‘Ultimate Fighter’ Alum Ryan McGillivray Sees ‘Dream’ Opportunity at MFC 33

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For Ryan McGillivray, there is no place like the Maximum Fighting Championship’s ring, as a total of 11 of his 18 professional fights have been contested under the MFC banner. As such, the 25-year-old welterweight feels it is his time to fight for a belt.

On May 4, he will have his chance.

A cast member on Season 14 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” McGillivray is slated to take on former Oregon State University wrestler Nathan Coy at MFC 33 “Collision Course” for the promotion’s welterweight title. The event will take place at the Mayfield Inn Trade and Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and McGillivray is grateful for the opportunity to fight for the title.

“I am very excited to have a chance at a very respected title,” McGillivray said in a release. “It has been a very long road and feels like all I have been through -- good and bad -- has been worth it.”

A member of Pro Camp, the Canadian McGillivray is coming off a come-from-behind victory over the previously unbeaten Diego Bautista, against whom McGillivray secured a fight-ending armbar in the third round. However, his sights are now set on the next challenge in front of him in the form of Coy.

“Coy is probably the toughest guy I have fought in my career, and I have no doubt I am going to need to be at my best to win the title,” said McGillivray.

Coy, a member of American Top Team, holds notable wins over UFC veterans Mike Pierce and Rick Story and has the wrestling credentials to bring the fight to the mat.

“I don’t think it’s any secret the pedigree he has with his national-level wrestling,” said McGillivray. “I am aware he is going to be looking to take me down and finish me there. I plan on making him pay on his way in and working my submissions in all areas.”

McGillivray does not have any secrets regarding his MMA success, either. Ten of his 12 victories have come via submission. Against Coy, his jiu-jitsu will have to be on point, considering how hard both men have worked to get a title shot.

“I know he has had a long road, as well, and will be equally motivated to take that belt,” McGillivray said.

All things being equal, McGillivray will likely need to call upon his vast experience in the MFC ring to get past Coy and become a champion. Still, McGillivray is grateful just to have the opportunity to see his dream come to fruition.

“It has always been a dream of mine to have this title fight,” he said.