and I first started with Kung Fu. Bruce Lee was very popular when I was a kid and I remember not wanting to learn karate because they were always the 'bad' guys who got beaten up by Bruce. I did go on to get a black belt in karate.”

Skoupar: Could you share with us your experience with Denis Kang in his preparation for UFC 93 and could you share your views on how he will do in his up coming bout with Michael Bisbing?

Robert: Training with Denis was amazing. I got the opportunity to grapple, spar and drill techniques with him. He has so much experience and I wanted to learn as much as possible from him. Denis is excellent at bjj but he is also an excellent striker too. Bisping is a good opponent for him and a win will give Denis further well deserved recognition within the UFC and across Europe. Whether Denis chooses to grapple or strike, Michael Bisping is going to have a big problem on his hands.

Skoupar: Could you tell the Yard Barker fans about your experiences in the weeks leading up to your victory in Strike and Submit 12 in England on Oct 4th?

Robert: "My training for the fight officially started 7 weeks before the date. I trained very hard for 2 weeks to get myself ready for the week long training camp in Montreal because I wanted to be fit enough to gain as much as possible while there. We covered so much stuff in only a week that it felt like I had been there for much longer. I then had a week at home to train and then a week's training in the England before returning home again to drill everything for the final 2 weeks. Everything went perfectly for me. I learnt a lot, gained loads of experience and confidence, my weight cut was spot on and I was injury free. I had no excuse but to get into the cage and give it my all. My victory is due to the training I received, my training partners and my coaches; Ian Freeman and Eric O'Keefe".

Most people would find it challenging enough to run 3 successful MMA facilities in one of the fastest growing markets in the world but not Robert Devane, in his spart time he likes to compete in world Karate championships, train MMA in England and Canada with UFC caliber training partners and add another win to his MMA career with an organization call Strike and Submit in England.

While most Irish youths were planning their social lives, Robert had already determined what he would do as a career. Needless to say his guidance counselor looked a little puzzled when the school board had failed to supply him with the necessary materials to advise students in pursing a career in Mixed Martial Arts.

When you meet Robert he is a pleasant, polite almost “happy go lucky” type of of fellow which is amazing considering the adversity he has had to face to get where he is today. After Robert's education he taught martial arts for free in his spare time while holding down a series of part time jobs it took 4 years of searching for a landlord that was willing to rent to a martial arts based business.

With the help of his brother, Robert was able to open M.A.I's first studio in January of 2001. Much like the way Robert competes, his self confidence and aggressive game plan has resulted in the opening of his 3rd studio in 2009 with the help of Delane Kidd one of his full time instructors.

As MMA has grown so has the competition. As most MMA champions have found once you reach the top there is always a long list of competitors ready to challenge you.

“I love living in Ireland” Robert explains “if I have been away for more than two weeks I get home sick”. “One thing I don't miss about home is that Ireland holds on to the clan or village mentality” continues Devane “if someone sees you trying to improve your business, other clubs view this as a threat and try to bring you down to size”.

Robert is currently looking to transferred his skills he acquired as a US Open Karate champion with his success in business into a career in the octagon. “I'm just taking it one fight at a time” explains Robert.

There has been some talk of the UFC returning to Ireland for St. Patrick's day 2010 and Robert is working hard towards establishing his MMA record to get the UFC's attention.

As in business Robert has learned that behind every success is a successful team. When training in the UK Robert is coached by UFC veteran Ian “The Machine” Freeman. “Ian is one of the pioneers of MMA here in the UK” explains Robert. When in Canada Robert is coached by Eric O'keefe who provides him with years of personal experience and UFC caliber training partners.

On October 4th Robert added a second win to his record by defeating his opponent with 4 seconds left in the first round with a standing guillotine choke. I for one am looking forward to his next bout.