Brian Kelleher wanted to prove he belonged on UFC 246 main card

LAS VEGAS – Brian Kelleher beat Ode Osbourne with a first-round submission Saturday on the main card at UFC 246 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Kelleher, who snapped a two-fight skid and got his first submission in two and a half years.

Result: Brian Kelleher def. Ode Osbourne via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:45
Updated records: Brian Kelleher (19-10 MMA, 3-3 UFC) vs. Ode Osbourne (8-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Key stat: Kelleher outstruck Osbourne 28-19 and landed a takedown en route to his submission win.

Kelleher on the fight’s key moment

“(It) feels amazing to be back in the win column. There was a lot of pressure on my shoulders that I’m proud of myself for ignoring and just focusing on the fight. Knowing myself and the fact that this is all that I do, I knew I had to get it done in there (Saturday).”

Kelleher on moving to the main card

“They told me on Friday that I’d be moving up to the main card, but I was unfazed. I told myself whatever happens, just tune it out and stay focused. I was happy because I’m fighting later. I have more time to rehydrate. I knew it would only be a good thing for me. Any win is good, especially in the position that I was in, but he definitely had hype and was a big prospect coming off (Dana White’s) Contender Series. I know they were looking at it like, ‘OK, where is Kelleher at? Does he still deserve to be here?’ So I had to show them that I belong here.”

Kelleher on what he wants next

“April 18, (UFC 249 in) Brooklyn would be amazing for my next fight. I’m hoping for that. Three months is the perfect time span. I’m looking to put myself back in the top 15 and get back to doing what I do best.”

To hear more from Kelleher, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.