Daniel Frunza suffered more than just a TKO loss earlier tonight (Sat., April 5, 2025) at UFC Vegas 105 LIVE on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the former Contender Series standout was left with two gruesome cuts on his cheek and lip.
Despite limited MMA experience and Saturday being his official Octagon debut, Frunza still entered the cage a slight betting favorite over former Cage Warriors star Rhys McKee, who has gone 0-4 through two UFC stints. McKee possessed the better resume and well-rounded MMA arsenal, but Frunza brought dangerous power into his first UFC appearance.
Unfortunately for Frunza, it was McKee who did the most damage with his hands in the early going. He secured multiple knockdowns over the first few minutes of action and had Frunza on the ropes. Frunza somehow survived and started to regain a little momentum. That was before the first round ended and the referee and cageside doctor took a good look at Frunza. He was too busted up to continue and the fight was waved off.
Check out the aftermath of McKee vs. Frunza at the top of the page.
McKee, 29, may have been cut for good from UFC if he didn’t win Saturday night so he was always going to come guns blazing. Some fight fans may have wanted the fight to continue into the second round, but Frunza’s lip looked like a throwback to Robbie Lawler against Rory MacDonald so the stoppage was probably a good call.
For complete UFC Vegas 105 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
