Terrance McKinney claims Paddy Pimblett needs a few more fights to be at his level

Terrance McKinney has long envisioned a potential bout with rising lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett. McKinney believes that the prospective matchup has enough star power to headline an event.

McKinney is scheduled to face Ismael Bonfim on January 21, 2023, at UFC 283 this weekend. Since making his UFC debut in 2021, McKinney has amassed a solid (3-1) record in the UFC, with all three victories coming via first-round stoppages.

Previewing his upcoming clash and a potential fight with Paddy Pimblett in an interview with ESPN MMA, Terrance McKinney shed light on why a fight 'The Baddy' makes sense:

"I think it just all-round makes sense. We both got the same amount of fights. We both almost have a 100% finish rate in the UFC... After this win, if I can get another finish, it just makes sense and the winner gets ranked after this. We'll see who's the real cash cow of the UFC."

McKinney said the bout may not happen right away because Pimblett is not ready to face the best in the lightweight division yet:

"I'll probably have to wait till he's more of my level because as you guys see, I'm ready for a ranked opponent here soon. I think he needs a couple more fights before he's at that level."

Paddy Pimblett's narrow unanimous decision victory over Jared Gordon at UFC 282 did him no favors in capturing the attention of the fans or establishing his status as a legitimate threat in the 155-pound division.

Catch McKinney's comments below:

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When Terrance McKinney predicted absolute "domination" against Paddy Pimblett

Terrance McKinney has already expressed his intentions to challenge Paddy Pimblett on multiple occasions. A bout between two up-and-coming lightweights, as described by 'T Wrecks', could be the main event of a UFC event.

McKinney has brought up the idea several times already during UFC 283 fight week, claiming that fans would thoroughly enjoy the fight. Previewing the fight in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, McKinney stated:

"Just domination. He won't be able to take me down. He won't be able to stand with me. No matter what, I think I'm going to have the strength [advantage], the scramble edge.... he might be a good grappler, but he won't be able to scramble with me because of the years of wrestling. No matter what, we'll get him out of there in the first round. For the fans, I would not wrestle, but I'll look to put him out unconcious."

Catch Sportskeeda MMA's exclusive interview with Terrance McKinney below: