Leah McCourt has predicted a bright future for rising Co Antrim MMA star Rhys McKee.
McKee made his UFC debut this year, losing out to the highly-rated Khamzat Chimaev on Fight Island back in July.
That contest ended in a first-round stoppage for Chimaev, but the Ballymena man returned in November to take seasoned UFC campainer Alex Morono the distance in an entertaining slug-fest in Las Vegas.
Bellator star McCourt says every fight in McKee's welterweight division will be an acid test, but she believes the 25-year-old will soon earn his first win - and do it in style.
"I think Rhys is a phenomenal fighter and he has a big future ahead of him," McCourt told Belfast Live.
"He obviously went in with an elite fighter in Khamzat Chimaev in his UFC debut. You only have to look at how big a prospect Chimaev is when you see who he is fighting next.
"Rhys is at such a high level in that division, and every fight will be tough.
"I think he will come back stronger in his next fight and get a big win."
McCourt is hoping to return to action herself in February following a prolonged absence due to shoulder surgery.
Her last fight was last February when she headlined the massive Bellator Europe card in Dublin.
During her recovery from surgery in July McCourt ventured into some TV presenting and analysis, covering Bellator shows in Paris and Milan.
And she believes MMA has helped fill a sporting void during the coronavirus pandemic.
"MMA has led the way when it comes to sport during lockdown," she said.
"It is one of the sports that kept going, and it is great seeing people take notice and give it the respect it deserves."
She added: Bellator gave me an opportunity to do some TV presenting which was great.
"I was over in Paris and Milan and had some great opportunities presented to me.
"So it has been a successful year in many respects."
