Rhys McKee targets redemption against Alex Lohore in PFL Belfast debut

Rhys McKee returns to action at PFL Belfast, facing Alex Lohore at the SSE Arena in Northern Ireland as he begins his journey with the Professional Fighters League following his exit from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Speaking to Combat Evolved, McKee (14-7-1) is relishing the opportunity to compete once again in a venue he never expected to return to.

“I’m buzzing to be back. I’m glad to be in that amazing arena.

“I thought I would never get the chance to compete there again, so when PFL came in with the opportunity to do it, I was all over it.”

McKee excited for Belfast return

When the Irishman departed from the UFC, questions were raised about his next move and where the former Cage Warriors welterweight champion would land.

However, the offer from the PFL was one he could not turn down, especially with the chance to fight in Belfast on a multi fight deal.

The 30-year-old explained: “PFL was probably always the place that I’ve seen as the next option.

“There was a lot of talk, a lot of promotions, but when the PFL came in, with Belfast on the cards, a multi-fight deal, it was a no-brainer.”

Why PFL was the right move after UFC

McKee’s last outing ended in a third round TKO loss against Axel Sola at UFC Paris, and redemption is firmly on his mind heading into this new chapter.

‘Skeletor’ believes he needed a fresh challenge to reignite his motivation, with plans to make a statement in the PFL welterweight division.

He added: “I feel coming out of the UFC, I very much needed something to excite me, and the PFL have the opportunity to do that.

“My plan is really to stay as active as I can, keep competing, keep winning fights, climb the rankings and get towards the title.”

History with Alex Lohore and fight expectations

At PFL Belfast, McKee faces familiar opponent Alex Lohore (26-11) and explained the history behind their rivalry dating back to their time in BAMMA.

He said: “It was in the BAMMA days. I called him out, and that was it, a bit back and forth.

“I have no bad feelings towards him, I actually respect him a lot, he’s been on a world tour, done a lot of things, it’s just now our paths have finally crossed and we get to finish this story.”

When discussing the matchup against the former Oktagon MMA tittle challenger, McKee believes he operates at a higher level than his opponent.

The Irishman pointed to his strength of schedule as a key difference, having faced elite competition including Khamzat Chimaev on his UFC debut.

He stated: “He has a wealth of experience, he’s fought a lot of people, every promotion you can think of, but I just don’t believe that the level is up to the level I am.

“When you see who I’ve fought, they’re all good fights and it’ll speak volumes, coming next Thursday night.”

McKee looks to make a statement, extend his 100% finish rate, and begin his climb in the welterweight division against Lohore in his PFL debut.

Image credit: James McCann via Rhys McKee /Instagram

Another fighter making his return to the PFL, as UK veteran Tim Wilde faces Amin Ayoub — read more here