Under the Radar | Marcus McGhee

His next fight would be just a few months later, at UFC Fight Night: Luque vs Dos Anjos in August 2023, where he took on JP Buys. After spending the first few minutes alternating on the feet, McGhee landed a crushing right hand in the pocket for a walk-off knockout.

To open 2024, McGhee earned his third straight stoppage since joining the UFC, this time against Gaston Bolanos in the first event of the year. It was a dominant display by the Arizona product, who kept his finishing at 100 percent.

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It’s not too often you see fighters get a shot at the rankings this early, but McGhee has left the matchmakers no choice. He is 34 years old, has run through the competition so far and is exciting to watch, so the time is now.

This Saturday he meets Jonathan Martinez, who is no. 13 at 135 pounds, and the bout promises a display of high-level skills from both athletes. Martinez comes in off a loss to Jose Aldo last May but is a proven and dangerous opponent.