Wolfslair warrior Paul Kelly revealed to setanta.com that he plans to drop to lightweight after his victory over Troy Mandaloniz.
Kelly produced a display of guts, intelligent wrestling and lethal striking to earn a decision win over Mandaloniz, who is a team-mate of BJ Penn.
However, those closest to Kelly know his heavy hands would see him become a far greater force in the 155lb division - a division he plans to invade when he gets a new UFC contract.
The Liverpudlian fighter had always planned to drop out of the welterweight division, but it was important to him that ended his 170lb career on a winning note before taking a serious look at lightweight title pursuit.
“It’s up to The UFC but I’d like to go down to lightweight," Kelly told
setanta.com.
“At the moment I don’t make a cut, I’ve got a pudding belly on me, so I could easily make it.
“So yeah, I’m gonna drop down…hopefully.”
UFC 95 was a landmark fight for Kelly (9-1-0), who knew his UFC would finish if he lost to the dangerous Mandaloniz.
The 24-year-old somehow missed out on the Fight of the Night bonus (given to Sanchez/Stevenson), but he insists the victory was his only goal.
“I had a good fight, that’s all I’m interested in. I’m at the end of my contract now so hopefully they’ll sign me to another one.
“That’s all I’m interested in. This is my lifestyle now, this is my living, so I want to make sure I carry on fighting in it.
“If I had lost that would have been it, and I gassed at the end because I had been sick in the couple of weeks before the fight.
“The only thing that got me through was a big heart and a good head, and I came out with the win so I’m happy.
“Rampage was shouting some good advice from the corner, he was the only one I could hear – and he’s my homeboy anyway…he’s in that fight with me!"