Former LFA fighter Marcus McGhee made a huge Octagon debut earlier tonight (Sat., April 29, 2023) at UFC Vegas 72 live on ESPN2/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, filling in for Brian Kelleher on three days notice and stopping bantamweight Journey Newson with a second-round submission (rear-naked choke).
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24689407/Vegas_74_Poster.png)
LIVE! Stream UFC Vegas 74 On ESPN+
HIGH STAKES FLYWEIGHT MATCHUP! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns home to UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sat., June 3, 2023, with No. 3-seeded contender, Kai Kara-France, face rising No. 7-ranked Amir Albazi. In UFC Vegas 74’s ESPN+-streamed co-main event, an exciting Featherweight bout sees No. 15-ranked contender, Alex Caceres, lock horns with all-action Daniel Pineda.
Despite having limited time to prepare for this fight McGhee was game from the opening bell. The bantamweights — who were competing at 140-pound catchweight — went back-and-forth for the first five minutes. McGhee was able to take control in the second round when he landed a stuff left hand that badly hurt Newson. “Maniac” rushed in and was able to grab a hold of Newson’s back and sunk in a nasty rear-naked choke.
Check out the finish above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
McGhee, 32, is now 7-1 as a pro and has won his last three fights. Few fighters are able to step in on a few days notice and deliver a finish like this, especially in a debut. McGhee looked pretty comfortable from the second this fight started so it will be interesting to see what he can do with a full camp.
For complete UFC Vegas 72 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
Get the latest gear
Loading comments...