“As calm as they come”. That was how Sinéad Kavanagh was described to me speaking to an MMA coach just ahead of her demolition of Hatice Ozyurt at BAMMA 22 in just 17 seconds.

Fighting out of SBG Concorde under the guidance of John Kavanagh, the Dublin native placed a stick of dynamite in her division courtesy of a phenomenal right hook. The former 5-time national boxing champion sent waves ripping through the arena. With Kavanagh back in action on February 27 at BAMMA 24, the excitement for Ireland’s next heavily tipped female Mixed Martial Artist is growing day by day. Making the move up to featherweight and taking on French powerhouse Zara Fairn Dos Santos (who is also a boxer), Kavanagh is just bursting with confidence. I caught up with Kavanagh for a quick chat to see how she can see things playing out and how things have been for her after the KO victory.

“Its been an amazing response from fans knowing I’ve got talent! Just showing the people what I can do and where I belong at the top is what counts now. . . As far as Dos Santos goes I don’t see the fight going after the 1st round. I need to be patient, wait for the KO shot”

Though a renowned striker, Kavanagh is also working on her ground game. I was lucky enough to attend the European camps at SBG last year and I got to see her first hand training BJJ with some of the European elite. Her ground game is incredibly strong and she is anticipating the possibility of the fight going to the ground.

“Yeah, I’m working on my ground game, I want to be the perfect fighter. If it goes to the ground, be scared”

Kavanagh is also a superb character with an infectiously honest personality, something that I think would make her a TUF prime candidate should the UFC begin a featherweight season. When asked if this was something she would consider she replied:

“TUF house. Yeah my talent speaks for itself and I just want to make it to the top, so if that’s what I gotta do, let’s do it”

Speaking about BAMMA, Kavanagh was also full of praise. The event seems to be somewhat of an SBG exhibition which speaks volumes of the talent in the gym.

“The last show was sold out and I think this will be the same. I’ve a lot of followers. Tickets are flying out because BAMMA is a quality show and the people know it’s action packed. All the guys are animals it’s one great card!! Paul Byrne and Dylan should be cracking fights”.

Finally, when I asked Kavanagh to describe what is about to go down in just one word she replied:

“SECONDS!!!!!!!”

I, for one, cannot wait for the door to be shut and the bell ring out to get this fight underway. Should you be in Dublin on February 27, do not miss this card.

Keep up to date with all Kavanagh’s progress over on her facebook page.