SBG Ireland
SBG Ireland is one of Europe’s most influential MMA teams, globally recognized for its strategic coaching and technical approach. Founded by coach John Kavanagh in Dublin, the gym became internationally famous as the training home of UFC superstar Conor McGregor. SBG combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing in a cerebral, principle-based system focused on timing, movement, and control. The gym has built a reputation for producing highly skilled, adaptable fighters capable of executing precise game plans under pressure. Beyond its celebrity fighters, SBG Ireland has established itself as a respected force in international MMA coaching and athlete development.
SBG Ireland Essentials
About SBG Ireland
Explore what makes SBG Ireland unique—its commitment to intelligent training, personalized development, and technical mastery. This section outlines the team’s philosophy, environment, and training focus.
SBG Ireland History
Follow the journey from a small Dublin BJJ club to a world-class MMA institution. Learn how John Kavanagh built SBG into a gym that made history with the rise of Conor McGregor and a generation of Irish fighters.
Philosophy & Approach
SBG’s training is built on clarity, composure, and principle-based progression. Discover how they prioritize timing, positioning, and mindset to help fighters evolve intelligently, not just aggressively.
Techniques & Style
SBG fighters blend slick movement, distance control, precise striking, and fluid grappling transitions. Learn how the gym teaches fighters to adapt mid-fight and find creative solutions in high-pressure scenarios.
Traditions & Etiquette
Respect, humility, and openness are core values at SBG. This section explores the team-oriented culture, coach-student dynamics, and the professional behavior expected in and out of the gym.
Uniform & Symbols
Athletes train in no-gi and striking gear, often marked with the minimalist SBG branding. Learn how the gym’s clean design philosophy is reflected in its visual identity and training attire.
Weapons
SBG Ireland focuses solely on unarmed MMA training—striking and grappling under unified rules. Weapons or traditional forms are not part of the curriculum.
Ranking System
While MMA fighters are not ranked by belts, BJJ practitioners within SBG follow the standard belt system. Learn how progression is measured across disciplines through performance and commitment.
SBG Ireland Glossary
Understand common terminology used at SBG—from BJJ positions and striking drills to coaching phrases and strategic fight terms unique to the gym’s methodology.
Notable Figures
Meet SBG’s leading athletes—Conor McGregor, Gunnar Nelson, Artem Lobov, and coach John Kavanagh. This section highlights the individuals who brought global recognition to the gym.
Branches & Organizations
Explore the wider SBG network, with affiliated gyms across Ireland, Europe, and North America. Learn how the team’s coaching methods have spread internationally while staying rooted in its core philosophy.
Competitive Format
SBG fighters compete in top-tier events like UFC, Bellator, and Cage Warriors. This section explains how the gym prepares its athletes for modern MMA formats, both physically and strategically.
