Connor Signs UFC Deal After Career-Low Loss
Dana White signs Callum Connor despite a loss, while winner Norbert Novenyi Jr is left out of the promotion.
Key points
- Callum Connor signed a UFC contract despite losing his first professional fight to Piero Guaylupo.
- Dana White called the bout a fight of the year contender due to its high strike count.
- Norbert Novenyi Jr won his fight but was the only victor not offered a contract.
Manchester's Callum Connor signed a UFC contract on Tuesday. This happened despite suffering the first professional defeat of his career against Peru's Piero Guaylupo.
The loss ended a four-fight winning streak for the 26-year-old. However, UFC president Dana White praised the intensity of the clash, calling it a potential fight of the year contender.
A brutal display of skill
Guaylupo won by unanimous decision. The bout featured more significant strikes than any other lightweight three-round fight in UFC history. White noted that both fighters were in hospital afterwards, as should be the case.
White described the exchange as one of the greatest fights ever seen on television. He highlighted Guaylupo's performance at 21 years old but insisted it takes two to make a great fight. Consequently, he signed both men to the promotion.
Novenyi misses out on deal
Norbert Novenyi Jr secured a unanimous decision over Theo Haig. This victory improved his professional record to 11-1. Yet, he remained the only winner from Tuesday's five fights without a new contract.
White told the Hungarian-born fighter that tonight was not his night. He stated he did not see enough to warrant immediate inclusion in the UFC. The organization will take another look at Novenyi in the future.
Six fighters earn contracts
In total, six fighters received contracts from the night's events. This included four winners and two losers. Connor joins the roster with an 8-1 record, having previously fought on Full Contact Contender.
