Chris McMahon
CHRIS MCMAHON
I first met Chris backstage at UKBFF Scotland 2025. I had seen him compete previously and thought he had a great deal of potential but just needed to come in sharper and fuller. After a brief chat he explained to me his interest in joining the team for finals later on in the year.
By the Monday evening after the show we had already talked on the phone and put the wheels in motion for the next phase. After a short gaining phase we began prep for PCA Manchester and the BPA British. With his size the goal was simple, come in peeled!
Chris will attest that the prep we did together was different to any other that came before it. His cardio was higher than it ever was and his food was fairly low, however it was the first time he had calculated, strategic high days. As prep went on we fell into a pattern of running high for ‘X’ amount of days, then digging for ‘Y’ amount of days, rinse and repeat. Every time we did so it led to better conditioning and by the time it got to the first show, it was the best condition he had ever been in.
I saw him step on stage at PCA Manchester and you could tell instantly he was in the mix for a top placing. He ended up getting 2nd that day and for the first time felt like he was one of the ones to beat. The week following he went on to grab 3rd in the BPA British to wrap up a tremendous first season working together.
Here is what Chris had to say about his journey:
“After taking a few years off competition where I did reasonably well in most shows, constantly picking up 2nd and 3rd places, my wife and I noticed very quickly who's clients were picking up most of the top placings. I was a little hesitant if I’m being totally honest as I had previously employed professional coaches in the past who simply weren't up to the task by either missing the mark regarding being ready on time, or fat not shifting and the coach believing i was cheating on my diet, which never happens. She had mentioned several times about hiring Vaughan both last year and this year having followed him closely on social media.
The early part of this year just didn't pan out for me regarding conditioning. I knew something had to be done.
So while backstage at the UKBFF Scottish I spoke to him regarding PED usage and a medical condition I have, to which he knew the answer straight away, this inspired a huge amount of confidence regarding his knowledge in pharmaceutical usage and how they effect certain individuals.
After a chat on the phone I knew we were on the same page, we both knew I could look a damn sight better and he thought I could do really well with my physique. I was in... feet first. There were a few issues regarding digestion at first, there was no hanging around, this was dealt with immediately and was taken very seriously, this was great for me......a coach who knows his stuff and actually gives a shit.
Over the next 20 odd weeks, communication was regular, professional yet relaxed with a few laughs. More importantly I didn't have to wait an eternity to get a response. Everything was laid out for me with complete simplicity on the run up to and on the day of my shows, no guess work, stress free.
I stepped on stage for the first time with a feeling of confidence, a confidence I had never felt before and for the first time felt like I was one of the guys to beat. We finished the season doing 2 shows together, ultimately by far in my best shape in over 10 years competing: 2nd at PCA Manchester in a fantastic line up AND 3rd at the BPA British finals in an equally good class.
I had 2 goals going into this, come in peeled, done..top 3 in a British final..done. Would I recommend Vaughan? I've been in this game a long time, seen lots of coaches come and go. There's a reason he's one of the top coaches in the UK.
Those are: his knowledge, His professionalism, attention to detail, you're not just a number, I really could go on. Yes I 100% would recommend him to anyone looking to compete and look their ultimate best
And I will also be staying put for the next good few seasons“