Inside Renegade: Ash Begg on Leon Edwards, Building Champions & the Future of UK MMA

Ash Begg, owner and coach at Renegade in Birmingham, joins The Mat Minute to discuss what it takes to build champions at one of Britain’s leading MMA gyms. Ash gives his perspective on working alongside elite fighters Leon Edwards and Fabian Edwards, explaining what separates them from other athletes and how coaching changes when fighters reach the highest levels of the sport. We discuss the culture behind Renegade, why bringing in specialist coaches is essential, the importance of leaving ego outside the gym, and Ash’s “Three S’s” approach to jiu-jitsu for MMA: Submit, Sweep or Stand. Ash also explains why his views on hard sparring have changed, how Renegade prepares fighters for specific opponents, and why he believes Britain has everything needed to develop world-class fighters without athletes having to permanently relocate overseas. We also talk about the next generation of British MMA talent, the importance of consistency and hard work, and Ash’s long-term vision for Leon and Fabian Edwards to eventually pass their knowledge on as coaches and continue Renegade’s legacy of producing champions. Topics include: Leon Edwards & Fabian Edwards Inside Renegade Birmingham Building an elite MMA team Jiu-Jitsu for MMA The Three S’s: Submit, Sweep or Stand Hard sparring vs touch sparring Training UFC-level fighters Developing MMA talent in Britain Hard work vs natural talent The future of Renegade Producing the next generation of champions Subscribe to The Mat Minute for more conversations from the world of MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and combat sports.