Fun Lightweight Prospect Calls Out Previous Champion

After logging two wins this year already, lightweight prospect Terrance McKinney already has his next opponent in his sights for his third Octagon assignment.

Terrance McKinney on Rebound with Two Finishes Inside Opening Round in Recent Fights

For the past four years, Terrance McKinney has dazzled fight fans with a plethora of highlight reel finishes, becoming a must-see attraction in the lightweight class. Making his debut back in 2021, the former standout Division II wrestler steamrolled Matt Frevola in just seven seconds, setting a new record for the fastest knockout in the category. Despite this sensational first UFC appearance, Terrance McKinney, nicknamed “T Wrecks”, has consistently struggled to climb the ladder, being unable to defeat fellow up and comers and established veterans like Drew Dober, Ismael Bonfim and Nazim Sadykhov. 

However, as 2025 has rolled on, Terrance McKinney has begun to breathe new life into his career, collecting two impressive first-round back-to-back victories in the span of just four months. Beginning with a stoppage triumph via strikes against Damir Hadžović at UFC on ESPN+ 108, the Warrior Camp MMA product recorded a 55-second submission over Viacheslav Borshchev at UFC 317. 

Terrance McKinney
June 28, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: Terrance McKinney and Viacheslav Borshchev fight in a 3-round Lightweight bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. /PXImages Las Vegas USA – ZUMAp175 20250628_zsa_p175_063 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx

Target Locked for Terrance McKinney: Michael Chandler

Spurred on with confidence from his latest success in the cage, the 155-lb star recently took to X to stake his claim for his next dance partner, calling out previous Bellator icon Michael Chandler. 

When it comes to entertaining competitors, Chandler stands as one of the lightweight division’s most beloved. Throughout his seven trips to the Octagon, “Iron” has earned a whopping five performance bonuses, which includes three Fight of the Night awards.

Michael Chandler Reeling From Successive Defeats Ahead of Possible Terrance McKinney Fight

While his memorable fights inside the cage have netted him a legion of adoring fans, Chandler has been absent from the win column since 2022, suffering three losses in a row to Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett

For UFC admirers all around the world, a clash between these two lightweight phenoms in Terrance McKinney and Michael Chandler could make for a fun but short night in the cage for either man. Recognized for their stellar abilities to stop their adversaries, both athletes have 27 first round finishes between them, something Terrance McKinney highlighted at the end of June.  

Hank Strandberg
Hank Strandberg
Hank has been a professional writer since 2022. He has covered MMA extensively as well as major eSports tournaments. He is a Hamline University graduate with a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Creative Writing and as a member of Phi Betta Kappa.

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