Terrance McKinney wants to make a statement at UFC 329.

McKinney is set to open up the UFC 329 main card against King Green in what should be a fan-friendly fight for however long it lasts. When McKinney got the fight offer to fight on a Conor McGregor card and against an opponent like Green, it was an immediate yes, despite it being on rather short notice.

“It was five weeks out, and I was like, that was too big of an opportunity to not say yes to,” McKinney said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “I was close to 200lbs, and I got my weight down. I’m blessed to be on a card like this.”

McKinney knows getting to open up the main card of a McGregor fight is huge. So, he believes this is the biggest fight of his career to date.

“This is a huge opportunity, and it’s cool to fight a big name in the company,” McKinney added. “It helps solidify me and helps me get a ranked opponent. … You can’t overlook him, he’s crafty and awkward, you have to respect him, or you pay the piper. I know he’s dangerous, but so am I. I’m ready to give the fans a show.”

As Terrance McKinney said, he plans to give the fans a show, so he’s hopeful King Green will want to meet in the middle and throw down with him. If that happens, he expects to get a first-round finish to send a statement to the lightweight division.

“I’m not taking him lightly, but no matter who it is, there’s a possibility I get him out of there in the first round. And, I have the tools to do that on the feet or on the ground. I’m excited to meet him in the middle and scrap. … I’m down to stand-up, but the pressure and size difference, I bet he shoots,” McKinney said.

Should McKinney get the first-round stoppage win at UFC 329, he expects it will lead to a ranked opponent next time out.

“I think I get a ranked opponent next. Lord willing, everything goes to plan, I shoot for a ranked opponent after that. Take it fight by fight and fight for the belt when it’s all said and done,” McKinney concluded.

Do you think Terrance McKinney will beat King Green at UFC 329?