Historic Slam Knockout Highlights DWCS Season 10, Week 8
George Staines made history with the first slam knockout in Dana White's Contender Series, while three other fighters also earned UFC contracts in an action-packed evening.
Week 8 of Season 10 of Dana White’s Contender Series took place at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, showcasing a night filled with thrilling finishes and historic moments. Despite a rocky start with the cancellation of the opening featherweight bout due to illness, the remaining fighters delivered exceptional performances that resulted in four contracts being awarded.
George Staines vs. Loai Abushaar
The main event featured George Staines, who achieved a remarkable feat by scoring the first slam knockout in Contender Series history. Staines, hailing from the same fight team as Paddy Pimblett, demonstrated his aggressive style early on against Loai Abushaar. After applying pressure and securing a body lock, Staines executed a powerful slam that knocked Abushaar out cold in the first round, followed by a few decisive punches before the referee intervened.
Adama Diop vs. Zaurbek Sabanov
In the penultimate fight, Adama Diop faced Zaurbek Sabanov in a contest that showcased both fighters’ resilience. Diop, representing Senegal, fought with relentless pressure, ultimately finishing Sabanov in the second round via TKO. Although UFC CEO Dana White critiqued Diop’s performance, he still awarded him a contract, acknowledging the fighter’s heart and determination.
Ian Escuza vs. Luca Borando
Ian Escuza continued his impressive streak of first-round finishes, defeating Luca Borando in just 32 seconds. The fight ended with a series of knees from the clinch, although the final knee was deemed illegal as Borando had a knee on the ground. After consulting with ringside officials, the bout was ruled a win for Escuza, who received a contract despite White’s initial reservations.
Aieza Bertolso vs. Camila Reynoso
The opening bout featured Aieza Bertolso, who quickly demonstrated her skills by finishing Camila Reynoso with an inverted D’Arce choke in the first round. As the LFA strawweight champion, Bertolso’s performance solidified her status as a deserving addition to the UFC roster.
Summary of Results
- George Staines def. Loai Abushaar via TKO (slam) — 1:01, Round 1
- Adama Diop def. Zaurbek Sabanov via TKO (punches) — 2:13, Round 2
- Ian Escuza def. Luca Borando via TKO (knees) — 0:32, Round 1
- Aieza Bertolso def. Camila Reynoso via submission (inverted D’Arce choke) — 3:02, Round 1
This event not only highlighted the talent emerging from the Contender Series but also set the stage for future UFC matchups as these fighters look to make their mark in the octagon.
Source: This original report was produced by WTGO Newsroom using verified reporting from MMA Fighting.