LAS VEGAS – For the sixth time in Dana White's Contender Series history, the UFC CEO offered a contract to both the winner and loser of the same bout.
In the Dana White's Contender Series 88 opener, Roman Puga defeated Taner Trembley via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). The bout was a gutsy, hard-fought effort from both men. Each man had his moments, leading to a rollercoaster viewing experience for those in attendance and the tens of thousands more watching from home.
"My thing was that one of our guys actually thought it was a draw," White told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. "I hate draws. But that would've been a great draw. At the beginning of the third round, I said, 'Send both of these guys straight
to the hospital.' When I was walking out, Sean Shelby goes, 'I want Taner, so let's take them both."
'Unicorns in this business'
DWCS 88 is in elite company among the most entertaining episodes in the series' nearly 10-year history. While the opportunity is always there for a double contract, they are extremely difficult to come by.
"It was incredible," White said. "Tell me what fight was bad tonight. There wasn't a bad fight on the card. It was an incredible night. ... It's very rare to see a war like that where the fight ends, and we'll take both guys. Those are f*cking unicorns in this business. They're very rare that that happens. So, yes, when you see it (you sign them both)."
Puga (6-1) is a grappler-turned-striker who has five finishes in six appearances – the lone decision being Tuesday's fight. Trembley (7-1) trains under UFC alum Brock Larson and came up through the LFA scene. Tuesday was his first professional loss. Both men were transported to the hospital after the bout.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dana White explains why he offered UFC contract to DWCS 88 loser
