The MMA UK Rising Stars series shines a spotlight on the next generation of talent coming through the UK fight scene, featuring a young fighter making waves each week to share their journey, ambitions, and what drives them inside and outside the cage.
This week, we focus on Kai Sweeney. At just 17, the West Lothian native has built an undefeated amateur record (2-0 in MMA, plus an amateur boxing title) and trains out of the renowned Higher Level MMA. Driven by an obsession to reach the sport’s pinnacle, Kai believes a world title is inevitable. We sit down for a Q&A to learn more about this dedicated athlete’s path and his ambitious plans for the future.
MMA UK Rising Stars – Q&A
1. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself – where you’re from and how you first got into MMA?
Kai – I’m a 17-year-old amateur MMA fighter with a record of 2-0. I also had an amateur boxing career, staying undefeated in that too, and picked up a Scottish title. I’m from a small village in West Lothian called Stoneyburn. I first got into MMA when my dad mentioned it to me that he wanted me to try out Higher Level MMA and see how I get on. I also watched MMA at a young age and just loved fighting. My earliest memories from when I was like 6, playing video games, and my dad would buy me and my brother DVDs, and we would watch them all the time
2. Which gym and coaches are you currently training with?
Kai – I train out of Higher Level MMA, and my coaches are James Doolan, Kieran Reid and Dylan Tuke
3. At what age did you start training, and what inspired you to take it seriously?
Kai – I started training in MMA at 15. I always played football as a kid, and now and again I’d show up to boxing training, as a young kid showing up once in a blue moon. My dad didn’t want me to go a lot because he didn’t want me to pack in football as soon as I entered Higher Level, I fell in love with it and knew I wanted to do it for a living straight away.
4. Who are your biggest influences inside and outside the cage?
Kai – Mark Ewen is a big influence on me in the way he thinks. His mentality is different, and obviously a great fighter. A good few lads in the gym influence me in different ways, but I always looked up to Mark the moment I stepped into the gym.
5. What do you see as your strengths as a fighter?
Kai – An obvious one, my boxing. I believe I’ve got the best hands in amateur MMA and have the ability to stop the fight in a blink. I’m confident everywhere, standing up or grappling. I also feel like a good strength I have is my mentality I don’t think a lot of lads my age are putting in the work like me and are as obsessed.
6. What has been your most memorable moment in your career so far?
Kai – My most memorable moment in my career so far is my MMA debut. I finished the fight in the first 2 minutes against a solid prospect on UKFC. Also, winning a Scottish title means having to put on 5kg to enter the tournament.
7. What are your short-term and long-term goals in the sport?
Kai – Short-term goal for me is to get an amateur title soon. Obviously, no rush as I’m still only 17, but I need to get more fights and be as active as possible. A long-term goal for me is to reach the pinnacle of the sport. I don’t just want to be at the highest level; I want to be the best, and that’s inevitable for me. I truly believe I’m going to be a world champion one day, and I won’t stop till that happens.
8. How do you balance training, fighting, and life outside MMA?
Kai – Going to sound sad, but I don’t have a life outside of MMA. This is my life, I train full-time training 2-3 times a day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
9. What advice would you give to other young fighters just starting out?
Kai – Just stay out of trouble, keep your head down and put in the work. If you’re dedicated enough and have a good attitude, the rest will come.
10. Finally, what can fans expect to see from you in the future?
Kai – Fans can expect something great. I’ve got a special style. I’m both technically good and powerful. I can finish fights with my power, and I’m smart with the way I pick my shots. I don’t throw for the sake of it.
Kai is available for 1-2-1 private sessions and can be contacted through his instagram here
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