Marcus McGhee

Marcus Julius McGhee As of July 11, 2026, he is #10 in the Meta UFC bantamweight rankings.

Early life McGhee was born in Detroit, Michigan, and was raised by his single mother, as his father spent most of his life in prison.

Mixed martial arts career Early career As an amateur, McGhee's record was 3–2 while winning those three fights consecutively and capturing the Iron Boy MMA Featherweight Championship. He turned pro in 2020, compiling a 6–1 record in his first seven professional fights.

Ultimate Fighting Championship In his promotional debut, as a late replacement for Brian Kelleher, who was forced to withdraw, McGhee faced Journey Newson in a 140 pounds catchweight bout on April 29, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 45. McGhee won the fight via a rear-naked choke in the second round. This win earning him the Performance of the Night award.

McGhee was scheduled to face Gastón Bolaños on August 12, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 51. However, Bolaños withdrew due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by JP Buys. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. This win earned him his second consecutive Performance of the Night award.

The bout between McGhee and Bolaños was rescheduled for January 13, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 234. He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round. This win earning his third straight Performance of the Night award.

McGhee faced Jonathan Martinez on November 26, 2024, at UFC 309. He won the fight via unanimous decision, the first decision victory of his career.

McGhee faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan on July 26, 2025, at UFC on ABC 9. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

McGhee was scheduled to face Jakub Wikłacz on June 6, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 278. However, Wikłacz pulled out in early May due to injury and was replaced by John Yannis. McGhee won the fight by unanimous decision.

Personal life McGhee currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona. He is married with four kids.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Iron Boy MMA Iron Boy MMA Featherweight Championship (One time) Phoenix New Times – Best of Phoenix 2024: Boomtown 2024 Best Cannabis Athlete

Mixed martial arts record Win

John Yannis Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Muhammad vs. Bonfim

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Petr Yan Decision (unanimous) UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. de Ridder

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Jonathan Martinez Decision (unanimous) UFC 309

New York City, New York, United States Win

Gastón Bolaños TKO (spinning wheel kick and punches) UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

JP Buys KO (punch) UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. dos Anjos

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Journey Newson Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Luciano Ramos TKO (punches) LFA 149

Chandler, Arizona, United States Win

Abe Sellers TKO (punches) Goat Promotions: Cowboys vs. Cajuns 3

Dallas, Texas, United States Loss

Rafael do Nascimento Submission (rear-naked choke) LFA 135

Phoenix, Arizona, United States Win

Rodney Mondala KO (punch) RUF 47

Phoenix, Arizona, United States Win

Raphael Montini de Lima KO (punches) RUF 42

Phoenix, Arizona, United States Win

Ricky Maynez TKO (punches) RUF 40

Glendale, Arizona, United States Win

Nick Alwag KO (punch) RUF 38

Glendale, Arizona, United States Source:

Amateur record Win

Stephen Esparza-Owens KO (punch) Iron Boy MMA 13

Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Win

Shawn Garrett Submission (guillotine choke) World Fighting Federation 40

Chandler, Arizona, U.S. Win

Moe Ismail TKO (punches) Duel for Domination 13

Mesa, Arizona, U.S. Loss

Derrick Brown Decision (unanimous) KOTC: Alliance

Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. Loss

Joshua Medina Submission (armbar) Rage in the Cage 163

Chandler, Arizona, U.S. Source: