McKee reveals he offered to step in against Barnett; calls for rematch in Newcastle

We caught up with Northern Ireland’s Rhys McKee following news of Richie Smullen’s withdrawal from his scheduled Lonsdale title shot against champion Tim Barnett at BAMMA 32 this Friday in Dublin.

McKee, who Barnett captured the title from, revealed to us that he offered to step into Smullen’s place on Friday and rematch Barnett at 161lbs but that the champion did not accept the late notice replacement fight.

“I gave Tim the chance to step up. He didn’t give me the chance, feeling he needed more time to prepare for me. Fair enough. It’s a weird choice and interesting mindset from the champ.”

Rhys McKee has now called for Barnett on the upcoming BAMMA 33 in Newcastle which will be another co-promoted event with Bellator MMA on 15th December 2017.

“Let’s do it for the title in Newcastle in 5 weeks. I’m ready to take it back. Let’s do it Tim.”