With the UFC searching for a short-notice opponent to experience the vastly-amazing Khamzat Chimaev at UFC on ESPN 14, the promotion turned to a tried and trusted resource of fighting expertise for a ideal matchup.
As a final result, Cage Warriors welterweight contender Rhys McKee is all set to consider on Chimaev on Saturday night time at Yas Island as the Northern Irishman will get established for a whirlwind couple days as he indicators the paperwork, packs his bags and goes via the arduous screening and quarantine phases demanded ahead of he can make his octagon debut.
McKee was presently established for a large fight, with his 63-2nd win around Hakon Foss at Cage Warriors 110 previous November placing him in line for a shot at the promotion’s vacant 170-pound title following the departure of champ Ross Houston and interim titleholder Nicolas Dalby to Bellator and the UFC respectively.
But when Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan video clip-called McKee, it was not to conduct a social media Q&A with the manager, as the 24-calendar year-outdated imagined.
As a substitute, he was advised he’d be stepping up on quick recognize to make his UFC debut. His reaction, which started with shocked silence, then disbelief, then pure exhilaration, was priceless as he grew to become the 96th Cage Warriors fighter to be signed by the UFC.
Test out “Skeletor’s” reaction to his UFC call-up by way of the online video earlier mentioned.