Jeremy Kennedy (photo via Twitter - @JeremyKennedyWC / UFC)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Although Jeremy Kennedy began his UFC run with a victory, by defeating lightweight Alex Ricci, the Canadian is hoping the promotion has room in its featherweight division.

Kennedy made his Octagon debut against Ricci at UFC on FOX 21, August 27th, and worked his way to a unanimous decision win. Ricci was stepping in for Josh Emmett, however, who was originally booked to fight Kennedy.

Recently “JBC” appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio, and the 23 year-old reported the following:

“My original fight against Josh Emmett was at 155 as well. That’s what they signed me at,” said Kennedy, while discussing his future plans. “I’ve fought at featherweight my whole career and that’s my division. But when the UFC calls and says ‘hey, we’ve got a fight at lightweight’, I’m not going to say no. I jumped in; I took it, but unfortunately Emmett got hurt, and they kept it at 155, and brought in Alex.”

“A week out I could have still made 145,” Kennedy revealed. “I didn’t naturally put on weight or anything. My metabolism; I don’t know what’s going on with it. I couldn’t put on weight to save my life.”

Although recently there’s been a trend, whereby more fighters are electing to fight at a higher weight, and avoid large weight cuts, it doesn’t sound like Kennedy needs to go that route.

“That’s my plan; that’s my hope,” the Surrey fighter said, when asked if he wants to return to featherweight for his next bout. “If the UFC agrees…I think the 45 division is pretty full right now; that’s why they signed me as a lightweight, to fight at lightweight, because that division has more room, or whatever. Hopefully they can find room for me.”

“…You could even see in the fight I was undersized you know? Added Kennedy. “I had to change my gameplan and fight accordingly. I think I’ll be more successful at 145.”

With the August 27th victory, Kennedy moved his pro-record to 9-0.