Professional debut for Dungiven mixed martial artist

MMA Dungiven mixed martial artist Jordan O'Neill finally has a date and opponent for his professional debut.

The Next Generation affiliated man will step into the cage with another pro debutant, Joe Ambler at the Barnsley Metrodome on May 27.

"I'm excited to get in there eventually," said the County Derry man.

"It's been a year and three fights have fallen through."

Both men have very similar amateur records.

"Joe is a good competitor and has done well in the amateur ranks," said Jordan.

He actually defeated Jordan's former teammate, Blaine Magill of Kombat Jiujitsu.

"He beat Blaine in a tough, five round battle, and Blaine is a fantastic martial artist, so I know he'll bring quailty to the cage."

Despite this, the former boxing champion and multi promotion amateur MMA champion is planning on expressing his own skill set in England.

"I feel that I'm going to have too much for him in every aspect of the game," said Jordan.

"He's a good grappler but I can't wait to show the improvements I've made to my game over the last year. It's a completey different fighter that you will see in England."

The local fighter recently had a convincing win in a nogi grappling contest, showing his development in different fighting ranges.

Jordan finished his opponent Ben Crawford of Fight Academy Ireland with a guillotine choke at Real Fighting Championship in Derry.

"It was nice to get in the cage and get a feel for it after a bit of time away from it all. But I'm a rounded fighter with goals in mixed martial arts. It's these nights coming up that excite me most and I cant wait to put on a show."