Highlights! Torrez Finney finally earns UFC contract via KO after record-setting third straight Contenders Series victory

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Torrez Finney might just be the biggest story of Contenders Series 2024.

The 25-year-old “Punisher” appeared on Contenders Series for the first time in October 2023, picking up a rear naked choke win but failing to score a contract from UFC CEO Dana White. After picking up another win on the regional scene, Finney picked up his second Octagon victory a few weeks ago in August, but White heavily critiqued his performance and questioned his dedication.

Finney argued his case against White’s “flawed logic” well, revealing the circumstances behind his inactivity. In response, White booked him on Contenders Series for a third time, pitting him against Abdellah Er-Ramy earlier on Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2024). In yet another strong performance, Finney was able to use his wrestling to pound out Er-Ramy towards the end of the fight round.

Check out the highlight clip below:

After the win, Finney’s detractor White acknowledged his performance and finish. Given he made Contender Series history as the first fighter to rack up 3-0 wins on the show, it was only appropriate that Finney finally scored a UFC contract.

“My boy Torrez,” White began. “Listen to me kid. You, Uncle Snoop, Aunt Didi, Coach Larry, Uncle BayBay, Mom and Dad — none of you can disagree with me. You brought a different energy tonight than you did the last two fights. That’s how ya do it! Get over here, welcome to the UFC!”

Now 10-0 as a professional, Finney should be expected to make his official UFC debut either late this year or in the first quarter of 2025. How high do you think “Punisher” can climb at 185 pounds?

Insomnia

In the end, Bryan Battle won over the crowd too.

Teofimo Lopez can always be counted upon for a funny quote.

Teofimo Lopez: “Devin Haney & Shakur Stevenson shouldn’t even be mentioned(as A-class fighters). They not good. 1 puts you(viewers) to sleep while the other 1 can’t take a hit.”
#Boxing

: itiswhatitis podcast pic.twitter.com/AmgVqZ7VIy

— Danny (@dantheboxingman) October 1, 2024

New rules are coming in one month! How long until we see the first UFC fighter get legally smoked by a knee despite one hand being on the canvas?

This reminds me: now that Demetrious Johnson is retired, we need to see what his secret “Mouse Trap” move is/was!

Khalil Rountree says he has a move that has “never been seen before” and says there’s a possibility he uses it against Alex Pereira

“If it presents itself, everyone will know ‘oh sh*t that’s it, that’s what he was talking about.’”

@espnmma #UFC #MMA #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/DAyFDujt8V

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 1, 2024

Khalil Rountree reveals he nearly retired from MMA after the UFC refused to let him compete in muay thai:

“I remember asking the UFC, can I fight muay thai please. They’re like no, just contractually no and I was like I won’t even use my name…

There was a moment in my… pic.twitter.com/rbGLnhJVyQ

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 1, 2024

Light sparring between elite strikers.

Takeru vs. Superbon Sparring

It’s amazing to see Takeru getting KOed 2 times by Superbon’s head kick in one minute Superbon’s head kick timing is unbelievable Also, nice to see a rare light and fun sparring from Takeru #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/JpZ8vMt324

— Tetsuya (@TetsuyaMT789) October 1, 2024

Good luck outrunning Michael Bisping even after all his surgeries. The champion put in his roadwork!

The most kickboxing headline of all time.

Amid ongoing legal troubles for kidnapping and drug trafficking, along with a suspension for inciting violence, Jamal Ben Saddik now faces an additional 10-month suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.https://t.co/nRrAmOrqy2

— Beyond Kickboxing (@Beyond_Kick) October 1, 2024