Away Days Podcast: Reporting from the Underbelly Episode: A Cold Day for Violence Release Date: May 19, 2025 Host: Jake Hanrahan

Introduction

In the episode titled "A Cold Day for Violence," Jake Hanrahan delves deep into the brutal world of underground "no rules" fighting. This episode offers a raw and unfiltered look into a clandestine fight organized in Hastings, UK, exploring the motivations, dynamics, and historical roots of such extreme combat sports.

The No Rules Fight in Hastings

Setting the Scene

Jake begins his journey by traveling through the southern back roads to a desolate seaside town in Hastings, UK, where a pre-arranged brutal fight is set to take place. The atmosphere is tense and cold, both literally and figuratively, as violence is imminent.

Key Participants

• Joey Hapgood: A 27-year-old street fighter from South Wales, known for his boundless energy and genuine demeanor. Joey is eager to make a name for himself in the underground fight scene.

  "I'm not a bad person. Like I won't do it. I ain't no bully. I fucking hate bullies."
  (19:39)

• Bash: An experienced fighter in the no rules scene, 45 years old, with a notorious reputation from previous fights, including a memorable bout where he was severely injured by an opponent.

The Fight

Upon arrival at the designated car park, tensions rise as Joey and Bash prepare to face each other without any formal regulations. The fight is described as a new form of organized violence, distinct from traditional MMA or bare-knuckle boxing due to its complete lack of rules and safety measures.

Notable Quotes During the Fight

• Joey Hapgood:

  "There's going to be a no rules fight with a guy who's very experienced with it... It can be a life or death situation."
  (08:03)

• Bash: Previously involved in a brutal fight where he was severely injured, highlighting the extreme risks associated with no rules fighting.

As the fight unfolds, both fighters engage fiercely, exchanging powerful blows without restraint. Despite Joey's aggressive approach and initial dominance, the fight concludes abruptly when Bash decides to end it, leading to an unexpected resolution.

Aftermath

Contrary to the anticipated blood feud, the confrontation ends peacefully with both fighters shaking hands and displaying camaraderie. Joey expresses his frustration and desire for a more intense showdown, while Bash remains indifferent, indicating that the fight was more about the act itself rather than personal animosity.

Exploring the No Rules Culture

Origins and Evolution

Jake provides a historical context by tracing the roots of no rules fighting back to ancient Greece's pankration—a brutal combat sport combining boxing and wrestling with minimal restrictions. He draws parallels between the ancient practices and the modern underground scene, emphasizing the enduring human fascination with raw, unregulated combat.

Hype Crew and King of the Streets (COTS)

The modern no rules movement is largely influenced by groups like Hype Crew and their creation, King of the Streets (COTS). Originating in Sweden in 2018, COTS gained significant popularity through YouTube, showcasing organized, no holds barred fights that captivated a large audience. This counterculture has since spread across Europe, with various unaffiliated fight clubs emerging in countries like Germany, England, and France.

Insights from Participants

• Brian Hoy (Hype Crew Associate and Undefeated COTS Fighter):

  "Your favorite fighter's favorite fighter is scared to do this shit."
  (Timestamp not specified)

He underscores the fear and respect within the community, highlighting the intense commitment and adrenaline that drives participants beyond monetary incentives.

Host's Quest: Pursuing the Fight Club in Cannes

Intrigued by the burgeoning no rules scene, Jake seeks to document a new underground fight club in Cannes, France. Despite initial enthusiasm from an anonymous user named Leon, Jake's journey takes a turn as he arrives in the luxurious yet austere city of Cannes, known more for its film festival glamour than underground violence.

Challenges Encountered

• Suspicion and Skepticism: Jake doubts the legitimacy of the fight club's existence in such a high-profile location, suspecting it might be a setup or wild goose chase.

  "I'm starting to think something is not right here. So why would there be a brutal no rules fight Club in one of the flashiest cities in Europe."
  (Timestamp around 25:00)

• Contact with Victor: Upon receiving coordinates from another member, Victor, Jake prepares to attend the supposed fight event, still uncertain about its authenticity.

The episode concludes with Jake poised to uncover the truth behind the Cannes fight club, leaving listeners in anticipation for the next installment.

Conclusion

"A Cold Day for Violence" offers a gripping exploration of the no rules fighting subculture, blending firsthand reporting with historical insights. Jake Hanrahan effectively captures the intensity, camaraderie, and inherent dangers of this underground world, setting the stage for further investigations into its expansive and elusive network.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joey Hapgood on No Rules Fighting:

  "There's going to be a no rules fight with a guy who's very experienced with it... It can be a life or death situation."
  (08:03)

• Joey Hapgood on Personal Character:

  "I'm not a bad person. Like I won't do it. I ain't no bully. I fucking hate bullies."
  (19:39)

• Host on Pankration Historical Context:

  "Pankration was not just about brute strength. It required a tactical mindset, a deep understanding of leverage, timing and the ability to anticipate an opponent's moves."
  (24:00)

• Brian Hoy on the Fear within the Community:

  "Your favorite fighter's favorite fighter is scared to do this shit."
  (Timestamp not specified)

Closing Remarks

For those intrigued by the darker, uncharted aspects of society, "A Cold Day for Violence" serves as a compelling narrative that exposes the raw and unfiltered reality of underground fight clubs. Stay tuned for the next episode as Jake continues his journey into the heart of no rules fighting.