MMA: Northern Ireland's Rhys McKee to headline Cage Warriors in Belfast

The Ballymena native will face Englishman Justin Burlinson at the SSE Arena on June 25.

Rhys McKee (L) and Justin Burlinson (R)
Author: James GouldPublished 21st Apr 2022

Rhys McKee (11-4-1) will fight Justin Burlinson (7-1) for the promotion's welterweight title at the SSE Arena Belfast on June 25.

The Ballymena man headlines Cage Warriors' first visit to Belfast.

McKee had two fights in the UFC back in 2020, losing both bouts, but winning this one could fire him back to the organisation after it released him.

Burlinson also has UFC potential as the 24-year-old bids to become the first Englishman since Dan Hardy to win the Cage Warriors welterweight title, which has also previously been held by the likes of Nicolas Dalby, Cathal Pendred, Mason Jones and Pascal Krauss.

Meanwhile, a middleweight bout between two local prospects has also been confirmed for Belfast.

After a successful run on the amateur circuit, Jordan O’Neill will make the step-up to the professional ranks to take on Paddy McCorry (2-0).