‘He was two or three strikes forward’ – What it’s wish to battle UFC star Khamzat Chimaev as Rhys McKee makes stunning revelation after Struggle Island defeat

Rhys McKee has revealed precisely what it was wish to face quickly rising UFC prospect Khamzat Chimaev on simply six days’ discover.

The Northern Irishman featured in one of the heart-warming movies of the summer season when Cage Warriors boss Graham Boylan filmed his dwell response to studying he was to be part of the UFC.

McKee flew to Struggle Island on Abu Dhabi the place, regardless of his greatest efforts, he was unable to beat the Chechan-born Swede and is now searching for the prospect to make it proper on Saturday evening in Las Vegas.

Bantamweight contender ‘Skeletor’ will face Alex Morono on the Apex within the hope he can expunge the reminiscence of going through Chimaev with lower than per week to organize.

The 24-year-old admitted that whereas the menacing middleweight offered him issues throughout their welterweight bout, he by no means felt intimidated by Chimaev.

“He didn’t speak to me or something like that,” he advised talkSPORT.com. “I’ve stated this earlier than, however the battle wasn’t like something I haven’t felt earlier than.

“There was by no means a second it felt prefer it was an unwinnable battle. I believe my largest challenge was that I hadn’t wrestled in 12, 13 weeks.

“This isn’t an excuse by the way in which, however anyone is aware of that while you haven’t wrestled or boxed or kickboxed shortly it’s a case of muscle reminiscence.

“For those who’re not doing it for therefore lengthy, there’s a timing challenge, your eyes aren’t fairly there and you may’t see the identical issues. Something I did; he wasn’t even one step forward, he was two or three.

“I’m not saying he’s not tremendously skilful, as a result of he’s, nevertheless it was additionally right down to the actual fact I had been out for a wee whereas. I imply, he’s unbelievable and he’s preventing Leon Edwards so, props to him.

“However I couldn’t sit right here and say I haven’t felt stronger presences within the octagon.”

“I didn’t have a second to settle or mirror whereas I used to be there,” he added. “But it surely was wonderful.

“I’ve seen a number of folks have truly requested me within the run as much as this one about how hectic the final one was, saying it mustn’t have been that good.

“I had the most effective 5 – 6 days of my life! The UFC pull no punches in taking care of their fighters and that one was no totally different. I used to be completely catered for in any method doable.

“So the expertise, as a primary welcome into the UFC, was unbelievable. Sadly the efficiency didn’t actually match what I needed, so that’s what Saturday evening is for although.”