Staines Secures UFC Contract with Record-Setting Slam Finish in Contender Series

Key points

• George Staines won his first professional fight at the Contender Series by stopping Loai Abushaar in 61 seconds via a slam, marking the first slam knockout in the series' history.
• Staines, a 26-year-old from Hull, is now 9-0 and has been signed to the UFC, fulfilling the prediction made by his training partner Paddy Pimblett.
• Adama Diop defeated Zaurbek Sabanov by TKO in the heavyweight division, continuing a streak of first-round finishes in that weight class this season.
• Ian Escuza and Aieza Bertolso also secured wins via TKO and submission, respectively, bringing the total contracts awarded in Season 10 to 38.
• The opening bout between Ilias Bulaid and Erick Visconde was postponed to Week 10 after Bulaid fell ill on fight night.

Background

Season 10 of Dana White’s Contender Series has seen a high volume of contract awards, with 34 deals secured in the first seven weeks. This follows a trend of decisive finishes, such as the Week 4 card where five fighters earned contracts. The series serves as a primary pipeline for new UFC talent, with fighters like Staines emerging from UK-based promotions like Cage Warriors and training facilities like Next Generation MMA in Liverpool.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting reported the official results, highlighting Staines' slam as a historic first for the Contender Series and noting the postponement of the Bulaid-Visconde bout. Bloody Elbow focused on the pre-fight narrative, quoting Paddy Pimblett’s confidence in Staines' 'very high level' skills and his status as a 'Next Generation' fighter. UFC.com provided detailed background on the fighters, noting Abushaar's height and finishing rate, while CBS Sports emphasized the betting odds and the streaming availability on Paramount+. The outlets agreed on the outcomes but differed in emphasis: Bloody Elbow highlighted the mentorship angle, while MMA Fighting and UFC.com focused on the statistical and historical significance of the finishes.

Why it matters

The event underscores the effectiveness of Dana White’s Contender Series as a talent pipeline, with 38 contracts awarded in Season 10 alone. Staines' victory, predicted by a top UFC fighter, validates the scouting process for UK-based prospects. The high rate of finishes suggests a competitive standard for entry-level UFC fighters, while the postponement of a bout highlights the logistical challenges of the rapid schedule.

What to watch

Season 10 of the Contender Series will conclude in three weeks, with the postponed Bulaid-Visconde bout scheduled for Week 10. Staines will now join the UFC roster, potentially facing opponents in the lightweight division. The UFC will continue to evaluate the remaining contenders for final contract offers before the season ends.