Terrance McKinney scored a blistering first-round TKO over Damir Hadzovic to return to the win column at UFC Saudi Arabia on February 1, 2025. Competing at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, McKinney, known as ‘T-Wrecks,’ had been eager to showcase his skills after more than six months away from the Octagon due to injuries and losses.
Prior to this fight, McKinney had suffered back-to-back defeats against Ismael Bonfim and Nazim Sadykhov, leading fans and commentators to question whether he could still be regarded as one of the bright prospects at lightweight. His opponent, Hadzovic, was also seeking redemption after experiencing his own struggles, including time away from fighting due to various issues.
From the outset of Round 1, it was clear McKinney meant business. The American fighter began with aggressive kicks and swiftly transitioned to powerful knee strikes, which led to Hadzovic attempting to take the fight to the ground. McKinney, demonstrating his grappling skills, countered Hadzovic’s takedown attempt, reversed the position, and quickly gained full mount.
Once on top, McKinney unleashed his fury, using 12-6 elbows—a technique legalized only last year. He expertly maneuvered to press his advantage, inflicting significant damage early on by delivering brutal elbows to Hadzovic, who was unable to effectively defend himself. The piercing strikes resulted in a cut over Hadzovic's eye, showcasing just how dominant McKinney had become within moments of the match.
Jason Herzog, the referee for the bout, stepped in at the 2:01 mark of Round 1, signaling the end of the contest to prevent any more damage to Hadzovic. This victory not only marked McKinney’s ability to bounce back but also maintained his reputation for being one of the UFC’s most entertaining fighters. Remarkably, all of McKinney's wins have come by stoppage, reinforcing his prowess as a finisher.
Post-fight, McKinney addressed the crowd with palpable enthusiasm. "It's all glory to God and I’d like to fight Chris Duncan next, baby, let’s get it," he proclaimed, calling attention to his desire for future matchups and continued activity within the sport. McKinney and Duncan were initially slated to face off before Duncan had to withdraw due to visa issues, adding personal stakes to this potential future confrontation.
With this victory, McKinney has now won three of his last five fights and is poised to make significant strides within the lightweight rankings as he aims to build momentum. His performance is noted not just for the impressive finishing ability but also for his show of patience and strategy, hinting at his evolution as a fighter. Prior to this match, McKinney made procedural changes to his training camp, relocating to Orlando, Florida, seeking to adapt and fine-tune his skills. "I took a change, moved to Orlando, Florida, and you guys see me reap the blessings of my hard work," he remarked after the fight, indicating his commitment to his development.
The fight against Hadzovic is just the latest chapter of McKinney’s dynamic career, which began explosively when he entered the UFC scene with two highlight finishes. Since then, it has been characterized by ups and downs. His swift victory at UFC Saudi Arabia serves as both a reminder of his potential and his erratic fighting style, as he seeks to manipulate the unpredictable nature of combat sports to his advantage.
Looking forward, the energy surrounding McKinney's performance and his post-fight comments has reinvigorated interest from fans, who eagerly anticipate his next bout. The lightweight division remains competitive, and with McKinney eyeing bouts against higher-profile fighters, he is at the cusp of amplifying his career path. The main event for UFC Saudi Arabia featured Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov, who also sought to stay within the title contention mix.
McKinney has now begun his quest to string together consecutive wins for the first time since joining the promotion, challenging himself to fulfill the potential everyone has long believed he possesses. The encouragement from fans and the spotlight on his next fight could be just what he needs to redefine his narrative and make his mark as one of the sport's rising stars.