Rhys McKee

By Press Release

Rhys McKee, Northern Ireland’s knock out specialist, will challenge for the Welterweight Title in a home city headline spot at the Belfast SSE Arena.

On May 16th, the SSE Arena will host its first Cage Warriors show. And now a world title is on the line.

In a breaking announcement, Cage Warriors can confirm that Belfast’s Rhys McKee will be the latest man to challenge for the coveted welterweight title. The Cage Warriors welterweight belt is one of the most coveted in European combat sports and has formerly been held by UFC legend Dan ‘The Outlaw’ Hardy and current UFC star Nicolas Dalby – as well as recent Irish UFC vet Cathal Pendred.

The belt was recently vacated by former champion Ross Houston.

Rhys McKee is fast becoming one of the most talked-about names on the European MMA scene, with 10 wins to his record – including a notable victory over former Cage Warriors champion Jai Herbert who just signed for the UFC last month.

Many believe McKee to be Northern Ireland’s leading name in the world of combat sports, and he’ll have the chance to prove it on May 16th. His striking power is dramatic – his latest win came by way of knockout in just 60 seconds, when he floored Norwegian vet Håkon Foss at the Cork Neptune Stadium in November. All Rhys’ wins came inside the distance.

An opponent for McKee is yet to be confirmed, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.

Also confirmed on the May 16th card are Belfast’s Joe McColgan, Newry’s Decky McAleenan and still-undefeated Derry prospect Paul Hughes, with all on winning form after a strong end to 2019. Ian Garry, the rising star of Dublin, Ireland, will also feature.

CW115: Belfast tickets are on sale now, with 20% off for Early Bird buyers.