UFC Fighter Terrance McKinney Eyes Summer Fights After Seattle Knockout

McKinney hopes to fight at UFC 329 or International Fight Week in July

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the explosive motion of a UFC fighter's knockout punch, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant color.A cubist interpretation of Terrance McKinney's lightning-fast knockout punch, capturing the raw power and energy of his fighting style.Today in Miami

UFC fighter Terrance McKinney is looking ahead to his next fights after a quick 24-second TKO win over Kyle Nelson in Seattle. McKinney, who has eight first-round finishes in the UFC, is hoping to get a performance bonus soon and is eyeing potential matchups against fighters like Lance Gibson, Alex Hernandez, and Joaquim Silva. McKinney also recently led a seminar for middle and high school students in Miami, using his platform to steer teenagers away from bad paths.

Why it matters

McKinney's quick knockout win in front of his home state crowd in Seattle showcases his exciting fighting style that has yet to earn him a UFC performance bonus. As he looks to climb the ranks, his potential matchups against top lightweights could produce more thrilling finishes for fans. McKinney's community outreach also demonstrates how fighters can use their platform to positively impact young people's lives.

The details

In his last fight on March 28, McKinney quickly defeated Canada's Kyle Nelson with a 24-second TKO. McKinney said he took his time, using straight punches to get in Nelson's face and capitalize when Nelson threw his looping overhand punch. The win in front of his home state crowd in Seattle was an exciting moment for McKinney, who has eight first-round finishes in the UFC but has yet to receive a performance bonus from the promotion.

  • On March 28, McKinney defeated Kyle Nelson in a 24-second TKO.
  • On Wednesday, McKinney led a seminar at BOXR Gym in Miami for middle and high school students.

The players

Terrance McKinney

A UFC fighter with 18 wins and 8 first-round finishes in the promotion, who is looking to climb the lightweight rankings and earn a performance bonus.

Kyle Nelson

A Canadian UFC fighter with a 17-7-1 record, who was defeated by McKinney in 24 seconds.

Michael Chiesa

A mentor and teammate of McKinney's, who won his retirement fight on the same card as McKinney in Seattle.

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What they’re saying

“It feels incredible. It was just a humbling experience to be with the sheriff and all these kids. I know it's not easy growing up. So if we can teach these guys how to stay out of trouble and defend themselves, give them a dream to drive for, is just incredible.”

— Terrance McKinney, UFC Fighter

“I took my time. I'm just a fast person. It's always going to look like I'm going crazy a little bit. But we were only going to throw straight punches, get in his face, because we know he likes to throw overhand. When he's uncomfortable, he throws that looping hook. We were going to use straight punches every time. We knew they were going to land.”

— Terrance McKinney, UFC Fighter

What’s next

McKinney is hoping to fight at UFC 329 or International Fight Week in July, and has mentioned potential opponents like Lance Gibson, Alex Hernandez, and Joaquim Silva.

The takeaway

Terrance McKinney's quick knockout win and his community outreach efforts demonstrate his exciting fighting style and his commitment to using his platform to positively impact young people's lives. As he looks to climb the UFC lightweight rankings, his potential matchups against top contenders could produce more thrilling finishes for fans.