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 trading feet for the first few minutes, McGhee landed a crushing right hand in the pocket for a walk-off knockout.

To open 2024, McGhee recorded his third straight finish since joining the UFC, this time against Gaston Bolanos in the first event of the year. It was a dominant performance from the Arizona product, who kept his finishing percentage at 100 percent.

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

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