Northern Irishman Alan Philpott (15-7) returns to action next Sunday (19th June 2016) in the main event of Vale Tudo Japan against undefeated Daichi Takenaka (9-0-1) at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.

The event will be available to watch live on UFC’s Fight Pass.

Here is his Facebook announcement in full:

“So cats out of the bag. The fights released. I will be main event in one of the biggest shows in Japan vs the no7 ranked unbeaten hometown favourite next sunday.. I got the call a week and a half ago and I couldn’t turn it down. These opportunities don’t come around often so got to grab them while I can.

I am delighted and over the moon to be the first person from Northern Ireland to compete in Japan in mma as far as im aware and possibly even the first from the whole island. With the short time to prepare I feel great. I was half ready and weight was lower than usual.. I can’t wait to go out there show what I am made off . I thrive off these big shows and I promise I will put NI on the map..

We have the footy team in France and me in Japan. Would be great to have support from everyone. The fight will be live on fight pass. This is my time.

“Philpotts on fire , his opponents terrified ”

Ulsterboys making all the noise”