Tough UFC debut for Ballymena’s Rhys McKee
Ballymena MMA star Rhys McKee endured a tough UFC debut when he took on an impressive Khamzat Chimaev at just six days’ notice at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.
The 24-year-old lost out to his undefeated Swedish opponent in the first round, as Chimaev stormed to a record-breaking second victory in just 10 days.
The encounter in the octagon came to an end after three minutes and nine seconds.
However, McKee has vowed to be back and “better as I always am”.
He took to Twitter after the fight to say he had dared to dream in stepping up at short notice to compete, and offering his congratulations to Chimaev.