Ieuan Mackenzie is bursting onto the MMA scene, and his sights are firmly set on the bright lights of the UFC. The Welsh bantamweight sensation has just signed a five-fight deal with Cage Warriors, a move that's got him itching to take on the best in the business – and he reckons he'll be ready for a UFC debut within 12 months.
Mackenzie's immediate test comes this Saturday (27 June) at Cage Warriors 208 in London, where he'll face the undefeated Kadeem Perkins. On paper, it looks like a formidable challenge, but Mackenzie is confident – and for good reason. He's coming off a first-round finish against Keir Harvie, an opponent who was touted as being close to title contention, and that win has given him a major boost in his own mind.
Perkins, on the other hand, brings an unblemished record of four wins to the table. He's got a reputation for being a slick Thai striker with devastating power, but Mackenzie isn't fazed. In fact, he thinks Perkins' last opponent might not have been at his best level – and he's convinced that he can outmanoeuvre him on the night.
So what's the plan? Simple: get in there, put on a show, and make sure the UFC scouts are taking notice. Two big wins this year would set him up perfectly for a call-up or a spot on the Contender Series – and Mackenzie is adamant that he'll be ready to take on the world's best within 12 months.
Beyond the octagon, Mackenzie's got a rock-solid support system at home. His fiancée Jasmine Hacker-Jones is a Commonwealth Games judo bronze medallist from 2022 – and she knows exactly what it takes to be a top athlete. She's been offering invaluable advice and encouragement throughout his career, and Mackenzie credits her with being both his biggest critic and most steadfast supporter.
Cage Warriors may have just signed him up for five fights, but for Mackenzie, this is more than just a contract – it's a home in the world of MMA. And with Perkins waiting in the wings, he's ready to put on a show and make some serious noise in the process.