Kicking off the main card of UFC Fight Night 224 will be the intriguing battle between former College Wrestling star and the man with the fastest knockout record in UFC Lightweight history, Terrance McKinney, and Nazim Sadykhov of Azerbaijan who will be making his sophomore appearance in the Octagon. Both fighters are under thirty and represent the new generation of Lightweight warriors in the promotion. UFC Fight Night holds this weekend at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and the main card is on ESPN/ESPN+.
MMA: UFC Lightweight
Location: UFC Apex
Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+
Date: 16.07.2023. 01.00
Terrance McKinney
The 28-year-old American was known for his wrestling prowess in High School, but his knockout power has made him famous in professional MMA circles. Competing in the NCAA Division II in College, McKinney dropped out of Notre Dame and joined the pro ranks in 2017. He has fought in the LFA and joined the UFC via the Contender Series route. The Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu replaced Frank Camacho for his UFC debut against Matt Frevola in June 2021. He won the fight by knockout seven seconds into the first round, setting the record for the fastest finish and fastest knockout in UFC Lightweight history. His knockout stats preceded the UFC as in 2019, “T Wrecks” racked up three knockouts in a row in the LFA with a combined time of less than two minutes. He is 1-2 in his last three fights.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 28
- Height: 5’ 10”
- Reach: 73”
- Record: 13-5
Also in the Caucasus region, like ‘Borz,’ ‘Wolf,’ Chimaev, his nickname is ‘Borz.’ It’s like a compliment; being a wolf is an honor.
Nazim Sadykhov
Brooklyn-born Nazim Sadykhov is working hard to represent his native Azerbaijan in the MMA world. The former Fury FC fighter made an impressive debut in the UFC in February when he scored a TKO over Evan Elder. That was a follow-up to his third-round KO of Ahmad Sohail Hassanzada on Dana White’s Contender Series last August. After a flawless amateur stint, the aptly named “Black Wolf” turned pro in 2018. He is 8-1 professionally, with his lone loss coming in his debut. The 29-year-old has six knockouts from eight wins.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 5’ 10”
- Reach: 69”
- Record: 8-1
It’s the homeland. I love Azerbaijan. I love my culture. I love my roots. I didn’t grow up in the country, I am a Brooklyn guy, but I never forget where I came from. I never forget my lineage, my parents, my grandparents. I never forget my bloodline. My bloodline is from Azerbaijan. I genuinely love Azerbaijan just because I’m Azerbaijani.
Betting Odds
The Azerbaijani is the favorite to win the fight, with Bet365 pricing him to win at 1.66 odds while the American is 2.25 odds to win on Marathonbet. 1.87 odds is the price for a bet that round two will start on 1XBET. The No is also priced at 1.87. Marathon bet has under 0.5 rounds at 1.90 odds, with the over at 1.88.
