White On Contender Series Contracts And Illegal Knee

Dana White handed out four UFC contracts Tuesday night at Week 8 of the Contender Series but pulled no punches when reviewing the performances at the Meta APEX.

George Staines and Aieza Bertolso earned immediate deals after dominant showings. "They could not have performed better," White said at the post-fight press conference, per UFC.com. "They both looked incredible. Yeah, no-brainers."

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 8 on Ticketmaster →

White Rips Heavyweight Fight Despite Offering Contract

White was far less complimentary about Senegal's Adama Diop, who received a contract despite what the promoter called the sloppiest fight of the season. "The heavyweight fight that I talked about — who disagrees with me? Atrocious," White said, per the report. He described the standup as horrendous and said Diop only wrestled to avoid boos, adding that a UFC heavyweight will not gas the way Diop's opponent did. White gave the 31-year-old a contract anyway, saying he wants to see if Diop uses the opportunity to improve his skill level.

Ian Escuza also got a deal despite landing an illegal knee on downed opponent Luca Borando during the finish. White admitted the bout should have been ruled a no contest but said matchmaker Sean Shelby wanted Escuza in the promotion. White blamed the miss on veteran referee Herb Dean and said the UFC will continue funding official training. Borando will get another look when a spot opens up, per White.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 8 on Ticketmaster →

White confirmed that Raoni Barcelos is recovering well after being hospitalized following his main event loss to Raul Rosas Jr last weekend. "Thank God he's doing well," White said. "He's up, walking around, talking."

Source: ufc.com