Callum Connor Secures UFC Contract Despite Loss

In Dana White's Contender Series, Callum Connor, a 26-year-old fighter from Manchester, was awarded a UFC contract despite suffering his first professional loss to Peru's Piero Guaylupo. The fight, which ended in a unanimous decision in favor of Guaylupo, was noted by UFC president Dana White for its high level of competition, containing more significant strikes than any UFC lightweight three-round bout.

White described it as potentially a fight of the year contender, stating, “Both of these guys are in the hospital right now, as they should be.” Connor's professional record now stands at 8-1, including a four-fight win streak in the UK promotion Full Contact Contender. In contrast, Norbert Novenyi Jr, who won his fight against Theo Haig, was not offered a contract despite improving his record to 11-1.

White informed Novenyi that he did not see enough to warrant a UFC contract at this time but expressed interest in evaluating him again in the future.