In the fast-paced and chaotic world of combat sports, few media personalities have ascended as quickly as Joe Leigh, a 23-year-old rising star who has already secured roles with high-profile platforms like Title Sports Network. Breezy, the host of *Against the Fence* podcast, sat down with Joe for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation that highlights his rapid rise, the challenges of the sports media world, and his insights into the fighters he's worked with.
Joe’s journey started from a place of uncertainty, with early exposure to West Africa Sports, a platform created by his uncle, which opened his eyes to the possibilities of working in sports journalism. His passion for combat sports, especially MMA, was kindled at a young age. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing.
“Without having gone the extra mile, I wouldn't have got hashtag [United], then I wouldn't have got Seconds Out, and then I wouldn't have got Title Sports Network,” Joe said, referring to the persistent hard work and the sacrifices he made along the way. One memorable moment he shared was leaving a university party early to write an article about Conor Gallagher for Bellator. His determination stood out even when others were simply having fun.
Joe highlighted the value of seizing every opportunity, even those that seem small at the time. "It's all about persistence," he shared, emphasizing how consistently knocking on doors eventually got him his big breaks in the industry. From his early days working for free to later juggling football media with his growing passion for MMA, Joe’s relentless drive helped him build a career ahead of many of his peers.
While Joe began in football, his true passion lay in combat sports, especially MMA. The conversation took a turn when Breezy asked about UFC Paris, which Joe covered recently. "It was my second UFC show, but I've been covering it for a while," Joe explained. Paris marked a turning point in his career where he could now operate with more confidence, having overcome the initial nerves that come with such a high-profile event.
"I've done boxing for four years now, but MMA has always been the end goal," Joe said with pride. Being able to cover events like UFC Paris and spend time with fighters like Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards has been a dream come true for him.
But one of the moments that stood out for Joe was during a Q&A at UFC 304. His question about the growth of UK MMA earned an unexpected response from fighter Bobby Green, who suggested a bonus for the fighters at the event. "Leon liked it, Tom liked it, everyone liked it, and Dana [White] said yes," Joe recalled. That moment not only demonstrated Joe's growing confidence but also his understanding of the pulse of the sport and its fighters.
When Breezy asked about the most chaotic or memorable moment Joe had witnessed, his answer came quickly. "July 27th, UFC Fight Night Aspinall vs. Volkov. I've never seen anything like it," Joe said. He went on to recount an electrifying night in combat sports, where fighters like Molly McCann, Paddy Pimblett, and Tom Aspinall delivered career-defining performances. "It was the best atmosphere I've ever been to in any sporting event."
Joe's connection to the fighters is evident, and one of the most striking aspects of his journey is how personable many fighters can be outside of the ring or cage. He mentioned being surprised by how grounded fighters like Conor Benn and Fabian Edwards were, stating, "They're completely different off-camera to what they are on."
For those looking to break into sports media, Joe’s advice was simple yet profound: persistence. He emphasized the importance of consistently pushing forward, even when the path seems unclear. "Keep messaging, keep posting. Everything is about persistence," Joe said, recounting how his own determination helped him land roles that might have seemed out of reach at the time.
He also shared a personal anecdote about relentlessly calling a contact for an unpaid football media job. That persistence paid off when the person finally needed someone and called Joe. "If I had only called him once or twice, he probably would have forgotten about me," Joe admitted.
While Joe’s journey is still relatively young, his passion and drive have already propelled him to impressive heights. When Breezy asked about his future plans, Joe was cautious but optimistic. "I can’t say too much, but I'm speaking to the right people, and hopefully, we can get something sorted," he teased. His focus is on career progression, with a desire to elevate his presence in the professional sports media landscape.
In the end, Joe's story is one of grit, determination, and passion. From humble beginnings to rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in MMA, his journey serves as an inspiration for anyone trying to break into the often cutthroat world of sports media. His message is clear: hard work, persistence, and a bit of delusion can take you places you never thought possible.
Watch the full ATF Podcast episode here: https://youtu.be/lrsKtgW-2vo?si=gph8jtYDNhrSlkpZ
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