Dana during an interview. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Dana White didn't like what he saw on Contender Series, but still decided to give Ian Escuza a chance. In the episode shown last Tuesday (29), the prospect knocked out Luca Borando with an illegal knee strike, ignored by referee Herb Dean and later validated by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC). The situation angered the UFC president, who disagreed with the commission's decision.
Despite this, Dana White decided to offer Escuza a UFC contract. According to the UFC president, the signing happened after Sean Shelby, responsible for the organization's fight matchmaking, defended the fighter's continued presence behind the scenes and highlighted his talent. Convinced by the matchmaker's arguments, Dana opted to give the prospect an opportunity.
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“Unfortunately for you, I disagree with the athletic commission. I think this fight should have ended in a no contest. It was an illegal knee strike. I don’t think it was intentional, but that’s not how it should have happened. I don’t know how you can come in here after a disqualification or a no contest. But I’ll tell you one thing: Sean Shelby just fought hard for you backstage. Sean Shelby said, ‘This guy is great. He’s very talented.’ Don’t make Sean regret that,” the official said in his speech before awarding the contract to the fighter.
Watch the moment of the coup that sparked the controversy.
Herb Dean, illegal scam and controversy…🤷🏻♂️
Despite this, a good fight from 🇵🇪 Ian Escuza who pressured and dominated 🇮🇹 Luca Borando at the beginning of the 1st round. #DWCS pic.twitter.com/4mT8xL519r
— MMA Central (@acentraldomma) September 29, 2026
Contender Series: the main gateway to the UFC
Dana White's Contender Series has established itself as one of the main gateways to the UFC, revealing champions such as Sean O'Malley , Jamahal Hill , Carlos Ulberg , and Jack Della Maddalena , as well as names that have become prominent in the organization, such as Jean Silva , Carlos Prates , and Josh Hokit.
The program functions as a kind of selection process. Participants face each other in three-round fights, each lasting five minutes, but the objective goes beyond simply winning. To earn a contract with the UFC, fighters need to impress Dana White and convince the executive that they are ready to join the biggest MMA event in the world.
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