UFC Contender Series: Four fighters earn contracts in Las Vegas

During Week 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series in Las Vegas, four fighters secured UFC contracts following a night of high-impact finishes.

George Staines made history by recording the first slam knockout in the show’s history, defeating Loai Abushaar in the first round. In the heavyweight division, Adama Diop secured a contract after a second-round TKO victory over Zaurbek Sabanov. Despite the win, UFC President Dana White heavily criticized Diop’s performance, describing the fight as “horrible, sloppy, and one of the worst fights I have ever seen on the Contender Series,” specifically targeting his striking and wrestling approach.

Other contract winners included Ian Escuza, who defeated Luca Borando via TKO in the first round despite a controversial knee, and Aieza Bertolso, who secured a first-round submission victory over Camila Reynoso. The event was originally scheduled for five fights, but the bout between Ilias Bulaid and Erick Visconde was postponed due to illness.