Cage Warriors star Rhys McKee believes that his path to the pinnacle of the MMA world will see him once again face top welterweight Khamzat Chimaev.
McKee, who fights Justin Burlinson for the Cage Warriors gold in Belfast this Saturday, faced Chimaevon just six days notice amid a brutal lockdown in his home country. The Swede had just fought in Abu Dhabi against John Phillips, and moved down in weight to face McKee at his preferred welterweight.
Unfortunately for the 25-year-old from Ballymena, the combination of being unable to train properly for months at home as well as Chimaev's world level skill, he was quickly stopped in his debut. He moved on to face promotional veteran Alex Morono in his next outing, and after a freak incident with his gumshield he ended up losing by decision.
Now, with the world reopened and his training back in full tilt, McKee wants to get back to the big leagues the right way, by claiming gold in his home country. The Cage Warriors belt is seen as the golden ticket to the UFC, with most who have held it having moved on.
"Who knows?" McKee told Mirror Fighting of a possible rematch with Chimaev, now the No.3-ranked welterweight in the world. "I do believe our lines will match some way again.
"This whole thing has proven to be a lovely fairytale to be a part of and I see where it's going, I see the path and I could almost write this story before it's happened. I just need to go out and do what I know I can do.
"I heard someone say 'Rhys has lost two of his last three," but two of those guys are in the top 20 in the world, and Khamzat is top five. It's not really something you can use to put someone down.
"That's why I'm extremely confident going into this fight, I've fought guys who are some of the best in the world and it's all going to stand to me - I've been in there with some of the best this sport has to offer."
It has been a whirlwind few years for McKee, who was a BAMMA champion at the age of just 21. He looked set to become the next challenger for welterweight gold in Cage Warriors before the coronavirus pandemic and his eventual shot at the UFC.
But now, having watched youngster Ian Garry who hadn't even fought professionally when McKee made his Cage Warriors debut get the belt and a more favourable run in the promotion, he plans to pick up where he left off. After dustin the cobwebs off against Aleksi Mantykivi in October, McKee faces the highly-touted Burlinson in a massive clash for UK and Irish MMA.
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"I've heard the name for a long time," McKee said of his opponent. "He's from a respected team, he's fought on Bellator and other big promotions as well.
"I know he has an extensive amateur record, but a slightly smaller professional record and his only loss was on the Contender Series. I just don't know if he's rubbed shoulders with the same type of fighters I have and I believe I'm a higher level with more experience.
"I'm excited to show that as well. He poses big threats, there's no doubt about that, but I definitely think this is a puzzle I will work out and get him out of there."
Rhys McKee fights Justin Burlinson for the vacant welterweight title in the headline bout at Cage Warriors 140 at Belfast's SSE Arena on Saturday 25th June. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and Eventim
