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How tragedy & 'a scary 5ft Asian' mum shaped rising UFC star Kavanagh
TL;DR
UFC rising star Lone'er Kavanagh's life changed dramatically at six when he learned of his father's sudden death from a heart attack. This tragedy, along with his mother's influence, has shaped his journey in mixed martial arts.
Key points
- Lone'er Kavanagh's father died from a heart attack.
- Kavanagh was six years old at the time of his father's death.
- He grew up in South West London.
- His mother's influence has shaped his MMA career.
Mentioned in this story
Lone'er KavanaghKavanagh's fatherSouth West London
Lone'er Kavanagh was around the age of six when he got a phone call from his mother which would turn his life upside down.
Kavanagh, who grew up in South West London, had to pause his gymnastics class to pick up the phone.
She told him his father had suffered a heart attack that day, was seriously ill in hospital and that he had to go and see him urgently.
By the time Kavanagh had got to the hospital, his father had died.
"It was a hard one because I spoke to him on the phone before work the morning before," Kavanagh tells BBC Sport.
"Not having a father figure is hard growing up, that's why I have so much respect for my mum because she has to do both roles."
Now aged 26, Britain's Kavanagh credits his mum as being the pivotal figure in shaping the person - and fighter - he's become today.
Kavanagh's last name is Irish, which comes from his dad's side, but his first name Lone'er is Chinese, coming from his mum's side, and translates to 'Dragon Son'.
While growing up, Kavanagh says he started hanging around with people "he shouldn't have been surrounded by", so his mum pushed him towards martial arts to help him "stay disciplined".
Last month, Kavanagh earned the biggest win of his 11-fight career by beating former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno on only three week's notice.
"A lot of the stuff I do now is because of my mum. My mum is a very scary five-foot Asian lady, who was very strict growing up, but I needed it," said Kavanagh.
"MMA helped me a lot because I didn't have male role models to look up to. My team Ash Grimshaw, Ashkaw, Brad Pickett, I look up to these guys.
"I didn't know what I was doing but I know my dad's up there in heaven watching out for me, keeping me safe, and he's always with me."
'Jon Jones called me to say he liked my kicks'
Image caption,
Kavanagh peppered Moreno with kicks over five rounds
After winning nine of the first 10 fights of his career, Kavanagh took the bout with Moreno after the Mexican's original opponent Asu Almabayev withdrew because of injury.
In front of Moreno's raucous home fans in Mexico City, Kavanagh rose to the occasion, winning by unanimous decision with a classy performance.
Q&A
What happened to Lone'er Kavanagh's father?
Lone'er Kavanagh's father suffered a heart attack and died shortly after Kavanagh received a call about his condition.
How did Kavanagh's mother's influence affect his career?
Kavanagh's mother played a significant role in shaping his life and career, guiding him through the challenges following his father's death.
Where did Lone'er Kavanagh grow up?
Lone'er Kavanagh grew up in South West London.
What age was Kavanagh when he experienced his father's death?
Lone'er Kavanagh was around six years old when his father passed away.
