Irish MMA star Rhys McKee has signed for the UFC and will be thrown straight into the deep end at Fight Island next week.
The 25-year-old (10-2-1) has reportedly signed a four-fight deal with the promotion after co-headlining Cage Warriors 110 last November.
And he won't have to wait long for his debut as it has been confirmed that he'll be in action at Fight Island 3 on July 25.
He'll face Khamzat Chimaev (7-0-0) at welterweight, who was in action just three days ago at Fight Island 1 at middleweight.
Chimaev makes the 15-pound weight cut as he bids to score a second win in just ten days, but 'Skeletor' can claim a major scalp if he can pick up the win on his UFC debut.
It comes after fellow Irishman Joe Duffy announced his retirement following a loss at Fight Island 2 tonight, meaning that the promotion have gained another Irish star as they lost another.
The Donegal native was submitted by Joel Alvarez just three minutes into their preliminary card bout at Yas Island.
And in an emotional Instagram post, Duffy thanked fans and the UFC as he claimed the loss made him realize that he hasn't 'got what it takes' to compete at the highest level in the sport.
He said: "Thank you all so much for all your messages of support all week. I have been blessed on this journey in MMA and am truly grateful for every experience.
"I felt great all through camp and even warming up, I believed I was back to my former self then when I went in there it just falls to pieces.
"I think it’s time to realize that I haven’t got what it takes any more. Congrats to Joel Alvarez and thank you to the UFC for all the opportunities.
"I’m sorry I didn’t achieve what I set out to achieve for my fans, family, friends and myself but it just wasn’t meant to be. I am officially retiring from MMA competition".
The only Irishman to beat Conor McGregor, Duffy enjoyed a long career and retires with a 16-5 record.
But the Donegal native tapped after he was caught in a guillotine hold just under three minutes into the first round of their preliminary bout.
In an exciting bout, the pair traded vicious leg kicks and threw plenty of shots before Duffy scored a takedown.
But the Spaniard managed to catch Duffy in the choke as the pair hit the mat, with the Irishman forced to tap a few seconds later.
