Ian Escuza earns UFC contract despite illegal knee controversy

Ian Escuza has earned a UFC contract following a controversial 32-second knockout of Luca Borando at Dana White’s Contender Series 94 in Las Vegas. The victory, which ended via TKO, came under scrutiny after Escuza appeared to land an illegal knee while Borando was a grounded opponent.

UFC President Dana White expressed strong disagreement with the Nevada Athletic Commission’s decision to uphold the TKO result, stating that the bout should have been ruled a no-contest. White criticized referee Herb Dean for failing to call the foul, noting that the veteran official “f**ked up” during the sequence.

Despite the controversy and White’s belief that the outcome was incorrect, Escuza was awarded a contract based on the advocacy of UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, who highlighted the undefeated featherweight's talent. Escuza maintains a 7-0 record, while the loss ends Borando’s five-fight winning streak.