One of the U.K.’s top prospects has officially made it to the big show.
Cage Warriors standout and undefeated knockout artist Luke Riley has signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after months of fans clamoring for the promotion to scoop him up.
The signing was first reported by Eurosport and later confirmed by Riley himself.
Riley (11-0) nearly punched his ticket to UFC last year through Contender Series, but visa issues derailed those plans.
Instead of sitting idle, the 26-year-old returned to Cage Warriors earlier this year and delivered a statement win, knocking out Tariel Abbasov at Cage Warriors 185.
Unbeaten as both an amateur and a professional, Riley boasts a 73 percent finishing rate with eight knockouts. He trains out of Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, serving as one of UFC star Paddy Pimblett’s main training partners.
While Riley doesn’t yet have a UFC debut date locked in, speculation is already swirling. A potential matchup with fellow rising prospect Kevin Vallejos—whom Riley was originally scheduled to fight on Season 8 of Contender Series—would make for an intriguing first Octagon test (plus they don’t like each other).
For now, Riley brings his unbeaten record and knockout power to the UFC’s talent-rich Featherweight division, instantly becoming one of the most exciting new names to watch.
Check out some of Riley’s highlight-reel finishes below:
