At the age of 23, Kane Mousah's life was turned upside down.
An exciting up-and-coming fighter at the time, Mousah was stopped by police along with two other men affiliated with the notorious Gooch gang. Their car was searched, and they were found to have been in possession of a handgun, silencer and eight rounds of bullets in a ‘handy carrying case’.
Mousah was given a nine-year prison sentence, initially believing his career could have been over.
Whilst in prison though, Mousah's perspective on life changed. As he promised himself to come out a better man.
It's fair to say, he's done just that.
Mousah told the Manchester Evening News : "You know, I'm a real believer in that everything happens for a reason. I believe in God first, and my path is blessed.
"Prison deterred me from the life that I used to live - I think it needed to happen for me.
"I did my time and I used it to change my perspective on life, to make sure I'd come out as a better person.
"Since I’ve come out of prison, all I’ve tried to do is help other people out along the way. I think I do that."
And as did his personality and perspective has changed, so did his fortunes.
Mousah would build up a solid record in the MMA - while being recognised by UFC and ONE championship scouts, before signing with Bellator in 2019.
Since then, Mousah has two wins on Bellator - with an overall impressive pro record of 13-4.
He's set to face Irishman Peter Queally in Ireland next week, whilst having a rigorous training camp sparring against some of the best fighters in the world - in Khamzat Chimaev Petr Yan and Rafael Fisiev.
Chimaev is arguably the most exciting prospect in the UFC, with many believing he'll go on to be the pound-for-pound number one in a few years.
He said: "I decided to come out to Thailand for a real training camp. I have never really had the time to have a training camp like this.
"Here, I'm away from all the distractions and my only focus is improving myself for the fight.
"To be here is a blessing from God, I walked into the gym and saw Khamzat Chimeav, and have been lucky enough to spar with him - that has been tough!
"Khamzat is incredible. Obviously, he's on another level. But I have been able to hang in there with him and I have learned so much.
"We've had Marloan Moraeas, Petr Yan and Rafael Fisiev in the gym, too. So it really has been a blessing.
"I'm a fighter at heart. I always have been. So to be able to test myself in this camp against these, whilst having no distractions, it's definitely been huge for me."
Mousah's upcoming fight will see him travel to Ireland to take on the hometown hero.
And although Mousah one of the more likeable men in the industry, he'll certainly not be the fan's favourite on the night.
However, Mousah says he won't embrace the role as the 'bad guy', stating he plans to be himself, whilst reminding fans of his Irish heritage.
"I have family in Ireland too, so I do resonate with them!
"Listen though, I'm young and I'm hungry. I will do whatever it takes to win on February 25.
"I'm excited to show everyone what I'm capable of."
Moush has also launched a successful clothing company, BADR, which he also uses to assist up-and-coming fighters.
Tickets for Kane’s fight at Bellator 275 are on sale and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.
