Andy Young is set for a big comeback after it was confirmed he will fight on the upcoming Cage Warriors show in Belfast.
The experienced flyweight will return for his first outing in more than three years at the SSE Arena on Saturday, June 25.
Young will face Scott Malone at Cage Warriors 140 which is headlined by Ballymena star Rhys McKee.
Read more: Rhys McKee to headline Cage Warriors Belfast in June
The 32-year-old hasn't fought since dropping a decision loss to former champion Sam Creasey in March 2019.
Young - who got married last year - has used his recent spell of inactivity to launch his own mixed martial arts gym and promotion, but he insists that he hasn't been "lying idle" since he last strapped on the yellow gloves.
He said: "After a few setbacks with injuries last year, I'm very excited to return to Europe's top show and put on a clinical performance against a top opponent.
"In previous fights I sometimes felt I was fighting for the wrong reasons – burned out and not giving myself time to get my mindset to where it needed to be – but now it's a different ball game.
"I'm fighting for the love of competing, having fun and doing what I'm born to do. I'm ready to fight my way towards the top and get back to world championship status."
After debuting as an amateur in 2009, Young graduated to the pro ranks and went on to record notable victories over the likes of current flyweight contender Aaron Aby and reigning bantamweight champion Dominique Wooding.
He has been in some big fights, notably in March 2018 when he went the distance with former UFC title challenger Ali Bagautinov in Slovakia.
Meanwhile, opponent Malone is targeting his fifth Cage Warriors victory, and the 10th of his professional career overall, providing Young with a stern test of his credentials in Belfast.
The 34-year-old Scotsman is determined to return to winning ways after being on the wrong side of a split decision when he clashed with the undefeated Dylan Hazan back in October.
"I'm looking forward to fighting in Belfast against the hometown crowd – they're in for a treat," he said.
"I'll be looking to put on a picture-perfect performance, before calling for a title shot – or Aaron Aby. Either way, my hand will be raised and it'll be a real crowd pleaser."
Tickets for CW 140 – which will feature a vacant welterweight title bout between Rhys McKee and Justin Burlinson – are on sale NOW from Ticketmaster
Read more: Rhys McKee offers verdict after watching back Alex Morono defeat
Read more: Inside Rhys McKee's Fight Island camp as he prepares for UFC debut
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
