LAS VEGAS — Britain's George Staines needed just 61 seconds to secure his place in the UFC, stopping Loai Abushaar in stunning fashion on Dana White's Contender Series at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas to earn a contract.
The 26-year-old lightweight, who hails from Hull but trains alongside UFC star Paddy Pimblett in Liverpool, slammed Abushaar to the floor before finishing with ground-and-pound. He was one of four fighters handed a contract on the night and was cheered on cageside by Pimblett and fellow UFC fighter Luke Riley as he closed out the show.
UFC president Dana White was effusive in his praise after the finish. "George, you were up against a massive guy at 155lb and you absolutely destroyed him," White said. "It was one of the greatest finishes ever, you made it look easy - congratulations and welcome to the UFC."
The victory extended Staines' perfect professional record to 11 victories, with two wins by knockout, having previously competed under the banners of Oktagon and Cage Warriors. The quick slam and finish rubberstamped his arrival in MMA's leading promotion at 155 pounds.