If a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter wants to earn a contract with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), by way of Tuesday night “Contender Series,” it’s not enough to win the bout, said fighter most also impress promotion president, Dana White.
That’s why featherweight phenom, Aalon Cruz, had his new deal bagged and tagged before leaving the cage last night at the UFC Performance Center in Las Vegas, courtesy of his blistering knockout win over Steven Nguyen — perhaps the series’ best ever.
Have a look:
So… where does @AalonCruz sign?? #DWCS pic.twitter.com/zVBvHjQ5UF
— UFC (@ufc) July 31, 2019
That’s about as perfect as they come.
That’s now three straight wins for Cruz (6-2), who’s been bouncing around the regional circuit following his professional debut back in 2013. It will be interesting to see how UFC pairs him up in the very deep featherweight division later this year.
It’s also an unfortunate setback for Nguyen, 26, who suffered the first defeat of his professional career and it could not have come at a worse time. The good news is, he’s still got youth on his side and can work his way back to the big show.
For complete “Contender Series” results and play-by-play from Season 3, Episode 6 click here.