BAMMA today announced that Glenn Irvine (0-1) will face Keith McCabe (2-3) at BAMMA 28 on February 24th in the SSE Arena in Belfast.
Irvine made his professional debut at BAMMA 26 in a losing effort against Irish MMA veteran John Redmond (7-12) but the Next Gen NI fighter admits it was a big step up from the amateur ranks to taking on such an experienced opponent.
"My pro debut was a big step for me taking on a guy with that many pro fights. Even though I lost I believe I was holding my own with a much more experienced fighter. However I made a mistake and I got caught with a shot whilst I was coming forward and over swinging my punches."
Now Irvine faces one of Redmond's Team Ryano teammates in Keith McCabe. Both were longtime staples of the amateur Irish MMA scene but now they meet as professionals in a catchweight contest. Irvine shared with us his thoughts on McCabe, the catchweight stipulation and the fight itself.
"I like Keith he's a nice guy and he's been around a long time. We were actually supposed the fight each other on the amateur scene but that didn't happened as I got injured, so now we will do it as pros.
"This will be an 80kg catchweight fight. There are very few middleweights available and BAMMA came back to me with this. I'm a middleweight, Keith is a welterweight do, so we'll meet 80kg. I'll have to drop an extra 4kg to make weight but it's all about sacrifice.
"I don't believe in having advantages. If anything I have a disadvantage as he has had 5 pro fights and I've only had the 1. I'll b slightly heavier on fight day but that makes no difference in my eyes. I go for the kill in all my fights and I always look for the finish. I like to be exciting, it's in my nature. However, I've learned from past mistakes and, although I will still look for the kill, I will be a lot smarter this time."
Hailing from the nearby town of Ballymena, Irvine is looking forward to competing in the same arena that he watched the UFC and, in doing so, getting the opportunity to compete in front of family and friends.
"I can't wait to compete in the SSE Arena. It is such a great venue and very few get the opportunity to fight there. The last time I was there I was attending a UFC event and before that it was over 3 years ago where I watched my coaches and teammates compete, so it's a privilege to fight there.
"I would normally zone out from the crowd but being in front of so many people (hopefully cheering me, haha) should be fun. But knowing my partner and my family and freinds are going to be there, that gives a great buzz."
BAMMA 28 goes down February 24th.
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