Conor McGregor’s striking coach Owen Roddy announces departure from SBG Ireland

One of the more recognizable coaches in mixed martial arts (MMA) today is taking his talents to a new team, as Owen Roddy is moving from Straight Blast Gym Ireland to SBG Charlestown.

Roddy, who retired from fighting in 2012 with a professional record of 11-4, has gained massive notoriety throughout the years as Conor McGregor’s main striking coach. The work that Roddy has put in alongside “Notorious” has led to multiple world titles, massive paydays, and unparalleled recognition for the SBG Team as a whole.

Roddy announced his decision to leave his long-time gym behind in the following Instagram post:

“End of an Era,” wrote Roddy. “After 15 years of fighting and coaching I’m officially finished working in Straight Blast Gym Ireland. Just want to thank everyone for all the amazing memories. I have loved every minute of it . Thanks to all my students for the gifts and to my coach [John Kavanagh] for the lovely plaque. Time to focus on my guys [at SBG Charlestown].”

Based on Roddy’s post, there doesn’t seem to be any bad blood with current SBG Ireland head coach John Kavanagh. In fact, Kavanagh gifted Roddy with a plaque for his 15 years of fighting and coaching at the famed location.

While Roddy seems to be leaving on good terms in order to work with a new collection of mixed martial artists, his departure raises some questions about his future work with McGregor, who is still a full-time member at SBG Ireland. As McGregor tries to regroup following a submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 this past October, we really don’t know for sure how involved Roddy will be with the Irishman’s training moving forward.

Fight fans will just have to wait and see how this plays out.