Preston LaGrange just walked into Dana White’s Contender Series 95 as a total replacement, fought up a weight class, and with only two weeks’ notice, absolutely stunned Nell Ariano with a knockout win at the 2:24 mark of Round 1. Talk about showing up and showing out! This dude proved he’s ready for the big stage.
No Fear, All Fight
This was a light heavyweight featured bout two at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, and LaGrange, now 7-1, wasn’t afraid of Ariano, who holds a 6-1 record. Forget the short notice, forget the weight class jump, this guy came in ready to throw down. He weighed in at 199 pounds for the fight, making it clear he’s got eyes on the UFC middleweight division after this performance. That kind of guts and execution? That’s what makes you a fan.
Chasing That Contract
After that wild, unexpected result, LaGrange laid it all out there to Laura Sanko in his post-fight interview. “I’ve been chasing that UFC contract since I started in MMA,” he said. “I’m ready to do this.” You bet he is! Taking a fight like that, on such short notice, and delivering a Round 1 KO? That’s how you make a statement. He’s putting the UFC on notice for sure.
DWCS 95 Deliveries
Beyond LaGrange’s absolute banger, DWCS 95 brought some other serious action. Salahuddin Everett stopped Ozzy Martin with a knockout, also in Round 1 at 1:57. Roque Conceicao got Alexander Chavez with a triangle choke submission in Round 1 at 3:37. Mateus Soares delivered another Round 1 knockout to Ryuho Miyaguchi at 1:03. And Alivia Bierley picked up a unanimous decision over Summer Onley, going 30-27, 29-28, 29-28. This card really brought the heat, especially with guys like LaGrange stepping up big time. What’s next for him? We’re all watching to see if that UFC contract comes calling!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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