By Safeer MS
Esteban Ribovic knocked out Terrance McKinney in the first round of their fight at UFC St. Louis. McKinney is a quick starter and has several first-round finishes. As such, it was a surprise to see Ribovic knock out McKinney in the first round. With the victory, Ribovic snapped McKinney’s two-fight first-round finishing streak. After his loss in his debut, Ribovic now has a two-fight winning streak in the UFC.
What’s next for Esteban Ribovic?
Esteban Ribovic showcased his striking acumen in his fight against Terrance McKinney. Ribovic, a Contender Series alumnus, had showcased his toughness in his debut to Loik Radzhabov. Even though he lost to Radzhabov, the 28-year-old improved significantly in his second fight against Kamuela Kirk. Against McKinney, Ribovic showed that he has in his to step the gas pedal if needs to. Nonetheless, he has to tone it down if he fights higher-ranked opponents.
Ribov has 2-3 years left before he reaches his athletic prime. However, a victory over McKinney deserves a fighter from the 10-15 range in his next fight. If not them, unranked contenders like Drew Dober or Matt Frevola are also good options. Nevertheless, Ribovic would have to level up before he fights next. Age is on his side but experience is not. To reach the top of the lightweight division, wrestling, and grappling are essential.
What’s next for Terrance McKinney?
Terrance McKinney has never fought a fight in its entirety. Either he finishes his opponent or his opponents finish him. With a background in wrestling, the American is in love with reckless striking. Pound-for-pound, McKinny might be one of the hardest punchers in the UFC. However, McKinney is only dangerous in the first half of the first round. Afterward, the threat from McKinney decreases. Nonetheless, in his latest fight against Esteban Ribovic, he suffered a quick defeat, something he is accustomed to giving.
McKinney has all the skills to compete at the highest level. However, he has not competed intelligently. The American has fallen in love with his striking and has not even used his wrestling in the UFC. Wrestling is the most important skill needed in the lightweight division. McKinney has that but has never shown it. As for his next fight, he should stick on to unranked contenders. He shouldn’t be fighting ranked fighters in his next 2-3 fights. What he should do is fight with a game plan and then begin his ascension.
