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Liverpool fighter Luke Riley on his UFC debut statement 'one chance and it's lights out'

EXCLUSIVE: Maturing star Luke Riley is looking to make a big impact in the featherweight division as he thanks Next Generation gym-mate Paddy Pimblett for career boost

[Luke Riley shows off his physique before his impressive KO victory on his UFC debut]

Luke Riley shows off his physique before his impressive KO victory on his UFC debut(Image: Zuffa LLC)

Luke Riley has gone from "late bloomer" to absolute banger, with the Liverpool fighter believing his power will bring glory.

He may be a featherweight when he jumps on the scales, but Riley proved he hits like a ton of bricks on his UFC debut inside the Octagon in Qatar last month. Having been outgrappled by Bogdan Grad in the opening round, the 26-year-old Scouser uncorked a pinpoint left hook that sent the Austrian to the canvas before several hammer fists forced the referee to end the punishment.

It was a potent opening statement that would have made the rest of the 145lb division sit up and take notice. However, Riley, who started Thai boxing at eight, revealed he has had to be patient as his body caught up with his natural talents.

[Luke Riley tells Michael Bisping his plans for the UFC after his debut win]

Luke Riley tells Michael Bisping his plans for the UFC after his debut win(Image: Zuffa LLC)

He said: The old school thing to say is, Oh yeah, you are born with power, but I dont know. As I have said many times, I was a very late bloomer. I didnt hit puberty until about, honestly, 17. It was very, very, very late.

So I think it was one of them where Ive always had the technique, but my body hadnt matured enough yet to really show that power.

Now I am 26 years of age, Im coming into my frame and I think its paid off.

These lighter weights, especially 145lbs, there are only really a handful of people who are putting guys asleep, knocking them down and out. I only need one chance to connect and it is lights out.

[The Liverpool star lands the fight-ending blows on Bogdan Grad]

The Liverpool star lands the fight-ending blows on Bogdan Grad(Image: Zuffa LLC)

Those lights-out displays have seen Riley go 12 unbeaten in MMA, having made his name with Cage Warriors in the UK before the UFC finally came calling earlier this year.

His cause was helped by Paddy Pimblett, who has been vocal in his support for his fellow Next Generation gym-mate during his own rise in the company, with The Baddy set for an interim lightweight title clash with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on January 24.

Pimblett cornered Riley on his UFC debut, excitedly jumping onto the side of the cage to celebrate his pals winning start.

Riley added: It just showed you how close we are. We have a very, very good bond and we are just as pleased to see each other win as we are to win ourselves. He was a happy man after I won.

[Luke Riley celebrates his win with Paddy Pimblett and his team in Qatar]

Luke Riley celebrates his win with Paddy Pimblett and his team in Qatar(Image: Zuffa LLC)

Im so grateful because he has broken the door down to the UFC and hes pushing the whole gym on.

He is doing a lot more than what he really needs to for us all, which is testament to his loyalty. He just loves the gym and his team-mates.

UP NEXT: UFC 323, Sunday, 3am. Petr Yan looks to dethrone the similarly irrepressible bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.

MONEY MATCH: Bogdan Guskov (6/5) can add former light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz to his CV. Odds and full UFC betting available at boylesports.com

FINAL SAY: Ive got to be 100 per cent right. So whenever the eye is good to go, that is when Ill do it." Heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall reveals he hasnt been cleared for a rematch after an eye poke ended his first fight with Ciryl Gane in October.

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