Young Ards fighter set for Amateur debut after first title belt
Rory McKee r.mckee@ardschronicle.co.uk
RISING local Mixed Martial Arts star Max Mahaffy is preparing to make his amateur bow next month in a major step towards his dream of competing professionally in the sport.
The 16 year-old from Newtownards captured the Teen Novce Featherweight title at the recent Akuma Fighting Championships in County Antrim, bringing his novice record to a perfect 6-0. Now he is poised to step up to the amateur ranks for the first time at the Wrath Combat Champions event on June 21 at Belfast’s Stormont Hotel.
Diagnosed with autism aged four, Max stands as an ‘inspiration both on and off the mat’, according to Arnaud Dos Santos, owner and head coach at the Hybrid MMA Ards gym where the talented teenager trains.
Under the mentorship of Dos Santos, Max also contributes as a junior coach, assisting in classes for children, teens, and adults.
“Max’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. He’s not only a talented fighter but also a positive role model for others in the club and the sport,” said Dos Santos.
“His leadership and determination have earned him widespread respect within the club and beyond and he’s a powerful example of what’s possible with perseverance, passion and the right support.”
Max attended Killard House School in Donaghadee until last year and has since continued with essential skills in English through a start programme at Rathgill Community Centre. He also works in his brother’s cafe, Colonel Paddy’s, in Newtownards.
His mum Joanne explained that Max found it hard to be accepted into other sports but she couldn’t be more proud now he has ‘found his niche’.
“Like everyone else, Max wanted to play team sports and he tried football, rugby and boxing too, but because he’s a visual learner and not a verbal one he struggled with the vocal commands.
“One day, he came back from school and said he wanted to try MMA. Within a couple of weeks training at Hybrid, he started to come out of his shell and the coaches said he was coming on very quickly.”
Max made the move to adult classes after three months and has thrived ever since, recently returning to his old school to share his story with the pupils and take part in a question and answers session.
“It never gets easier to watch him fight, but I’m just going to have to roll with it,” continued Joanne.
“He’s finally found his niche and his purpose in life and he would be lost without it. All kids have something they shine at, it’s just about finding what that is.”
