From UFC · · 2m
Dana White on Contender Series Week 10
UFC CEO Dana White reveals Contender Series Season 10 delivered 46 contracts with 21-year-old Smilla Sundell and Greg Foster among stars.
In brief
UFC CEO Dana White reveals Contender Series Season 10 delivered 46 contracts with 21-year-old Smilla Sundell and Greg Foster among stars. UFC CEO Dana White announced 46 contracts were signed at Contender Series Season 10's final week, including 21-year-old Swedish fighter Smilla Sundell and 34-year-old Greg Foster…
Contender Series Season 10
UFC CEO Dana White fielded media questions at the post-fight press conference after Week 10 of Season 10.
“There's no doubt. What we've experienced in the short amount of time that we've been with paramount is crazy, madness”
46 Contracts Signed
Four more contracts were handed out on the final week of Season 10, matching the season record for UFC contract winners.
“46”
Smilla Sundell Wins
Sweden's 21-year-old former Muay Thai world champion Smilla Sundell defeated Aline Pereira by unanimous decision after three rounds.
“Smilla Sundell of Sweden throws a punch against Aline Pereira of Brazil”
Dana White on Sundell
White admitted he wasn't initially keen on signing 'The Hurricane' but changed his mind after matchmaker Mick Maynard praised her potential.
“So, my thing was, she's 21, she's got nothing but time. Get some more fights, and then come back next year”
Greg Foster Wins
34-year-old lightweight Greg Foster earned a contract after his strong performance against Jason Asher.
“You fight exactly the way you fought tonight”
Dana White on Foster
White said Foster's cardio and pressure tactics made him a viable UFC prospect despite his age.
“The guy had unstoppable cardio, put unbelievable pressure on this kid, and stayed in his face the whole night”
TUF 1 Memories
White recalled the iconic Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar fight from The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 finale.
“Forrest Griffin wasn't going to come. I had to get him on the phone and f****** talk him into it”
The Scion Moment
White described how the Scion (a car company) wanted the fight so badly it changed UFC's trajectory.
“The scion used to be a car company that doesn't exist anymore”
Dana White on TUF 1
White said the 2005 fight was a catalyst for UFC's mainstream explosion but differed from today's Contender Series.
“Linear television was huge, and there was no social media”
Brendan Allen
Middleweight contender Brendan Allen secured a victory over Christian Leroy Duncan but faces a potential big matchup.
“I think when you have a body of work like he has”
Mike Malott
Canadian welterweight Mike Malott faces Joaquin Buckley in a main event fight in Edmonton, Alberta.
“This is a big fight for him”
10 Seasons of Contender Series
With 10 seasons of Dana White's Contender Series, White remains fired up for Tuesday nights.
“We all do!”
Dana White's View
White emphasized that winning big fights can help fighters gain fan recognition, similar to Anderson Silva's journey.
“Anderson Silva was the world champion, and it took us a while for people to start caring about anderson silva”
What Happens Next
Smilla Sundell, Greg Foster, and Brendan Allen could all secure major UFC opportunities in the coming months.
“It's just [for] some guys it takes a little longer”
What matters most
UFC CEO Dana White announced 46 contracts were signed at Contender Series Season 10's final week, including 21-year-old Swedish fighter Smilla Sundell and 34-year-old Greg Foster.
