With UK MMA fans’ attention turning to the lineup of the much-anticipated return of the UFC to our shores when it visits London on 19th March 2022. Many have forgotten about one of the most exciting prospects from the UK, Casey O’Neill (8-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC).
Since her UFC debut in February 2021, O’Neill has impressed massively with a 100% finish rate over her three bouts. More notably with her maturity and patience to find those finishes. It also helped her acquire number fifteen rank in the women’s Flyweight division.
After beating Antonina Shevchenko with impressive ground and pound last time out, Casey O’Neill commanded the attention she rightfully deserves. But what could be next for the Scottish-born fighter?
Casey O’Neill Aims to Clear Everyone Out
O’Neill is set to face Roxanne Modafferi on 12th February at UFC 271. The fight marks Modafferi’s final fight of her career. This will be O’Neill’s first UFC fight with a crowd, and she plans to impress. Predicting a knockout of Modafferi, O’Neill clearly has her sights set on the future.
She told MMA Junkie last year that she wants to “clear everyone out” but more crucially that she would “love to get a little bit more experience” before fighting Valentina Shevchenko. At just 24 years of age, O’Neill can still add to her game but has proven so far that she will take the opportunities as they get presented to her.
2022 could be another massive year for Scot, who will undoubtedly aim to stay active. With a statement win over Modafferi, she could stake her claim as a top ten contender and put herself in the talks for a title shot in the early part of next year.
Keep an eye out for ‘King’ Casey O’Neill at UFC 271 and see if you think she has what it takes to claim UFC gold for Scotland for the first time ever in the not-to-distant future.
Follow me on Twitter at @JoshCheal and follow us at Combat Sports UK for more exclusive content!
Featured image credits to Tags: Casey O'NeillScottish MMAUFC 271ufc newsUK MMA
