WITH THE IRISH presence in the UFC increasing swiftly, fans will be curious to see who’ll be the ninth fighter from these shores to be snapped up by MMA’s largest organisation. There are some important bouts on the horizon for Ireland’s UFC hopefuls. Here’s the pick of the bunch…
Conor Cooke vs. Andy De-Vent — Saturday, 28 March (BAMMA 19, Blackpool, England)
The British middleweight title of prominent UK promotion BAMMA will be on the line when Antrim striker Conor Cooke takes on experienced Englishman Andy De-Vent. Cooke has found it difficult to put a consistent run of victories together since turning professional, but coming into this bout on the back of a career-best win over the highly-rated Lee Chadwick, perhaps Cooke is now ready to make a sustained push for the top.
Peter Queally vs. Martin van Staden — Saturday, 4 April (EFC 38, Durban, South Africa)
A member of SBG Ireland, Peter Queally is a Waterford native who’s aiming to find a way into the UFC via South African promotion EFC. Queally, who’s spoken of highly by team-mates like Chris Fields and Cathal Pendred, was the first non-African fighter signed by EFC and emerged victorious from his debut back in November. A win against van Staden will earn Queally a welterweight title shot and leave his record looking healthy at 6-1, but having gone the distance in all of his bouts so far, he’s eager for a stoppage this time.
Tommy McCafferty vs. Artem Lobov — Saturday, 2 May (UXC Fight Night 3, Portglenone, Antrim)
Conor McGregor is obviously Ireland’s top featherweight, but these two are next in line and they’ll meet on the first weekend in May. SBG’s Lobov, a regular sparring partner of McGregor’s, has beaten more of Europe’s top-ranked featherweights than any other non-UFC fighter, but he’s got a mixed record overall which has so far kept the UFC at bay. But a win against someone like the undefeated McCafferty could change that. McCafferty is a former world kickboxing champion and has been tipped for a successful career in MMA, but Lobov will undoubtedly be his biggest test yet.
Tommy Quinn vs. Lewis Long — Saturday, 23 May (MT4C XVII, Sunderland, England)
Derry welterweight Tommy Quinn has the ability to progress but has been hampered by inactivity. His only loss came via decision against top English fighter Jack Mason, and he holds notable wins over the likes of Dan Hope and fellow Irishman Philip Mulpeter. Defeating in-form Welshman Lewis Long won’t be easy, but if Quinn can manage it and put a regular streak of victories together, he has the potential to ascend the rankings.
Also, news of a big fight in the UK is expected shortly for Ballymena bantamweight Alan Philpott, who’s certainly one to watch. With a 13-6 record and a three-fight winning streak, another couple of wins could put Philpott on the UFC’s radar. He recently signed to BAMMA and will be looking to make an impact in a 135lbs division that includes fellow prospects like Ed Arthur, Mike Wootten and Gaz Pilot.
Originally published at 14.56
