Marcus McGhee showed grit and potential in the co-main event of UFC on ABC 9, going the distance with former bantamweight champion Petr Yan in a fast-paced, technical battle. McGhee started strong, landing effective kicks and maintaining a high output, but Yan’s veteran savvy and clinical pressure wore him down over the course of three rounds.
While McGhee ultimately dropped a unanimous decision, his ability to stay competitive against one of the division’s elite affirmed his place among the top contenders. Now 10–2, with five UFC victories and a spot at #13 in the bantamweight rankings, McGhee remains a dangerous threat moving forward.
Next up for Marcus McGhee should be a matchup with #15-ranked Montel Jackson. Jackson, a powerful striker and seasoned UFC veteran, is riding a five-fight win streak including a recent decision victory over Daniel Marcos. Stylistically, this clash is fireworks. McGhee’s explosive offense and diverse striking against Jackson’s knockout power and clinical accuracy.
It’s a perfect measuring stick for both men: for McGhee, a chance to bounce back against a dangerous opponent; for Jackson, an opportunity to crack the top 10 with a win over a ranked finisher. Put it on a Fight Night main card or as a pay-per-view opener. This is a high-stakes fight between two of the most underrated talents at 135.
Last Five Fights – Marcus McGhee:
1. Loss to Petr Yan – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ABC 9 (July 26, 2025)
2. Win over Jonathan Martinez – Decision (unanimous), UFC 309 (Nov 16, 2024)
3. Win over Gastón Bolaños – TKO (spinning wheel kick and punches), UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 (Jan 13, 2024)
4. Win over JP Buys – KO (punch), UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. dos Anjos (Aug 12, 2023)
5. Win over Journey Newson – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón (Apr 29, 2023)
Last Five Fights – Montel Jackson:
1. Win over Daniel Marcos – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo (May 3, 2025)
2. Win over Da’Mon Blackshear – KO (punch), UFC on ESPN: Namajunas vs. Cortez (July 13, 2024)
3. Win over Rani Yahya – KO (punches), UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs. Blaydes (Apr 22, 2023)
4. Win over Julio Arce – Decision (unanimous), UFC 281 (Nov 12, 2022)
5. Win over JP Buys – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Spann (Sept 18, 2021)