UFC president Dana White concedes to what he feels are some shortcomings with their promotion of welterweight contender Darren Till.
Just a couple of years ago, Darren Till was one of the touted prospects in the UFC’s welterweight division. “The Gorilla” got his massive push after defeating veteran Donald Cerrone via first-round TKO in Poland in October 2017.
Till’s first career loss came during his title fight against Tyron Woodley at UFC 228 in September of 2018, followed by a highlight reel knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal in London last March.
With the 26-year-old Liverpool native on a sudden two-fight skid, UFC president Dana White took part of the blame.
“I think Till went back to the drawing board,” White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto (transcript via MMA Junkie). “He’s a young guy. After the win over (Donald Cerrone), we may have pushed him too soon.
“It happens sometimes when a guy gets that much steam behind him. Pump the brakes a little here. Let him get back and work on the things he needs to work on. He’s going to be around.
“You come in and beat a guy like ‘Cowboy,’ and boom, you immediately get bounced right up into the middle of the rankings,” he added. “(For) some people it’s the perfect time and (for) some people (it’s) a little soon. That weight division is nasty. It’s like murderer’s row in that top eight.”
White adds that they plan to “give Till some time”, before booking a next fight.
Till currently holds a record of 17-2-1 (with 12 wins by stoppage).