Nick Newell Will Get His Shot at Joining the UFC Through Dana White’s Contender Series
Nick Newell is getting his opportunity earn a UFC contract.
The former World Series of Fighting lightweight competitor has been campaigning for his shot in the UFC and now the promotion will give him the chance as he is expected to compete on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, which returns in June.
Sources close to the situation confirmed the news on Wednesday following an initial report from ESPN.
Newell, a congenital amputee whose left arm ends just below his elbow, hoped to earn a shot in the UFC after recently returning from retirement where he earned a first round submission as part of Legacy Fighting Alliance.
Newell has gone 14-1 in his career with his only loss coming to top 10 ranked lightweight Justin Gaethje back in 2014.
Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series showcases five fights every week with at least one athlete being offered a UFC contract by the end of the event. Ex-NFL player Greg Hardy is also expected to make his professional mixed martial arts debut as part of the Contender Series in June.
There’s no word yet on when Newell will get his chance on the Contender Series but all eyes will certainly be on his performance to see if he can earn his opportunity to fight in the UFC.