Away Days Podcast: Reporting from the Underbelly
Episode: All Roads Lead to King of the Streets
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host: Jake Hanrahan
Producer: H11 Studio & Callzone Media

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "All Roads Lead to King of the Streets," Jake Hanrahan delves deep into the clandestine world of underground fighting, focusing on the notorious fight club, King of the Streets (KOTS). This episode marks the first part of Hanrahan's ambitious documentary series, No Rules, which explores the raw and unfiltered realities of society's fringes.

Meet Joey: A Unique Fighter

Jake introduces listeners to Joey, a passionate and flamboyant fighter from South Wales striving to make his mark in the underground fight scene.

• Joey's Struggles and Personality

  • Timestamp [05:10]: "Joey is really quite different from most of the clandestine fighters out there. He's loud as fuck, he dyes his beard, he wears neon colors and lives with his heart on his sleeve at all times."

  Joey's vibrant personality starkly contrasts the typical stoic and hardcore image associated with underground fighters. His attempts to join various fight clubs and bare-knuckle events are often thwarted, not due to lack of skill, but perhaps because his flamboyant demeanor doesn't fit the traditional mold of the scene.

• Health Challenges and Determination

  • Timestamp [07:45]: Joey opens up about his recent heart condition that has put his fighting career on hold, leading to moments of depression.

  Despite his health setbacks, Joey's dedication remains unwavering. His unorthodox methods of staying active, such as jogging topless while eating raw onions, highlight his relentless spirit.

The Quest to Join KOTS

Jake recounts Joey's arduous journey to secure a spot in KOTS, ultimately succeeding through networking with a former fighter.

• Joey's Path to KOTS

  • Timestamp [12:20]: "So I just thought, yeah, I messaged them, spoke to some boy, it's a police boy who fought with him a month ago. And then, yeah, he gave me the contact and that's perfect."

  Joey's perseverance pays off when he finally gets the green light to fight Alex, a seasoned and formidable opponent known for his brutal fighting style.

The Fight at King of the Streets

Jake provides a detailed, real-time narration of Joey's fight against Alex, capturing the intensity and unpredictability of underground battles.

• Fight Breakdown

  • Timestamp [13:36]: "Joey randomly breaks out into a short sprint towards Alex before leaping into the air and throwing a short fly kick."
  • As the fight progresses, Joey showcases both aggression and resilience, despite being overpowered at moments.
  • Timestamp [17:40]: "Alex tries to boot him, but misses. The two circle each other for a second. Alex drops another stiff left hook into Joey's chin."

  The bout is a whirlwind of punches, grapples, and sheer willpower, culminating in Joey securing a hard-fought victory.

• Victory and Sportsmanship

  • Timestamp [21:30]: "I can't believe it. Joey has won the fight. His hand is held up in the air and all the other fighters cheer him on from the stands of the Matador Stadium."

  Post-fight, despite the brutal exchange, Joey and Alex embrace, demonstrating mutual respect and the unspoken codes that govern the underground fighting realm.

Aftermath and Reflections

Following his victory, Joey reconnects with his family, revealing a softer side beneath his combative exterior.

• Family Support

  • Timestamp [26:25]: "I rang home and he's like, yeah, well done. You know, See, he."

  Joey's parents express pride and support, shedding light on his upbringing and the strong familial bonds that anchor him.

Jake reflects on his own journey to gain access to KOTS, highlighting the challenges and eventual breakthrough after persistent efforts and building trust within the community.

• Gaining Access to KOTS

  • Timestamp [30:15]: "I've seen firsthand myself on my many reporting trips to various front lines across the world."

  Jake emphasizes the diversity within KOTS fighters, debunking misconceptions about the fight club being a breeding ground for extremists.

Societal Implications of Underground Fighting

Towards the end of the episode, Jake delves into a philosophical discussion about violence and its place in society.

• Violence in Society vs. Underground Fighting

  • Timestamp [35:50]: "War is far more violent than anything you will ever see in a no rules fight."

  He contrasts the sanctioned violence in global conflicts with the raw, unregulated violence in underground fight clubs, questioning societal perceptions and moral judgments surrounding such activities.

• Morality and Acceptance

  • Timestamp [36:30]: "No one is. Violence is part of our DNA. It is all around us."

  Jake provocatively suggests that while underground fighting is often deemed barbaric, society at large is complicit in accepting more extreme forms of violence through institutions like the military.

Conclusion

Jake concludes the episode by reaffirming the purpose of Away Days Podcast—to present unfiltered and authentic stories from society's underbelly. He hints at an upcoming documentary that will further expose the complexities and nuances of underground fighting.

• Teaser for Part Two
  • Timestamp [38:00]: "Next week we'll be starting Part two of the podcast where we'll take you on a journey through a deadly favela in Brazil to see what life is like when a gang takes on the role of a government."

Key Takeaways

• Authentic Portrayal: The episode offers a raw and unfiltered look into the underground fighting scene, challenging preconceived notions and highlighting individual stories like Joey's.

• Complex Characters: Joey emerges as a multifaceted character—aggressive yet vulnerable, flamboyant yet deeply connected to his roots and family.

• Societal Reflection: Jake's reflections on violence provoke listeners to reconsider societal norms and the often hypocritical acceptance of certain violent practices.

Notable Quotes

• Jake Hanrahan: "Most people don't want to risk having their head smashed off of a concrete floor or their eye gouged out or their skin bitten off. I certainly would not."
  Timestamp [22:00]

• Joey: "I always am."
  Timestamp [27:23]

• Jake Hanrahan: "Two people fighting in private, hidden from the rest of the world, is no one's business but their own."
  Timestamp [45:10]

Stay Tuned:
Don't miss the next episode of Away Days Podcast, where Jake Hanrahan explores life in a Brazilian favela ruled by gangs. Subscribe to YouTube.com/@awaydaystv to follow along with Jake's unfiltered reporting from the world's most hidden corners.

Credits:
Produced by: H11 Studio & Callzone Media
Music by: Sam Black
Sound Mix: Splicing Block
Photography: Johnny Pickup & Louis Hollis
Graphic Design: Laura Adamson & Casey Highfield