Ieuan Mackenzie: Welsh bantamweight eyes UFC dream after signing Cage Warriors deal

Welsh bantamweight Ieuan Mackenzie says he is confident that he will be preparing for a UFC debut in the next 12 months after signing a five-fight deal with Cage Warriors.

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

The Welshman, who has a record of six wins and two losses, is in a self-assured mood ahead of the bout.

“I’m full of confidence leading into this, especially with the opponents I’ve beaten,” Mackenzie told BBC Sport Wales.

“My last fight in Cage Warriors was against Keir Harvie who was highly touted and close to title contention before he fought me.

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

In Mackenzie’s way is Londoner Perkins, who has four wins and no defeats in his professional career.

Despite Perkins claiming a stoppage in his last bout against Rich Mitchell, Mackenzie says he has got the tools to stop the Englishman.

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

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

Mackenzie believes that fight made 30-year-old Perkins look better than he is.

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

“I reckon he’ll try to keep it at range and to try to outpoint me over three rounds but it’s not going to last that long anyway.

“It will be nice to be the person taking the ‘0’ – not having mine taken.”