When it comes to outside-the-box ideas, Terrance McKinney doesn’t pull punches. The UFC lightweight contender is known for his explosive finishes, holding the record for the fastest knockout in the 155 lbs. division’s history, and a bold personality! And now, he’s got a new idea, one that could change MMA as we know it. Or at least get fans talking.

McKinney recently posted a photo to Instagram showing an altered version of the UFC’s iconic Octagon. Instead of the usual chain-link fence, the enclosure has clear, wall-like panels, something that looks straight out of a futuristic fight simulation or a sci-fi martial arts flick. Along with the image, he wrote, “That’s one way to get rid of cage grabs”, followed by a crying-laughing emoji.

The post immediately lit up fight fans. After all, cage grabs are a recurring issue in the sport. Fighters often get warned, penalized, or, in some cases, get away with them entirely. A transparent wall? It would eliminate the tactic completely, but also raise new concerns, as some fans pointed out.

But before we get to that, Terrance McKinney’s idea joins a long list of Octagon redesign suggestions. In fact, according to Joe Rogan, there shouldn’t even be a cage at all. The UFC color commentator has been vocal about his issues with the Octagon for a while, and during a discussion on his podcast with UFC star Ilia Topuria earlier this year, Rogan confessed, “I think it should be in, like, a basketball court. Like a basketball court that’s matted up. Have a big space. Have a warning track where if you go outside the warning track too many times, you could lose points.”

The truth is, while the chain-link fence has been a UFC staple since 1993, its origin story is chaotic, to say the least. From Hollywood directors like John Milius to Art Davie, the UFC’s co-founder, many have claimed to be the father of the Octagon.

In fact, according to art director Jason Cusson, “I had no martial arts background, the reason there’s an Octagon is because of Chuck Norris”, pointing to the 1980 action film The Octagon as the inspiration! But no matter who created it, the Octagon is now one of the most iconic images in combat sports. Changing it would be a big deal, both technically and culturally, as we take a look at what the fans had to say about Terrance McKinney’s idea of a transparent cage!

Fans left divided as Terrance McKinney’s Octagon redesign idea causes a frenzy in the MMA sphere

One fan wrote, “Why hasn’t this been suggested?” as they welcomed the change, praising McKinney for offering a real solution to a real problem. Cage grabs have long been a controversial gray area in MMA, and to many, it’s surprising no one’s made this suggestion sooner.

However, another pointed out, “Reflections from the plexiglass has the potential to make recording difficult.”  That’s where the streaming concern comes in. With UFC broadcasts relying on crisp visuals, the idea of reflective panels messing up camera shots could be a major headache. It’s an innovation, yes, but maybe not a broadcast-friendly one. What do you think?

“Bruh suggested a hell in the cell match,” one fan joked. This reaction leaned into the pro wrestling comparison. The solid walls, the dramatic setup, it all screams WWE. For some, it sounds like entertainment gold. For purists? Maybe not so much.

“I think instead of a cage it should be a pit… if you fall you fall 100ft down into lava and crocodiles,” another fan chimed in. While imaginative, the sport would just be turning into Mortal Kombat at that point. But it shows the wild direction fans’ imaginations take when someone like Terrance McKinney sparks the conversation!

One fan wrote, “Imagine the blood splatters.” Here’s where aesthetics get gory. Transparent panels might offer fans a better view, but also make every strike, spray, and spill much more visible and even off-putting. What may be a dream for some hardcore fans might become a nightmare for production crews and sensitive viewers.

Another added, “Better view for fans in attendance.” This fan made a solid point. Chain-link fencing often blocks the view from cageside seats. Clear panels would remove that obstacle entirely, offering a more immersive experience but only if it can be done safely and effectively, which might be hard to pull off.

So, while Terrance McKinney’s see-through Octagon may not be the next UFC upgrade, it did what great ideas always do: ignite conversation. From broadcast concerns to bloody visuals and even crocodile pits, fans ran wild with the possibilities. Some loved it. Others weren’t sold.

But whether it’s plexiglass panels or padded basketball courts, one thing is clear: the sport keeps evolving. And the question now becomes, do you think the UFC’s Octagon needs to be changed in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!