JACK SHORE dreams of bringing UFC to Wales, after experiencing MMA's most prestigious promotion in the UK.
The UFC's 16-0 bantamweight prospect was part a star-studded roster for its long-awaited return at London's O2 Arena. He defeated Timur Valiev by unanimous decision.
Jack Shore won the largest win against Timur Valiev in UFC London
After experiencing the raucous atmosphere of the O2, Shore, 27, thought about bringing MMA's elite promotion back to his homeland.
He hopes to fill the Principality Stadium with the same enthusiasm as Joe Calzaghe, the Welsh icon.
Tank stated to SunSport that he would love to see the UFC come to Wales. The Welsh crowd is very similar to the Dublin crowd in Ireland. Since I was a headliner there, I knew this.
"I'd love to do it. Joe Calzaghe filled the big one, wasn't he. He filled the Millenium Stadium. This is definitely another bucket-list item.
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"At this stage, my mind is not concerned with if I can do something, but when.
"I just need the little indoor stadium built first. Give Dana [White] Sean[Shelby] some Welsh water and then bring them back to the Millenium, or the Principality as they're called."
Shore doesn't see a UFC Wales card happening until next year, however.
He stated that he thought the Motorpoint [Arena] may be a bit too small. They have just received planning permission in Cardiff Bay to build a 17,000-seat indoor arena. That's why I believe that it will happen next year. Why not?
"I would like to believe it's a matter if and not when.
"And I know that eventually I can be in a position where I can headline these cards. Especially when I'm trying to get to the top division."
UFC president Dana White told SunSport last week that Shore has a chance to fight on Welsh soil.
Before the all-rounder can even think of fighting in the land his fathers gave him, he must first take on the elite bantamweight division.
He hopes that his entertaining and hard-fought victory over Valiev will allow him to match up with one of the top weight classes.
He stated, "I want to be ranked against you." I believe I have served my time. I was 5-0 in UFC and have never turned down a fight.
"There are not many 15-0 fighters or UFC fighters who would be interested in a ranking that would have allowed them to fight Timur."
"Who was this crazy Russian who was just a few steps away from being ranked? It was definitely easier to fight.
"But I'm no such guy. I never say no to an enemy. Although I don't choose and choose, I feel like I have a shot at the rankings.
"I deserve to be ranked, regardless of how high or low. I want a quick turnaround. I am going on vacation for two weeks in July. Also, any time prior to then.
"Mid-to-late June, maybe the first weeks of July I could squeeze one in.
"But I need a quick turnaround and I want three fights this year. It would be perfect if June was here."
Shore said that two names are currently in the top-15 bantamweight bantamweight list.
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"And I would love to fight [Raphael] Assuncao also. I don't need top-five men, I understand how the system works.
"I believe Assuncao [ranked] 15 while Ricky [ranked] 14." Both of these two would make great fights.
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