Irish welterweight Rhys McKee found himself where no fighter in the UFC wanted to be on Saturday: 0-4 through two stints with the organization, having lost two straight heading into a fight with Contender Series winner Daniel Frunza.
While McKee was in must-win territory in the fight, Frunza was looking to extend a five-fight win streak dating back to 2022.
Frunza opened the fight aggressively, throwing a mix of kicks and punches. McKee welcomed the firefight and traded right back. Both fighters exchanged heavy shots until McKee dropped Frunza first with a left hand, then again with a right. Still visibly rocked, Frunza blitzed forward, only to get sat down a third time by a stiff jab.
Despite being busted up and clearly hurt, newcomer Frunza stayed on his feet and kept throwing, albeit wildly. McKee stayed composed, mixing shots to the body and head while showcasing slick head movement and superior technique. Even as he gave Frunza chances in the pocket, McKee consistently got the better of the exchanges.
By the end of the round, Frunza had been knocked down three times and looked like he’d been through a full three-round war. His eye was swollen badly, never a good sign.
In between rounds, the doctor called a stoppage to the fight due to all the damage Frunza was wearing on his face. That gave Rhys McKee his first win in the promotion, on his second stint, and snapped a two-fight skid.
Official Result: Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (Doctor Stoppage), Round 1, 5:00
