Introduction
Brett McDermott is an English mixed martial artist and retired professional rugby league player who represented for Ireland, and at club level for all the Cumbrian clubs, in particular Barrow Raiders.
Rugby league
McDermott, who competed in professional rugby for 15 seasons, was playing for Barrow in 2009. He also represented Ireland, including games against France in 2010.
On 30 March 2011, McDermott announced his retirement from rugby league. A couple of days later, he later admitted that he had retired after being charged by the RFL for failing a drugs test. In June 2011, the RFL confirmed that McDermott was banned for two years after testing positive for drostanolone and 19-norandrosterone.
Mixed martial arts career
After retiring from rugby league, McDermott became a MMA fighter. In 2013, he turned professional and fought Thomas Denham at BAMMA 12, but lost by submission.
McDermott competed in the Rizin Fighting Federation Heavyweight Tournament on December 29, 2015, losing in the quarterfinals against former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Muhammed Lawal by knockout.
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 8 matches | 5 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 4 | 1 |
| By submission | 0 | 1 |
| By decision | 1 | 1 |
| No contests | 0 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 5–3 | Muhammed Lawal | KO (punches) | Rizin Fighting Federation 1 | December 29, 2015 | 1 | 9:20 | Saitama, Japan | Rizin FF Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal. |
| Win | 5–2 | Pelu Adetola | TKO (punches) | BAMMA 23 | November 14, 2015 | 1 | 1:57 | Birmingham, England | |
| Loss | 4–2 | Marcin Lazarz | Decision (unanimous) | BAMMA 20 | April 25, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Birmingham, England | For the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight championship. |
| Win | 4–1 | Oli Thompson | KO (punches) | BAMMA 17 | December 6, 2014 | 1 | 1:43 | Manchester, England | |
| Win | 3–1 | Paul Bennett | KO (punch) | Stoke Fight Factory: Rage in the Cage 4 | April 26, 2014 | 1 | 1:09 | Stoke-on-Trent, England | |
| Win | 2–1 | Shaun Lomas | Decision (unanimous) | Stoke Fight Factory: Rage in the Cage 3 | November 30, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Stoke-on-Trent, England | |
| Win | 1–1 | Jason Tyldesley | TKO (punches) | AMFC 2: Alpha Male Fighting Championships 2 | July 6, 2013 | 1 | 1:20 | Scarborough, England | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Thomas Denham | Submission (rear-naked choke) | BAMMA 12 | March 9, 2013 | 2 | 3:58 | Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
Championships and accomplishments
Rugby league
Whitehaven RLFC
- National League 1
- Champions - 2005
Barrow Raiders
- Division Two Championship
- Champions – 2009
- Minor premiership – 2009