UFC: Rhys McKee to fight Ange Loosa in September after two-year absence

Rhys McKee has not been shy about his ambitions on returning to the UFC

Rhys McKee said he is "ready to get in there and shine" after his return to the UFC was confirmed two years after being released by the organisation.

The 27-year-old's UFC deal ended in 2021 after back to back defeats by Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Morono.

His return is scheduled for 2 September against welterweight Ange Loosa at UFC Paris, and McKee is raring to go.

"I feel I'm the best version of myself that I've ever been, and I'm ready to get in there and shine," he said.

"This to me is the real debut, this is the one where I announce myself on the world stage the way I know I can."

After his release in 2021, the Ballymena fighter went on to win the Cage Warriors welterweight title, defending it with victory over Jimmy Wallhead in April.

Speaking after his stoppage win over Wallhead, McKee said he had "ticked all the boxes asked of me and proven it's [the UFC] where I belong."

Now with his return confirmed, McKee expressed his delight at re-joining the organisation, which he admits has been his sole aim since his release.

"When I got released I knew that wasn't it, and I still had a story to write there. It's been a long, steady process, with a lot of hard work and a lot of development in that time," explained McKee.

"I've beaten who I need to beat, I've won a second world title, defended it, and now we're back. I cannot wait to get in there and show everyone the real Rhys McKee."

He is also excited at the prospect of taking on Swiss fighter Loosa in the French capital, after his previous two UFC bouts took place in Abu Dhabi and Las Vegas.

Loosa, 30, has won one and lost one of his two UFC fights so far, with his victory against AJ Fletcher coming last August.

"Paris is going to be cool, my other two fights with the UFC were on the other side of the world, so Paris will have a little bit more of a familiar feel, being closer to home.

"Regardless of where it is, I'm just looking forward to getting back into that UFC cage once again."