Upper Sports Management continues its growth as one of the most important agencies in the world and we are proud to announce the opening of the Upper Europe division and the incorporation of the renowned coach John Kavanagh as our agent for the region. Kavanagh has experience developing talent from amateur levels to world champions as we are excited to start this new chapter with him.

John Kavanagh is an Irish mixed martial arts (MMA) and grappling instructor, as well as a black belt in jiu-jitsu under Matt Thornton, holding this same rank in kenpo karate. A former International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) European Open champion as a purple belt (2005), Kavanaugh became revered as one of MMA’s leading coaches through his work with UFC fighters such as Conor McGregor and Gunnar Nelson. Coach Kavanaugh is also widely regarded as Ireland’s first BJJ black belt.

Throughout his career, John has been involved not only with SBG but also with the foundation of the Irish BJJ Association and the Irish MMA Associaton. His many achievements led Fighters Only magazine to award Kavanaugh the Coach Of The Year title in 2017, at the World MMA Awards.