Antrim native Rhys McKee has gone from Cage Warriors title challenger to the main card of UFC Fight Island 3 in the space of a week.
The Irish welterweight has signed a four-fight deal and has been thrown in the deep end to take on UFC prospect Khazmat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi tonight.
Not a lot of UFC fans will be familiar with the 24-year-old, but as he continues his rise through the ranks many will see 'Skeletor' in the Octagon for the first time.
Here's everything you need to know about Rhys McKee:
Profile
Name : Rhys McKee
Age : 24
Where from : Ballymena, N Ireland
MMA nickname : Skeletor
MMA record : 10-2-1
Rise through the ranks
McKee first stepped into coach Rodney Moore's gym 10 years ago as a raw 14-year-old, but it wasn't long before Moore saw the potential of the youngster.
An encouraging amateur career eventually led to McKee's progression with the BAMMA promotion where he had 10 fights, winning seven with two defeats and a draw.
He then went on to Cage Warriors where he started cementing a name for himself, with three stoppage wins from three outings.
He was due to challenge for a Cage Warriors title in May until the coronavirus pandemic put paid to that show.
But the UFC had already seen enough talent, notably through impressive wins over Hakon Foss in Cork last November. His debut at Cage Warriors 100 also led to the first-round finish of Jefferson George.
Throw in a brilliant win against Perry Goodwin and McKee's reputation was on the rise.
What type of fighter is McKee?
Rhys is a pretty well-rounded athlete but is known for his punch power.
Coach Moore believes McKee's octagon craft and tactical nous makes him a special talent, with his young fighter able to adapt to any situation.
He can grapple and also strike, making him a dangerous opponent.
Who does he face on Fight Island?
McKee will take on the unbeaten and highly-rated Khazmat Chimaev.
Chimaev is making a quick return after an impressive win against John Phillips last week at Yas Island.
He's a name many fighters would want to avoid, but not Rhys McKee.
When the Ballymena man was offered the fight he didn't take a second to hesitate.
Baptism of fire?
Many would describe McKee's UFC debut as just this, but it is a massive opportunity.
Not many fighters get the opportunity to make their UFC bows on the main card of such an iconic event as Fight Island.
He has signed a four-fight deal with the UFC, so there will be plenty more opportunities for the young star to shine.
But he hasn't travelled to Abu Dhabi to make up the numbers this time.
