GREENOCK-born fighter Reece McEwan is putting everything on the line as he seeks to stamp his ticket to UFC glory with a triumph in his upcoming title fight.
The local martial artist says the moment he has spent almost a decade preparing for has finally arrived as he prepares to face Liam ‘Nightmare’ Gittin for the Cage Warriors bantamweight division title in Newcastle on November 25.
A victory would cement Reece’s spot as one of Europe’s top brawlers and provide a massive boost to his hopes of being the first Scot from his weight division ever to be signed to fight in the UFC.
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The talented pugilist has already notched four consecutive wins in Cage Warriors, but his fifth fight will be the toughest yet.
Reece is now relishing the chance to get in the octagon and scrap for his dream.
He said: “When I got the text from my manager confirming that I was going to get the fight for the title it was validation.
“I’ve been focussing on this day, this belt, since the first day I started mixed martial arts. Every decision I have made in the last nine years has led to this moment.
“I’m not celebrating just because I’ve got here, but it’s a validation of all the sacrifices I’ve made.
“It feels like the stars are aligning, everything is coming together for me to win this title.
“Making it to the UFC would be my life’s work coming together, winning that title is my ticket there.
“The way that I’m mentally preparing for this fight is not to go into it thinking I’m fighting for the title, I’m going into this thinking I’m already the champion and I’m defending the title.
“By defending that title I’ll prove I’m the best fighter in Europe and that I’m ready for the next level.”
Since his last outing in July, the 28-year-old has been in the midst of an intensive training regime to prepare himself for the gruelling five-round title battle.
No stone has been left unturned throughout Reece’s meticulous preparation, which has included trips down to Wales to take part in rigorous training camps.
He believes that fans will see the best version of him that there’s ever been when he steps into the ring in Newcastle.
But despite his confidence, Reece says he isn’t taking his formidable opponent lightly.
He added: “I’m ready to perform to the best of my ability, but I’m also prepared to have the worst night of my life and still manage to pull out a victory and win at all costs.
“My opponent has never had a boring fight, he’s going to be in my face wanting a war.
“He won’t get tired and I know he’ll have a fire in his belly.
“He’s been in Cage Warriors years longer than me, he’s a great opponent and the kind of person you want to win a title against.
“I’m ready to be gritty, determined and face that adversity.
"It’s going to be five five-minute rounds, world championship rounds, everything is on the line."
Throughout Reece’s run to the title match, he has been cheered on by a sizeable contingent of Scottish fans, who have often travelled significant distances to support him.
He told the Tele he was extremely grateful to his supporters for following him across the the UK.
Reece said: “I’ve sold the most tickets out of anyone at the event, the travelling support has been incredible.
“It’s going to be a Scottish takeover down there, there’ll be a wave of saltires for me and the other Scottish guys.
“I want to be the first Scot to make it to the UFC from this division, it’s time for me to defy the odds and make history.
“I’m ready to become a champion on November 25.”
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