Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Terrance McKinney

How Terrance McKinney built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Terrance McKinney is an American professional mixed martial artist. Since turning professional in 2017, he has competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). McKinney has also fought for Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Near-Fatal Overdose and Resuscitation

During the summer of 2015, Terrance McKinney experienced a near-fatal overdose involving LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and alcohol, leading to cardiac arrest twice before being resuscitated and later becoming a leader for the Youth Police Initiative.

2015: Continued Wrestling Career

In 2015, Terrance McKinney continued his wrestling career and was ranked as high as second in the nation in the NCAA Division II level.

August 2016: Amateur MMA Debut

In August 2016, Terrance McKinney debuted in amateur mixed martial arts, securing a knockout victory just fifteen seconds into the first round.

2017: Professional MMA Debut

In 2017, Terrance McKinney began his professional career as a mixed martial artist, and he also competed for Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).

July 2019: Appearance on Dana White's Contender Series

In July 2019, Terrance McKinney appeared on Dana White's Contender Series 21, where he lost by knockout to Sean Woodson.

June 12, 2021: UFC Promotional Debut and Record-Setting Win

On June 12, 2021, at UFC 263, Terrance McKinney made his promotional debut against Matt Frevola, winning by knockout in seven seconds, setting a record for the fastest finish in UFC lightweight history. Dana White gave him an unofficial Performance of the Night bonus.

2021: Return to Lightweight Division

In early 2021, Terrance McKinney returned to fighting in the lightweight division, achieving three consecutive knockout wins before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

February 26, 2022: Victory at UFC Fight Night

On February 26, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Green, Terrance McKinney defeated Farès Ziam via rear-naked choke in the first round.

August 6, 2022: Victory at UFC on ESPN

On August 6, 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Hill, Terrance McKinney won against Erick Gonzalez via a rear-naked choke submission in round one.

January 21, 2023: Loss at UFC 283

On January 21, 2023, at UFC 283, Terrance McKinney faced Ismael Bonfim and lost the fight via a flying knee knockout in the second round.

July 15, 2023: Loss at UFC Fight Night

On July 15, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Bueno Silva, Terrance McKinney lost to Nazim Sadykhov via a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

August 12, 2023: Victory at UFC on ESPN

On August 12, 2023, Terrance McKinney replaced Lando Vannata and fought Mike Breeden at UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. dos Anjos, winning by technical knockout in round one.

October 14, 2023: Victory at UFC Fight Night 230

On October 14, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 230, Terrance McKinney was scheduled to face Chris Duncan, but Duncan withdrew due to visa issues and was replaced by Brendon Marotte. McKinney won the fight via technical knockout just twenty seconds into the bout.

January 19, 2024: Loss at ADXC 2

On January 19, 2024, Terrance McKinney competed against Sidney Outlaw in a grappling match at ADXC 2. He lost the match by submission in the first round.

May 11, 2024: Loss at UFC on ESPN 56

On May 11, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 56, Terrance McKinney faced Esteban Ribovics and lost the fight early in the first round by knockout via a head kick.

October 12, 2024: Removal from UFC Fight Night 244

On October 12, 2024, Terrance McKinney was scheduled to face an opponent to-be-announced at UFC Fight Night 244. However, his name was removed from the card for unknown reasons.

February 1, 2025: Victory at UFC Fight Night 250

On February 1, 2025, Terrance McKinney faced Damir Hadžović at UFC Fight Night 250 and won the fight by technical knockout via ground-and-pound in the first round.

June 28, 2025: Victory at UFC 317

On June 28, 2025, Terrance McKinney faced Viacheslav Borshchev at UFC 317 and won the fight via a guillotine choke submission within the first minute of the first round.