UFC bantamweight Brian Kelleher has revealed that his upcoming fight against Journey Newson is the last on his UFC contract.
Kelleher made his debut with the promotion in 2017 as a result of winning multiple championships on the regional circuit.
He now holds an 8-7 record in the UFC and, suitably nicknamed ‘Boom’, has provided many explosive moments inside the octagon which is proven by his five performance bonuses.
In an exclusive interview with Combat Sports UK, the 36-year-old revealed to James Lynch that his fight against Journey Newson is the final one on his deal.
He said: “This is actually the last fight on my deal, typically they re-sign you after three but this is the fourth.
“So, this is like do or die for me – which is motivating but also at the same time it’s stressful.”
Kelleher on Journey Newson
The New Yorker’s bout against Newson takes place on the early prelims of UFC Vegas 72: Song vs Simon.
His opponent holds a 10-4, 1 NC professional record but his UFC career has yet to live up to expectations, losing three of his five fights.
Kelleher says that the matchup against the 34-year-old is a ‘good’ one for him.
He said: “I think it’s a good matchup, I think it’s one of those fights where the UFC is kinda seeing where I’m at and he’s a little bit of a newer guy. I have a lot of experience over him against better competition in the UFC I would say.
“With that said, everybody in the UFC is tough and they all present different things. You gotta be on your toes at all times and I’m treating this fight like it’s my debut, like it’s my first fight. I’m ready to go.”
“I have no choice but to go forward and go for the finish in this fight.
“I’m coming off two losses so I know there’s a lot of pressure, I’m trying to kinda put that to the side but it weighs on you a little bit.
“I just know that if I go in there, be my best self, go forward, fight aggressive, just wanna be in there. Like, have fun with it but also really be present in the moment, [that] is really important for me in this fight.”
Brian Kelleher Full Exclusive Interview
You can watch the full exclusive interview with Brian Kelleher below:
Please provide transcription credit with a link to this article if you use any of these quotes.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
