Ireland’s Patrick Lehane says the next time he meets Cristian “Puas” Perez in la jaula, the result will be different.

Lehane spoke to fans via the Combate Global’s Instagram Live channel and will be competing in the upcoming 2022 season airing live on Paramount Plus and Univision.

The Irish fought Perez in the USA vs Mexico eight-man lightweight tournament semi-finals in a one five-minute round back and forth fight that left Combate Global fans asking for more.

“He beat me fair and square in that first round. But if it was a three-round fight and I had a full camp, I think it would be different. I have a feeling we’re going to meet somewhere down the road,” he said.

Lehane reflected on their first outing. Ironically, both happen to share the exact date of birth and a resilient mentality.

“Mexican fighters and Irish fighters are quite similar. We’re both dogs and we like to scrap,” he said.

Fans have demanded to see mucho más acción from these two rivals.

“He beat me fair and square in that first round. But if it was a three-round fight and I had a full camp, I think it would be different. I have a feeling we’re going to meet somewhere down the road,” he added.

Furthermore, he said he learned from his mistakes.

“He had the better game plan going into that fight. He didn’t want to strike with me; he just took me down and took mount. It wasn’t very exciting. Didn’t really do much [damage]. Once I reversed it, I tried to take as many shots as I could. I knew there wasn’t much time left, so I knew I had to win by causing damage” Lehane said.

At barely 22 years old, Lehane made his debut in August of last year and has gotten five professional fights in, a significant amount of experience, especially for his age.

“I have only been signed since August, and that was my very first professional fight. I think I have proved my worth to the company, like who else would enter a tournament with five days’ notice. I’m the man who has stepped up to the mark.”

Lehane will grace la Jaula once again this year, this time making a drop to featherweight.

“I’m never the biggest guy; I’m never the most ripped, or the strongest at lightweight. I haven’t been taking advantage of that side of my game. This year I am going to make a title run at featherweight.”