UNBEATEN UFC star Jack Shore intends to treat the home fans to a spectacular finish against "dangerous" Timur Valiev on Saturday.
The UFC makes its return to Britain after three long years this weekend with a spectacular card at London's O2 Arena.
Abertillery fighter Shore faces off against Russian-Dagestani 'Lucky' Valiev (16-2) with the aim of making it third time lucky on home soil.
The 27-year-old had been scheduled to fight on the last two London cards but opponent and show cancellations meant he had to wait, collecting wins in Vegas, Abu Dhabi and Denmark in the interim.
Having fought the last two behind doors, Shore is relishing the opportunity fight in the UK.
"I was so used to fighting at Cage Warriors," he said. "Having the crowd following and enjoying it with me means so much, but I haven't had the luxury over the last three years.
"To have them all there again, adds that bit of extra motivation to go out there and perform. It means the world to have my family, friends and fans at this one."
"We have been working in silence, while preparing for violence."
— Richard Shore (@RichardShoreMMA) March 12, 2022
One week till @jackshoremma finally fights for the @ufc on home soil.
It's been a long time coming.#jsa pic.twitter.com/3sHASAS3Ib
Twelve of the fourteen scheduled fights consist of British fighters, most of who made names and built followings at Cage Warriors.
"From the first fight all the way to the main event there are some really good match-ups," said Shore.
"It's probably the best state UK MMA has been in. There's strength and depth, there are UK fighters probably capable of being champion in every division.
"The crowd is going to be relentless from start to finish, I wouldn't want to be an away fighter."
The only blemishes on Valiev's record are decision losses and Shore wants to be first to have a finish on his record.
"He is a good guy, comes from tough part of the world. He trains with Frankie Edgar and Mark Hendry," said the Welshman.
"It's a fight that excites me, it's the type of fight I need, the better the opposition, the better I will perform.
"There is a lot of eyes on him and how good he is, so that'll make me look even better when I go out there and put on a performance."
With 12 finishes in his 15 fights, Shore has been frustrated not to get the job done within the distance in his last two contests, even when fighting through injury in his last bout.
"Valiev is very good, he very skilful, he is very dangerous. He is an elite level fighter," said Shore. "He is good everywhere but I feel ultimately my fight IQ and cardio will factor in.
"It's going to be frantic, high-paced and entertaining for as long as it lasts. As long as we are both in there, conscious and breathing, it's not going to be boring to watch.
"It's going to be messy fight but he will provide me with an opportunity to finish him."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here