02/23/2026
Wise words from our coach Shea O'Neill--
1. Hard to hear, but...it's always your fault. You're not losing because you're unlucky. If you don't train like a professional, professionals are going to beat you. Period.
2. You're not going to make money, or become famous, if that is your only goal. You're goal should be progress. Consistent progress. If you're goal is progress, money and fame will come.
3. This game is cutthroat. Nobody owes you anything. And nobody is going to give you something that isn't earned. This is a business. Promoter's only want you if you are worth something. Everybody wants to make money. You have to show why you are worth investing in.
4. Piggybacking off of No.3, make yourself marketable. Be fun, be exciting. Market yourself while your fighting, during your walkout, post fight speech, social media, mock weigh ins, etc.
5. Figure out your why. Why do you fight? Is it for yourself or for everyone else? If you fight for yourself, because you love the process, then you show up everyday no matter what people say or the outcome of the competition. If you fight for everyone else, you will feed off of the highs and sink into the lows. Listening to advice from people close to you, that don't know s**t about the fight game, is bad business.
6. If you only work hard during camp and ghost outside of camp, don't expect results. It's pretty simple. Progress is made between camps.
7. Weight cut problems are lack of preparation. Nutrition is key. If you want to push hard during training, you need to fuel your body accordingly. If you are a professional, or plan to be, you should be close to weight at all times.
8. Fights are going to fall through. That's the fight game. Be prepared always. As often as fights fall through, fights will come on short notice. Don't get ready, stay ready.
9. Be there for everyone else. When you are in fight camp, you expect everyone to be there for you. That means that you are there for everyone else. Again, nothing is given to you in this sport, everything is earned. That includes training partners and loyalty.
