Drogheda's hometown MMA hero Ciaran Clarke will never take the support of his people for granted.
Since embarking on his MMA odyssey as an amateur way back in 2012, Clarke has fought any and all comers over his 30 fight career and has cemented himself as one of the biggest Irish stars for Bellator.
The 27-year-old will step into the cage once more on Friday night and is taking a huge crowd with him from Drogheda. Over 300 fans will pack into busses and make the trek to the capital to see Clarke perform under the bright lights of the 3Arena.
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And this support has been with him since day one.
"It's unbelievable.
"Literally, I've been fighting in GAA halls and the TLT in Drogheda and always the same support has been coming.
"I always got big support, and then the likes of my sponsors getting behind me now locally and it means the world to me.
"It's unreal the energy, you feed off that and you really feel a part of something."
Since making his professional debut in 2019, Clarke has become a valuable asset to Bellator and is a mainstay on the Irish cards that the promotion puts on. Most fighters just three years into their professional career would be overawed and weighed down by the eyes of their hometown upon them. For Clarke however, it just gives him more motivation.
"It does add pressure subconsciously, but it's not something that I'm thinking about.
"I'm fully aware of how much it costs to get here, and Drogheda is not like Blackrock you know what I mean?"
"People are taking days off work and they're going to trouble to make it there on the night.
"People put their hands in their pockets and I'm fully aware of that so I want to come out here and put on a show."
The troubles in Drogheda have long been at the forefront of the news here in Ireland. Over the past few years, the town has been ravaged by an ever escalating drug-feud, one which has irreparably damaged the lives of so many people.
Like many around his age and living in his area, Clarke could have gone down this path and gotten involved in the troubles in the town. Looking back, he often wonders how he avoided getting sucked into that world, and counts his blessings that he was able to build a better life for himself.
"It's something I'm a big advocate of because of what happened in the town and even in Ireland in general.
"There's two ways you can go growing up, and it's quite obvious, it's black and white.
"I'd always ask myself 'why didn't I (go a bad way)?' or 'how was I strong enough?'
"You're in the same situations as some people, and there's the choices you make or whatever.
"I'm blessed really."
The undefeated featherweight has quickly become one of the most popular MMA fighters in the country, with many people taking to the young man for his grit in the cage and his actions outside it.
It's no surprise therefore, that Clarke's story is soon to be broadcast to the nation, with a documentary set to be released near Christmas. Once again, Clarke is using his position to try and help his local community, and revealed that every penny the documentary earns will be donated to a mental health awareness charity in his hometown.
"I've been followed around the last twelve weeks, so I suppose they have a story to tell through me.
"All the proceeds and the money that's made is going to a local charity in Drogheda called Save Our Sons And Daughters (SOSAD)."
Throughout his career, Clarke has never taken the easy way out and never backed down from a fight. Unsurprisingly, upon hearing the news that his original opponent had pulled out from the fight, without batting an eyelid, Clarke had already accepted to fight new opponent Rafael Hudson.
"You visualize all the scenarios that could happen in your head with this opponent, his style, attributes and different things.
"Next thing bang, six days out, I couldn't believe it a week out from the fight.
"I'm just delighted to have this new opponent, but I'm prepared anyway."
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