Ewan McKenzie: Welsh bantamweight dreams of UFC after signing Cage Warriors deal

Welsh bantamweight Ewan McKenzie says he is confident he will be ready to make a UFC debut within the next 12 months after signing a five-fight contract with the cage warriors.

McKenzie, 25, faces unbeaten Englishman Kadeem Perkins at Cage Warriors 208 in London on Saturday, June 27.

The Welshman, who has a record of six wins and two defeats, is in confident mood ahead of the fight.

“I’m full of confidence, especially the opponent I beat,” McKenzie told BBC Sport Wales.

“My last fight at Cage Warriors was against Keir Harvey, who was high profile and close to title contention before he fought me.

“I finished him in the first round and I think that gave me a lot of confidence against the Cage Warriors bantamweights.”

In the way of McKenzie is Perkins of London, who has four wins and no losses in his professional career.

While Perkins claimed a stoppage in his last fight against Rich Mitchell, McKenzie says he’s got the tools to stop the Englishman.

“I saw his last fight, he’s a good Thai fighter,” McKenzie said.

“It was a nice knockout but I don’t think the guy he fought was anywhere near my level.”

McKenzie believes the fight made the 30-year-old Perkins look better than he is.

“I’m not taking anything away from him, he’s dangerous on the feet but it’s been three decision wins before that, so I don’t see any way he can finish me or beat me,” the Welshman added.

“I think he’ll try to keep it on the range and try to get past me in round three but it won’t last that long anyway.

“The person taking ‘0’ would be better off – not taking mine.”