There are moments in life that remind us just how interconnected our journeys truly are. The Great Reopening of Shay Walsh MMA was one of those moments for me — a chance to give back to a community I care deeply about, to honour someone who has inspired so many, and to play a small part in something much bigger than myself.

From Inspiration to Involvement

I first heard of Shay Walsh through a close high school friend, Evan - Shay’s brother-in-law. Back then, Evan would talk about Shay’s upcoming MMA fights and, in particular, his journey to the Tiger Muay Thai tryouts in 2014. I remember watching those tryouts with admiration, not realising how much they would shape my path. Shay went on to win a scholarship alongside a new friend—Alexander Volkanovski.

Fast forward to this event, and I found myself not only meeting Volkanovski - now a six-time UFC World Champion - but also facilitating an experience for the entire Lancaster community to meet him too. The kid in me - the one who had once been inspired by those tryouts -couldn’t help but smile at how things had come full circle.

The Great Reopening

The day was a true celebration of Shay’s gym expansion. But it was more than that. For years, Volkanovski had promised to visit and hold a seminar for Shay’s members. That day had finally arrived, aligning perfectly with the gym’s renovations.

It was a real community occasion—a seminar, a Q&A, a BBQ, beers, kids' activities, and even representation from Beyond Radio.

I definitely felt the weight of responsibility in ensuring the day ran smoothly for everyone. Not because I had to—but because I knew, growing up in this local area, how much something like this would have meant to me. I felt incredibly privileged to not only manage such an event but also to be in a position to give back.

Giving Back is Mutual

One of the most meaningful moments of the day for me was reading out a thank-you card filled with messages of appreciation for Shay.

It was incredible to read such heartfelt words from members who were there in attendance—real stories from people whose lives have been impacted by Shay and the community he has built at Shay Walsh MMA.

It’s inspiring to witness, and more importantly, he deserves to hear it. Too often, those who give so much to others don’t always get the recognition they deserve. This was a moment filled with gratitude, respect, and genuine appreciation. The energy in the crowd reflected that.

A Reminder of What Matters

What took me aback even more was what happened after the event, once Shay had left with Volkanovski to attend UFC 304 in Manchester.

With things winding down, Zak and I took the opportunity to interview members—run-and-gun style—to capture their thoughts on the day and, more importantly, what Shay Walsh MMA truly means to them.

I have no words.

Hearing their raw, unscripted reflections gave us something far beyond just footage for a vlog. It gave a story that needed to be told. That’s when Zak decided to go beyond just a recap of the day and instead craft a pilot documentary — “A Journey to Greatness: The Untold Story of Shay Walsh.”