• UFC 126

Kelly challenges Stout not to be a 'big girl's blouse'

Paul Kelly is ready for a war against Sam Stout © UFC

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Lightweight fighter Paul Kelly has challenged Sam Stout to an all-out war at UFC 126, telling the Canadian "the first one to take a step back is a big girl's blouse".

Kelly v Stout is widely expected to appear on the undercard of UFC 126 in Las Vegas, although the UFC is yet to confirm the bout.

The Liverpudlian is targeting back-to-back victories after he produced an impressive finish from the crucifix position against TJ O'Brien. Stout is also coming off a victory, over Kelly's Team Kaobon colleague Paul Taylor.

After fighting a series of wrestlers, Kelly wants to get back to his comfort zone by entering an absolute tear-up in February. Unlike his last two victories, Kelly has no plans to finish things on the mat, insisting he wants a repeat of his UFC 80 battle with Taylor, which was voted one of the best fights in living memory.

"I'm hoping it's just going to be a war," Kelly told ESPN of his potential bout with Stout. "Stout always brings it, I always bring it, I know Sam - he's a cool guy and I've trained with him in the past - but we've got to do our jobs.

"We'll meet in the middle, and I'm certainly not taking a step backwards. I don't think he will either. He's probably more technical than me in stand-up, but what I lack in technique I make up for in heart.

"I'll plant my feet, and the first one to take a step back is a big girl's blouse."

Stout is a kickboxing dangerman having beaten the likes of Joe Lauzon and Matt Wiman, so Kelly could be tempted to look for the takedown. But the Briton is making a promise to stay upright.

"He's a kickboxer who has fought wrestlers all his life. I'd be wasting my time to try and take him down," Kelly said. "This is a fight I've wanted for a long time. Not necessarily Sam Stout, but just a good hard fight. So I've got no intention of messing with that; let's just stand in the middle and punch each other in the face.

"I'm serious. That's what I want to do. I know Sam will bring it, so it's perfect for me."

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