England and Ireland are two nations with a rich MMA pedigree. In today’s episode of Across The Pond, you will meet two warriors who have thrilled their respective nations with their own unique blend of style and approach to the world of MMA.
Steve O’ Keefe – A professional since June 2010 and representing Revolution Martial Arts, Steve O’ Keefe owns a 9-3 record in 12 career bouts consisting of seven submissions and two knockouts. O’ Keefe has spent the majority of his professional career with Cage Warriors. He has also fought for BAMMA. All nine of O’ Keefe’s professional victories have resulted in a finish. At UCMMA 14, he defeated Alex Harvey via TKO in the first round. O’ Keefe submitted Jeremy Petley in the third round via guillotine choke. He also tapped out Oscar Nave via rear naked choke in round one.For his Cage Warriors debut at Cage Warriors 43, O’ Keefe submitted Ireland’s Artem Lobov in round three via rear naked choke. He also tapped out Dean Reilly in the first round via arm triangle choke for his second outing with Cage Warriors at Cage Warriors 44. Then, O’ Keefe submitted Gediminas Surmaitis. In 2017, he returned to the Cage Warriors cage to face fellow submission specialist Sean Carter at Cage Warriors 84 and tapped him out in the first round via heel hook. At FSC 13 he defeated Bjarki Thor Palsson via TKO. For his BAMMA debut at BAMMA debut at BAMMA 34 in London, O’ Keefe tapped out Martyn Harris via rear naked choke in round one. It’s no secret that when O’ Keefe imposes his authority on the ground it always ends up being checkmate for the opposition!
Kiefer Crosbie – A professional since April 2016 and representing SBG Ireland, Kiefer Crosbie owns a perfect 4-0 record comprised of three knockouts and one submission. All four of Crosbie’s professional wins have ended in a finish with three of those coming under the BAMMA banner. He has also fought for BattleZone Fighting Championships. In his MMA debut at BFC 15, Crosbie defeated Keith McCabe via TKO in round one. For his BAMMA debut at BAMMA 27 he submitted Connor Riordan via triangle choke in the second round. In his next outing with BAMMA at BAMMA 30, Crosbie defeated Waldemar Cichy via TKO in round two. He faced Josh Plant in the co-main event of BAMMA 35 and defeated him via TKO in the first round to extend his unbeaten streak to four to begin his professional career. ”Big Daddy” is out to prove that there is a new sheriff in town for BAMMA’S welterweight division!
Steve’s first-round finish at FSC 13
Crosbie v Cichy BAMMA 30
Steve’s BAMMA debut at BAMMA 34 against Martyn Harris
Steve’s first-round submission of Sean Carter at Cage Warriors 84