Darby Fulfills Eight-Year UFC Contract Prediction

Adam Darby broke down Patrick Rivera over nearly three rounds at Dana White's Contender Series on Sept. 1, earning a UFC contract and making good on a prediction he typed into his phone in 2018.

Darby controlled the standup against Rivera until referee Kerry Hatley waved in the cageside doctor midway through the third frame. The doctor stopped the fight, per Sherdog, and Darby walked away with a deal. His record improved to 8-1 while Rivera dropped to 13-5.

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Darby's 2018 Notes App Goal

Before the bout, Darby posted a screenshot from his phone showing a note he wrote as an amateur. The message read "one life, one chance, UFC or nothing else." Darby told reporters after the finish that the contract is just the start. "This has been in the making for 10 years," he said. "I've been pushing to get here. This is the foot in the door now. I'm not just here to stay here and not fight."

Darby said he is ready to debut immediately and asked Dana White to book him for UFC Paris on Sept. 5. "I'm good to go. I love to fight. They want me out next weekend. I'm good to go. Sept. 5, France," he said.

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The lightweight now sits in the UFC roster with a chance to chase the title he listed as his final goal eight years ago. UFC Paris takes place in three days.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — New UFC fighter predicted his signing 8 years ago: ‘UFC or nothing else’