UFC 334: Gane vs. Hokit features a guaranteed first-round lightweight shootout on the prelims as Octagon record-holder Jim Miller takes on explosive finisher Terrance McKinney. Check out our UFC 334 odds series for our Miller-McKinney prediction and pick.
Jim Miller (39-19, 1 NC) makes his record-extending 48th UFC appearance fresh off a first-round guillotine choke submission victory over Jared Gordon at UFC 328 in May. Prior to earning that $100,000 bonus, the 43-year-old legend lost a unanimous decision to Chase Hooper in April 2025 as he comes into his fight this weekend against Terrance McKinney.
Terrance McKinney (18-9) looks to bounce back after suffering a late first-round TKO loss to King Green at UFC 329 in July. Before that defeat, “T.Wrecks” knocked out Kyle Nelson in 24 seconds in March after being submitted by Chris Duncan in the first round in December 2025 as he comes into his fight this weekend against Jim Miller.
UFC 334 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings
UFC 334 Odds: Jim Miller-Terrance McKinney Odds
Jim Miller: +170
Terrance McKinney: -205
Over 1.5 rounds: +290
Under 1.5 rounds: -410
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Jim Miller Will Win
Jim Miller is the ultimate veteranlitmus test for front-running finishers, and he possesses the exact durability, composure and submission traps needed to survive Terrance McKinney's early storm. Even at 43 years old, Miller proved in May that he remains lethal when he snatched Jared Gordon's neck for a first-round guillotine victory.
Everyone in the arena knows what McKinney is going to do: sprint across the cage for the first three minutes hunting a quick knockout or submission before his gas tank completely empties. In McKinney's recent losses to Chris Duncan and King Green, he faded rapidly once his initial blitz was weathered, getting finished before the first horn even sounded.
Miller has shared the Octagon with the best lightweights in history across 47 UFC bouts and has rarely been put away early in his career. He is a master of catching reckless wrestlers in guillotines, face cranks and kneebars during chaotic scrambles.
If Miller keeps his guard tight for the opening two minutes, punishes McKinney's body in the clinch and drags him past the three-minute mark, Miller will submit an exhausted McKinney.
Why Terrance McKinney Will Win
Terrance McKinney is arguably the most dangerous first-minute fighter in UFC lightweight history, holding records for the fastest lightweight knockout (seven seconds) and shortest average fight time (2:28). At 32 years old, he holds an 11-year youth advantage, a two-inch height edge and a two-inch reach advantage over the 43-year-old Jim Miller.
While Miller's longevity is legendary, Father Time catches up to everyone when facing elite athletic explosiveness. McKinney proved in March just how devastating his early speed is when he obliterated Kyle Nelson in 24 seconds.
Miller does not move his head off the center line as quickly as he did a decade ago, and he absorbed significant damage against Bobby Green and Dan Hooker when forced to trade with longer, faster athletes. McKinney switches stances seamlessly, firing laser-guided straight lefts, flying knees and head kicks with zero telegraph.
Article Continues BelowFurthermore, McKinney is a former NCAA Division II wrestler with eight career submission victories, meaning he will not panic if the fight hits the mat early. Expect McKinney to blitz Miller from the opening bell and overwhelm the veteran with sheer speed and power for a first-round TKO.
Final Miller-McKinney Prediction & Pick
Terrance McKinney is the pick to win inside the opening frame, though this is the ultimate “kill or be killed” matchup between the two men who hold first and second place for the most first-round finishes in UFC lightweight history. One thing is virtually guaranteed: the judges can take a break during this bout.
Jim Miller is a living legend who will look to weather the opening two minutes, chop at McKinney's lead leg and bait the younger man into a reckless takedown entry where a guillotine choke awaits. If this fight somehow reaches the four-minute mark of round one or enters round two, Miller becomes a massive favorite against a gassed McKinney.
However, at 43 years old with 59 professional fights of wear and tear, surviving the initial three-minute onslaught of an explosive athlete like McKinney is a monumental ask. McKinney's hand speed, flying knees and two-inch reach advantage will allow him to touch Miller's chin immediately before the veteran can settle into a rhythm.
Look for McKinney to clip Miller early with a straight punch or high kick and swarm him with follow-up strikes for a first-round stoppage.
Final Jim Miller-Terrance McKinney Prediction & Pick: Terrance McKinney (-205), UNDER 1.5 rounds (-410)