UFC Alum Rhys McKee Returns To Cage Warriors, Set To Feature At Trilogy Event

Mandatory Credit: Mike Roach - Zuffa LLC

Two-fight UFC alum, Rhys 'Skeltor' McKee has confirmed that he has resigned with the Graham Boylan-led, Cage Warriors -- ahead of a return to the banner as part of the promotion's upcoming Trilogy billed event at York Hall in London, England on September 30. through until October 2.

Ballymena native, McKee entered the UFC in July of last year in a short-notice UFC Fight Island appearance opposite the surging undefeated prospect, Khamzat Chimaev for his promotional bow. 

Entering the bout in the midst of a three-fight winning run, the Northern Ireland striker suffered a one-sided knockout in the opening round due to ground strikes.

Returning in November at UFC Vegas 14, McKee met with Alex Morono where he suffered a hard-fought unanimous decision loss.

In January, McKee confirmed on his official Instagram account that he had been handed his release from the UFC -- before outlining intentions to return to the promotion in the future. 

"For me, it's time to go and improve my game in all areas and take care of weaknesses," McKee posted. "My next fight will not be in the UFC, but I will return to there a different level. The fight game is a game of margins and inches. I understand at the top there is no grace, but I'll be back there trust that."

Confirming his return to Cage Warriors this Friday morning, McKee also announced that he would be competing at the welterweight limit again, as part of the Trilogy showcase; "Excited to be fighting on @CageWarriors trilogy show, ready to showcase."

With his return to the leading European promotion, McKee returns to a division that is currently without a titleholder of any form, after recently minted undisputed welterweight champion and tournament victor, Ian 'The Future' Garry penned a multi-fight deal to link up with the UFC following his unanimous decision win over Jack Grant. 

Boasting a 10-4-1 professional record, the Next Generation MMA trainee enjoyed an eye-catching purple-patch prior to his move to the UFC, stopping Hakan Foss, Perry Andre Goodwin, and Jefferson George as part of a three-fight undefeated run. McKee also holds a trio of victories over other names such as Tim Barnett, former Cage Warriors lightweight champion, Jai Herbert, and John Redmond.