Sal Everett awarded UFC contract after first‑round KO on Contender Series

Sal Everett, who had been working as a UFC security guard and runner, earned a contract to fight for the promotion on Dana White's Contender Series on 7 October 2026 after knocking out Ozzy Martin in the first round, extending his unbeaten record to five.

The 29-year-old joined the UFC about three years ago as a security guard and later worked as a runner for Dana White, performing errands. Everett trained in mixed martial arts while holding those roles and won the first four fights of his career before being offered a place on the Contender Series. He recently left his job at the UFC so he could focus on his career as a professional fighter.

On the Contender Series Everett delivered a first-round knockout of fellow American Ozzy Martin with what the report described as a devastating combination. The finish came inside the opening round and secured the victory that moved Everett to 5-0 as a professional.

UFC president Dana White awarded Everett a contract with the promotion after the victory and admitted he struggled to contain his excitement. "That's why I got up and walked out after he won, I don't want to be overly celebrating," said White. "Sal is one of the greatest kids ever and it couldn't happen to a better person - I'm happy for him. "I think this contract changes his life so he doesn't have to work at the office."

In his post-fight interview Everett addressed White directly, saying: "Hey boss, I'm ready to be in the UFC," and added, "The whole division, you know my name. I'm not backing down from any challenges."

Everett's contract win came one week after Briton George Staines secured a UFC deal by stopping Loai Abushaar inside 61 seconds.

The Contender Series victory guarantees Everett a contract to fight for the promotion, moving him from his previous roles within the organisation into an active roster position under the UFC banner.