In a spirited showdown on the preliminary card of UFC Paris, Rhys McKee made his highly anticipated return to the Octagon after claiming the Cage Warriors welterweight title during his absence. However, it wasn't the triumphant return he had hoped for. Here's a breakdown of his battle against the Kill Cliff FC staple, Ange Loosa.

A Tough Comeback

After facing setbacks against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and veteran Alex Morono during his initial UFC tenure in 2020, Rhys McKee aimed to make a statement in his second stint with the promotion. His journey began with a showdown against Ange Loosa on the preliminary card of UFC Paris.

A Promising Start

The bout kicked off with McKee showing promise, demonstrating his skills against the Kinshasa-born all-rounder. However, he soon encountered difficulties in dealing with Loosa's overall athleticism. As the fight progressed, McKee struggled to find his footing.

Adversity Strikes

In the second round, McKee found himself in a perilous position, coming dangerously close to being stopped. He suffered significant swelling around his right eye and a bloodied nose, courtesy of a relentless assault by Loosa, who pinned him to the Octagon fence and delivered a barrage of standing strikes.

Late Rally and a Glimmer of Hope

As the fight entered its final round, McKee faced an uphill battle. Despite his struggles, he mounted a late rally in the third frame. In the closing minutes, he unleashed a flurry of strikes on a visibly fatigued Loosa. It was a valiant effort, but ultimately, it proved insufficient to sway the judges.

Unanimous Decision Victory for Ange Loosa

The judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Ange Loosa, with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. It was a hard-fought contest that showcased McKee's resilience and Loosa's dominance in various aspects of the fight.

Dive deeper into the details of this compelling matchup and the challenges Rhys McKee faced during his Octagon return.

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