February was a big month for Terrance McKinney. The UFC lightweight found himself published in Newsweek, then stepped into the octagon at UFC Vegas 49, taking on Fares Ziam.
Success continued to come the 27-year old’s way on Saturday.
The start to McKinney vs. Ziam was, in a word, wild. Ziam threw a leg kick, which seemed to trip up McKinney as he was coming in. That led to a quick scramble, with McKinney ending up on top. He found himself in half guard as they came to a rest alongside the fence. Ziam kept his legs locked, at least initially, trapping McKinney’s own limb and preventing him from trying to pass. Ziam would give up the back trying to scramble out, however, and McKinney would threaten to mount, then take the back again.
This time, McKinney was able to sink in a choke, even while more on the side then on the back. Even at the awkward angle, McKinney was able to lock up the choke tight enough to force the tap!
FIVE FIRST ROUND FINISHES IN A ROW 🤯
[ @TWrecks155 | #UFCVegas49 ] pic.twitter.com/2A9FyE6nWD
— UFC (@ufc) February 26, 2022
With the victory, McKinney now has eleven first-round finishes, and has won five straight fights — including his first two under the UFC banner. That should have the lightweight looking at some interesting match-ups moving forward.
“Prayers for Ukraine,” McKinney said following the fight, adding “it’s my time” when asked about his success — which has seen his last five fights each go less than five minutes.
Official Result: Terrance McKinney def. Fares Ziam by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 2:11
