First Appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series

Torrez Finney, a 25-year-old MMA prospect with a record of 8-2, made his first appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) in October 2023, hoping to secure a coveted UFC contract. At the time, Finney was undefeated with a professional record of 6-0, and had also achieved a perfect 5-0 record as an amateur. He faced Yuri Panferov, a 6-0 fighter known for his first-round stoppage victories. Finney showcased his grappling skills, submitting Panferov via rear-naked choke in the second round. Despite this impressive performance, Dana White, the UFC President, felt that Finney lacked sufficient experience and needed more fights under his belt before joining the world’s largest MMA organization.

Second Shot at DWCS: Cam Rowston Battle

Nearly a year later, Finney returned to DWCS during Season 8, Week 2, facing Cam Rowston, a skilled fighter on a five-fight win streak and a teammate of Israel Adesanya. Despite Rowston’s credentials, Finney emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (29-28 on all three scorecards). However, once again, Dana White decided not to offer Finney a UFC contract, bluntly stating that he would be “absolutely crushed” by the current middleweights in the UFC. White’s critique left Finney at a crossroads, contemplating his next steps.

"I would have had more fights if it wasn't for The Ultimate Fighter."@punishertorrez reveals a MASSIVE piece of missing information that dramatically changes the narrative he was criticized for by Dana White on #DWCS

Source: MMA Today w/@RyanMcKinnell & @AndreasHale pic.twitter.com/kU8E3RKh0D

— MMA on SiriusXM (@MMAonSiriusXM) August 23, 2024

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Finney Responds to Dana White’s Criticism

Following the second DWCS appearance and subsequent rejection, Finney addressed White’s comments in an interview with MMA Today on Sirius XM. He explained the difficulties he faced in gaining more experience, revealing that he had been selected to participate in “The Ultimate Fighter” earlier in the year. “I took it not personally, but I want to say a lot of what was said was a little off,” Finney said, pointing out that being cut from the show days before filming began had prevented him from competing for several months.

Advice from Brendan Loughnane

With another opportunity in DWCS seeming unlikely, Finney received guidance from Brendan Loughnane, the 2022 PFL featherweight champion. Loughnane, who was also turned down by Dana White after a successful DWCS performance, found great success in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He advised Finney to focus on advancing his career elsewhere, suggesting that his own rejection by the UFC turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.

What’s Next for Finney?

Finney remains undefeated and determined to continue his MMA journey, whether within the UFC or elsewhere. The coming months will be crucial for Finney as he considers whether to keep fighting in smaller promotions or to pursue opportunities with organizations like Bellator, ONE Championship, or PFL, where his talents may find greater appreciation and opportunity.

For more details, check the original article on MMAnytt.se