THERE ARE EIGHT Irish fighters currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but the big question is who’ll be next to join the largest mixed martial arts organisation in the world?
We’ve taken a look at the candidates and ranked their chances of a call-up from Sean Shelby and Joe Silva…
10. Alan Philpott
From: Ballymena
Division: Bantamweight
Record: 13-7
Pros: Still improving and, at 22 years of age, time is on his side.
Cons: Suffered his first loss since 2013 last weekend against undefeated Englishman Ed Arthur.
9. Damien Rooney
From: Newry
Division: Flyweight
Record: 10-4-1
Pros: Experienced; highly-ranked in Europe; competes in a division the UFC are keen to expand.
Cons: Currently in the middle of a lay-off as his wife is due to give birth; coming off a loss to top prospect Shaj Haque in his last outing.
8. Michael Doyle
From: Craigavon
Division: Lightweight
Record: 8-3
Pros: Solid record with wins over good opposition.
Cons: Needs to compete more often, having not fought since last June.
7. Chris Fields
From: Dublin
Division: Middleweight
Record: 10-6-1
Pros: Former Cage Warriors champion; featured on The Ultimate Fighter; team-mate of UFC fighters like Conor McGregor and Cathal Pendred.
Cons: Suffered a costly defeat against Cheick Kone in February.
6. Catherine Costigan
From: Limerick
Division: Atomweight
Record: 5-0
Pros: Undefeated; recently signed with top women’s promotion Invicta, which has a good relationship with the UFC.
Cons: There’s no atomweight division in the UFC — at the moment — so a move up to strawweight might be required.
5. Tommy Quinn
From: Magherafelt
Division: Welterweight
Record: 6-1
Pros: Good record; entertaining style; marketable personality.
Cons: Hasn’t fought since December 2013 but has a big fight coming up against highly-rated Welshman Lew Long next month.
4. Peter Queally
From: Dungarvan
Division: Welterweight
Record: 5-1
Pros: Solid record; represents Ireland’s top gym (SBG); has competed for well-regarded promotions like Cage Warriors and EFC.
Cons: Unfortunately had to withdraw from a big fight in South Africa recently due to injury; could do with some finishes as all of his wins to date have come via decision.
3. Artem Lobov
From: Dublin
Division: Featherweight
Record: 11-10-1-1
Pros: Entertaining fighter; always ready to step in on short notice; has beaten some of the best in Europe; tried out for The Ultimate Fighter earlier this week; main sparring partner to Conor McGregor.
Cons: Split record.
2. Tommy McCafferty
From: Letterkenny
Division: Featherweight
Record: 6-0
Pros: Yet to be defeated; explosive style courtesy of his background as a kickboxing world champion; has an opportunity to pick up a big win this weekend against the excellent French featherweight Teddy Violet.
Cons: Needs to compete more often; hasn’t been tested by a high-level grappler yet.
1. Karl Moore
From: Belfast
Division: Light-heavyweight
Record: 5-0
Pros: Undefeated; still only 23; competes in a division in which the UFC are lacking young talent; two-time Cage Warriors veteran; a win over the unbeaten Mauro Cerilli in Italy on 30 May would be a big step in the right direction.
Cons: Very few. Moore is still rough around the edges and could do with a step-up in competition, but the signs are positive so far.
