Rhys McKee says he wants to be the man to "drag" the UFC back to Belfast.
McKee fought twice under Dana White's promotion during the Covid pandemic, losing out to rising superstar Khamzat Chimaev and then seasoned campaigner Alex Morono. He is now rebuilding his career with Cage Warriors, and on Saturday night he will bid to become CW welterweight champion.
Victory against Justin Burlinson at the SSE Arena could open the door for the Co Antrim fighter's return to the UFC. It could also pave the way for more massive nights in Belfast.
Read more: McKee vs Burlinson TV and live stream info for Cage Warriors 140
"I hope there are more big nights in Belfast. I would love to drag the UFC back to Belfast," McKee told Belfast Live.
"I know we are talking about Cage Warriors this week, but I would love to drag the UFC back here and be the man there. All this is very much in our grasp and possibilities.
"June 25 just gets it started. And I can't wait to put on a show."
Reflecting on his UFC experience, McKee added: "I learnt a lot about myself from those two UFC fights. I am what I say I am and that's a real fighter.
"People can't say 'Rhys is all talk'. I have walked the walk, even in situations where I shouldn't have walked.
"I am extremely brave and I am scared of no man. And maybe I have to be protected from myself at times.
"I am growing more mature, and I am learning all the time. I have maybe trained through injuries in the past, or fought with insufficient prep time."
Before McKee can realise his UFC ambition he has to get past English opponent Burlinson at Cage Warriors 140. Their welterweight duel is the main event on a stacked card at the SSE Arena.
"Eyes are on this fight and it has that big fight feel, so I really can't wait. It really is what sentence you want to use to hype it," McKee said.
"I was talking to a few people locally and they were asking when the next fight was. The they asked where it is at and I told them the SSE Arena and their eyes light up, and then they find out I am headlining for a world title.
"There are just so many layers to it, and I am absolutely loving it. It is everything I have dreamt of."
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