Inside Kane Mousah's redemption story as he trains with Khamzat Chimaev ahead of career-defining MMA fight

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.

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