MERTHYR fighter Oban Elliott has become the seventh Welshman to earn a contract with UFC.

Elliott, 25, outscored Brazilian opponent Kaik Brito 29-28, 29-28, 28-28 at Dana White’s Contender Series in Las Vegas.

“How I’m feeling? I’m a UFC fighter. I’m in Las Vegas, holding a UFC microphone and I can call myself a UFC fighter, so how do you think I’m feeling?” Elliott told reporters after the bout.

“I’m in the best fighting organisation in the world, where I can put everything into it. My dream has come true. I have a feeling I’m going to have a special run.”

UFC president White said: "I don't know anyone who wants it badder."

The Welsh track worker, who trained with Shore Mixed Martial Arts in Abertillery, now has his eyes on a London event featuring heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

Elliott also revealed he holds a university degree in business management – but says his opponent “knocked every bit of business management” out of him in the second round of Tuesday's fight.

“I’ve beat someone with double my fights, a reigning world champion. I was the underdog. I’m not trying to talk bad at him but he left there on a stretcher. So I know I didn’t get a spectacular one-sided finish but I’ve proven I’m more than good enough to be here.”

The welterweight follows Brett Johns, Jack Marshman, John Phillips, Jack Shore, Cory McKenna and Mason Jones as the seventh Welsh fighter to join the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Elliott issued a message to young people in Wales: “I had a troubled time growing up and I had a dream. I’ve had to work full-time and fight tough guys. I’ve had to retire once through medical issues.

“If I’ve got a message for any young kids coming up: if you’ve got an idea and you want to be somewhere, don’t stop, don’t take no for an answer.”