Breaking: Fan-favorite Terrance McKinney scheduled for explosive lightweight matchup

Terrance McKinney has been a revelation since making his UFC debut but unfortunately saw his momentum take a hit last time out. As he looks to get back to winning ways and make a push toward the rankings, he will have to do so by overcoming the extremely tough challenge of 155lb standout Nazim Sadykhov.

Welcoming Ismael Bonfim into the octagon, many expected 'T.Wrecks' to make short work of the UFC newcomer, but that wasn't the case. The Brazilian showed his well-roundedness and devastating power as he dominated the 28-year-old before landing a knockout-of-the-year contender knee to earn a debut finish.

As announced earlier today, Terrance McKinney will be making his return to the octagon when he collides with Nazim Sadykhov in a lightweight barnburner that is a must-watch for any MMA fan.

Nazim Sadykhov will be competing in his second fight under the UFC banner and hoping to make it two wins from two next time out. McKinney will, without a doubt, be his most high-profile matchup to date, but as a training partner of bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, the young 55er is no stranger to tough competition.

The pair are set to lock horns on July 15, a card headlined by former champion Holly Holm and rising contender Mayra Bueno Silva. Alongside the bouts mentioned, Walt Harris will meet Josh Parisian in a slugfest, undefeated Kazakh Azat Maksum makes his UFC debut against Tyson Nam, and Ottman Azaitar looks to bounce back from his first career loss when he faces Francisco Prado.

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Terrance McKinney record: How has the prospect fared in the UFC?

Terrance McKinney has seen his fair share of ups and downs during his time in the sport and saw his chance to get into the UFC come to an end when he was knocked out on the Contender Series in 2019.

Two years later, the standout talent earned himself a short-notice fight against Matt Frevola following a good run of performances elsewhere, and he took the opportunity with both hands. His debut will go down as one the greatest in the history of the promotion after he landed a huge left hand to earn a 7-second KO.

A first-round submission over Fares Ziam followed but McKinney suffered his first loss in the UFC when he once again took a short-notice bout, this time against Drew Dober. He managed to get back in the winner's column with a submission over Erick Gonzalez before losing to the aforementioned Ismael Bonfim.