McKee to face long-term rival Lahore in Belfast
McKee makes his PFL debut on 16 April [Getty Images] Ballymena's Rhys McKee says upcoming opponent Alex Lahore "will finally get the punch in the mouth he deserves" when they meet in a 176lb catchweight bout at Belfast's SSE Arena on 16 April. The pair will fight as the co-main event to the PFL lightweight bout between Darragh Kelly and Jay Jay Wilson. McKee, whose professional record stands at 14 wins with seven defeats and one draw, is making his PFL bow but is familiar with France's Lahore [26-11] who has enjoyed a lengthy career in the sport.
The 30-year-old is beginning a new chapter after his release by the UFC and he feels Lahore is the perfect opponent for his return to Belfast. "During my BAMMA [British Association of Mixed Martial Arts] days, Alex was a top of the bill, co-main stature and even back then, we had words and wanted to fight so it feels full circle now that it's back again," McKee told BBC Sport NI. "He's finally going to get that punch in the mouth he deserves, but for me it's nice as he is a tough fight, someone who is there to win, has loads of experience and is a test, but when have I ever not wanted a test?
"This is one and Alex coming to Belfast couldn't be painted any better for me, so I'm delighted with it. " Donegal's Darragh Kelly is confirmed as the main attraction following the knee injury that forced Paul Hughes out of his planned lightweight return against Jay Jay Wilson. Kelly, whose record stands at 9-0, will take on the New Zealander [11-2], has seven wins by stoppage and will seek to build on that against an opponent who is yet to be stopped.
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