Rhys McKee showed courage and punch power as he won the Cage Warriors welterweight title in sensational fashion on Saturday night.
The Ballymena man stopped Justin Burlinson in the third round with a clinical one-two finish in front of thousands of raucous fans at the SSE Arena.
McKee's world title dream was under serious threat in the opening two rounds as Burlinson's ground game threatened to ruin the 26-year-old's night.
Read more: Rhys McKee vs Justin Burlinson as it happened at Cage Warriors 140
A gaping cut on the forehead also forced a visit from the doctor at the end of the first, but thankfully the contest continued.
Both men were battered and bruised, with Burlinson also requiring a medical check at the end of the second after he sustained some nasty swelling around his left eye.
It was one of those fights.
But if Burlinson came close to glory in rounds one and two, the third was all about McKee's finish.
As both men traded in the centre of the floor, McKee found room for a sharp right hook before detonating a straight left on Burlinson's chin. The Englishman folded against the cage, prompting the referee to rush in and end the contest.
Cue mad scenes of celebration as McKee rushed into the crowd to share the moment with his fans.
A lifelong dream had been realised, and it is only the beginning for the Co Antrim MMA star.
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