• UFC 145

MacDonald anticipates quick stoppage of Mills

Rory MacDonald has shown his strength in the past © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: GSP won't fight MacDonald, hints at middleweight move
  
• News: MacDonald admits internet check on Che Mills
  
• News: Britain's Mills to co-main event at UFC 145
  

Rising welterweight prospect Rory MacDonald is keen to press his claim for a UFC title shot with an early stoppage against Englishman Che Mills at UFC 145 this weekend.

The 22-year-old Canadian is widely regarded as one of the rising stars of the Octagon, with many expecting an impressive victory over Mills - a former Ultimate Fighter contender who has won his last five fights - to be enough to put him within touching distance of a fight for the divisional title.

A recent injury means it will be MacDonald's first fight in eight months, however, although the man himself is confident he will return to action even better than he was before.

"Fight week is finally here and I can't wait to get my hands on my next opponent Che Mills, and add him to my list of beaten victim," MacDonald said on his own blog. "I've been preparing for this moment for weeks, months even, and am so close I can almost taste it.

"The hard work is done, the time is nearly up, and I'm itching to show the world what I've been working on all this time. There won't be any negativity in my head at this point. No doubt, anxiety or fear. I don't allow any of that stuff to enter my head. If anything, this is the most confident and self-assured I have ever been in my life.

"You have to be, moments before you step in the Octagon and fight. You have no other choice. As far as the fight is concerned, I hope to achieve what I always hope to achieve. I plan on showing techniques that I've been working hard on in the gym and, as always, try to project a better version of myself than the fans saw last time I fought.

"Oh, and I'm gunning for another stoppage win. The quicker, the better."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.