image source, julian de rosa
McKee lost to Ange Russa in his return to the UFC after three years.
Rhys McKee said ahead of Saturday's welterweight bout against Chidi Njokuani that he is ready to “finally enter a good chapter” in his UFC career.
The Ballymena fighter will be looking to bounce back from his loss to Ange Roosa in his UFC return fight in Paris four months ago.
It was his third loss in three UFC fights, but he is determined to finally get a win in Atlantic City.
“I'm excited to perform and start the show,” Mackie told BBC Sport NI.
“I know how good I am, but the fact that I haven’t shown the American world and the UFC world how good I am is on my mind.
“There's no other place to fight than in the UFC, so it's time to show it.”
“I don’t care how we win this battle.”
McKee still looking for first UFC win after three consecutive losses
McKee lost to Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Morono in his first UFC appearance in 2020, before returning by unanimous decision to Swiss opponent Lusa in September.
The 28-year-old says he is desperate to get his first win against American Njokuani “by trick or by trick”.
“All I have to do is get this over the line. I've fought guys that no one else would have fought, and they're still very much in the UFC and are among the top active players in the world.” “We're making strides toward 10,'' explained Mackey.
“I've never fought dummies or fools, I've fought real men, and in my head it was always a compliment from the UFC, they're the ones I'm fighting at that level.” I mean there is, but now it's about getting over this line.
“I don't care how we win this game, we just have to win.”
Despite the increased stakes of the fight, McKee doesn't feel any more pressure on Njokuani, who is 2-3 in the UFC.
“Every game we have to win, but this one is one we have to win even more because I'm coming back from a loss. I know my back is against the wall, but now is the time to perform. “It's time,” McKee said.
“This fight is huge. It's a huge deal for an Irishman to fight in front of an American audience in the birthplace of the UFC, and it's a dream come true to fight such a challenging opponent.”
“My relentless style will be his kryptonite.”
McKee is hoping to get off to a fast start against the 35-year-old Njokuani, who has lost three of his last three fights in the UFC.
“It's no secret that my approach has been a little off and I've found my way into the fights at times, but this time it's a sprint from the first bell,” McKee said.
“Chidi is dangerous and brings a wealth of experience, but I believe my relentless style is his kryptonite.
“Obviously he's a technician, but I feel like I have more options than him and I'm going to win the fight by any means necessary.”
