NEWCASTLE mixed martial arts prospect Shea Cleland continued his impressive rise through the professional ranks with a dominant first-round victory at the Valor Combat Series event in Belfast’s Stormont Hotel recently.
Making just his second professional appearance, Cleland produced a composed and clinical display to stop a more experienced opponent in Aaron Brogan, despite competing against a fighter who had dropped from featherweight to bantamweight, while Cleland himself was moving up in weight.
Roared on by a large travelling support from Newcastle, Newry and the surrounding areas, the Team Torres fighter controlled the contest from the opening bell. Crisp striking and constant pressure left Brogan on the back foot before Cleland secured an emphatic first-round finish.
The victory was all the more impressive given the experience of his Team Ryano Causeway opponent, who had already faced high-level competition in the professional ranks. Cleland, however, looked in complete control throughout, underlining why he is regarded as one of Ireland’s brightest emerging MMA talents.
The Newcastle man has adapted seamlessly to the professional code, where the longer rounds and broader range of permitted techniques suit his aggressive striking style. Having now claimed first-round stoppages in both of his professional contests, he has made an eye-catching start to his career.
Cleland continues to train under head coaches Seb Torres and Decky McAleenan at Team Torres in Newry, while also benefiting from regular sessions with Owen Roddy and the coaching team at SBG Charlestown.
Earlier this year, he completed a four-week training camp in Thailand, focusing on his striking before returning home to prepare for his latest bout.
With two convincing victories from two professional outings, the local fighter continues to build momentum and looks well placed to make his mark on both the Irish and international MMA scene.
