​McKee’s record slips to 15-8-1 [Getty Images]Ballymena’s Rhys McKee suffered defeat at PFL Dubai on Saturday as he was stopped in the opening round of his welterweight contest by Ernesto Rodriguez.The 31-year-old had got back to winning ways with a points victory over Alex Lohore on his Professional Fighters League [PFL] debut in April, but was unable to build upon this against the Cuban-American.A huge right hand midway through the opening round rocked McKee, who dropped to the canvas.Rodriguez pounced to deliver a flurry of strikes which prompted referee Mike Beltran to wave it off after 2:28 minutes of the contest.McKee, who won BAMMA and Cage Warriors titles earlier in his career, had two previous spells with the UFC before inking a multi-fight deal with the PFL earlier this year.He had hoped that victory on Saturday’s card that is topped by the PFL heavyweight title fight between Russians Vadim Nemkov and Sergei Bilostenniy would move him into PFL title contention, but now he must rebuild once again.It is an eighth career reverse for McKee who has also scored 15 wins and one draw in his 26-fight career.Rodriguez, who entered the octagon for the first time since defeat by PFL Tournament champion Thad Jean for the world title in July, improves to 12-2 with this victory.MMA schedule and results 2026Watch every Born to Brawl episode
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