CORK-BASED MIXED martial arts fighter Jake Hecht is bound for the UFC after signing a four-fight deal with the world’s premier MMA promotion.

Hecht, a native of Missouri in the USA, is to make his debut at UFC 140 on December 10 in Toronto, Canada on a card that will be headlined by the light-heavyweight title clash of Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida.

27-year-old Hecht has a professional record of 10 wins and 2 defeats. He moved to Cork back in March to take up the head MMA coach’s position at the MMA/Boxing Clinic in Frankfield.

“I’ve had eight years of grinding hours in the gym and absolutely working myself to the bone,” said Hecht.

“I couldn’t be happier with this news. It shows that hard work really does pay off, no matter how long it takes or how many bumps in the road there are.

“I’m enjoying every minute of living here in Cork and I’ve worked especially hard since I arrived here to train at the MMA Clinic. I can’t wait for December 10.”

Hecht, who normally fights at middleweight, has fought twice since his move to Cork this year, defeating Craig White and Michele Verginelli on top UK show Cage Warriors.

His opponent at UFC 140 will be Rich Attonito, a 34-year-old from New Jersey who was victorious against Daniel Roberts on his UFC debut in June.

UFC 140 takes place at the 18,000-capacity Air Canada Centre venue.

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