By Gareth James

Cory McKenna is confident she can get even better after making a historic UFC debut in Las Vegas.

The 21-year-old beat American Kay Hansen as she became the first Welsh woman to fight in MMA’s premier series.

McKenna is keen to get back in the octagon as soon as possible after picking up an ankle niggle in her unanimous victory.

“It hurts a bit but I will be alright,” said the Cwmbran fighter who has been training at the Team Alpha Male gym in Sacramento, California.

“I want to get straight back in there and I will be back in the gym as soon as possible and hopefully get a fight booked up.

“There are lots I can still work on.

“I will speak to my coaches to see what comes up.

McKenna, nicknamed ‘Poppins’, was given the fight 29-28 against her fellow 21-year-old by all three judges

“I thought I did enough,” McKenna said. “Kay’s an amazing fighter. It was a great fight. I expected the best version of her coming into it.”

But her performance will surely have impressed UFC chief Dana White who gave her a contract after her victory in his Contender Series in August.

“Kay is an amazing fighter,” added McKenna.  “I expected the best version of herself coming into it and I got that.

“But I put on a good performance and I think I deserved it. Hopefully, I impressed Dana.”