Terrance McKinney addresses controversial UFC 329 knockout loss to King Green: ‘Ref should have let it go to next round’

Terrance McKinney disputed the referee stoppage of his UFC 329 loss to King Green, arguing that the fight should have continued into the second round. Green caught McKinney with a liver shot late in Round 1, then followed up with punches while McKinney defended against the fence. Referee Kerry Hatley waved off the bout with approximately two seconds remaining in the round.

On social media immediately after the fight, McKinney expressed frustration with the early stoppage. "Got me in liver, but the ref should have let it go to next round, only two seconds left," he posted on Twitter, while also acknowledging his own tactical adjustments. "I'm proud of the growth I had, wasn't just tweaking, picked my shots. We'll be back, congrats to [Green]."

McKinney took responsibility for some of his in-fight decisions, telling a commenter that he should have maintained top position rather than pursuing a rear-naked choke when Green was hurt. Despite the controversial nature of the stoppage, the two fighters—who are friends—were spotted together celebrating later that evening, showing no animosity between them.

The loss dropped McKinney to 8–6 in the UFC, continuing a trend that has defined his career: his fights rarely go the distance. In 27 professional bouts, McKinney has never competed to a decision, and only four of those fights have extended beyond the first round. His reputation as a "quick-finisher" in both directions remains intact, though this particular finish left him questioning the official's judgment.