Nick Newell is not a UFC fighter yet, but he's never been closer.
We don't know if Nick Newell is UFC calibre. What we do know is he's more than good enough to receive an opportunity to prove that he belongs in the world's largest MMA promotion.
After amassing an impressive 14-1 record on the regional scene, Newell has shown that he is past that level. His solitary loss came at the heavy hands of Justin Gaethje, who is now one of the marquee names in the UFC's most populated division. Recently, Gaethje even came out in support of Newell's calls to be signed to the big leagues.
The only thing that has stood in the way of Newell fulfilling his dream until this point is that he was born with a congenital amputation of his left arm. As a result, Newell's left arm ends just below his elbow. That's the reason why Dana White has gone on record saying the UFC would never sign him. However, they appear to be warming to the idea.
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On Monday, White met with Newell and his manager Ali Abdelaziz in Las Vegas to talk business. The UFC president told the fighter that he would sleep on it and a couple of days later the good news was confirmed.
Newell was offered a spot on the Fight Pass show Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender series, as
ESPN.com first reported. The Contender Series has been a roaring success since it debuted last summer. The show serves as a means to recruit fresh talent while simultaneously promoting up and coming stars. Sean O'Malley, who made his PPV main card debut at UFC 222, is the most notable fighter to come through the show.
Other than Newell, Antonina Shevchenko has been the most noteworthy confirmed contestant from Season two. The undefeated MMA starlet and Muay Thai world champion is best known in MMA circles for being the older sister of UFC star Valentina. An impressive performance for Antonina and Newell and a UFC contract is all but guaranteed.
