The UFC 323 prelims were already chaotic, but not for the reasons fans usually celebrate. What unfolded in the lightweight clash between Terrance McKinney and Chris Duncan turned into one of those moments where the action inside the cage took a backseat to the decision-making outside it. By the time the fight ended, the conversation had shifted sharply away from Duncan’s comeback and toward the referee in charge, Marc Goddard.

On paper, the bout delivered everything the matchmakers promised. McKinney, a notorious fast starter who had never gone to a decision, came out like a man trying to end the night before it began. Duncan absorbed clean shots, survived early knockdowns, and endured knees that clearly did damage. Then the momentum swung.

Duncan hurt McKinney, dragged the fight to

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