Irish MMA fans heading to UFC Belfast will get to see Welsh fighter Brett Johns make his UFC debut on November 19th.
The bantamweight will fight fellow UFC debutant Kwan Ho Kwak, and has become the second Welshman signed by the UFC after Jack Marshman was confirmed to be fighting on the Belfast card earlier this month.
However, we have been given a rare look at the moment a fighter was told he would be joining the big show, after his manager posted Johns incredibly emotional reaction on Facebook.
One of the most rewarding things in my job is when we get to take part in moments like this. We have all heard the stories of fighters doing that grind and sleeping on the floor of the gym. Yes sleeping on the floor of his unheated gym through winters is a part of Brett John's story, and it would be cool to say it was all for "the grind" but it was also a necessity due to the economy. His drive and his energy to keep himself and his team motivated through these hard times is what shows his true heart. Coming from a small village in Wales were opportunities were limited Brett has managed to put together a 12-0 undefeated record making him one of the top prospects in the UK. This video shows the emotions that came to a head when I called to to tell him we got the call. It could not have come at a more needed time. I am excited to announce Brett will make his UFC debut in Belfast Ireland on Nov 19th!
A great story, we're looking forward to seeing him make his debut in Belfast.
"The Pikey" (yes, that's really his nickname) has a record of 12-0 as a pro and was overwhelmed with emotion, but now he's got to fight and prove he belongs with the best of the best.
