Dana White criticizes fighter Adama Diop before awarding UFC contract
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 1:33 PM
Last updated Sep 30, 2026

During Dana White's Contender Series on September 29, heavyweight Adama Diop faced Zaurbek Sabanov and secured a second-round TKO victory. Despite Diop's win, White criticized his performance as 'horrible' and 'sloppy.' Nevertheless, White awarded Diop a UFC contract, marking him as the first Senegalese fighter to sign with the promotion. Following the announcement, White warned Diop to take the opportunity seriously.
- •Adama Diop won by TKO against Zaurbek Sabanov on September 29.
- •Dana White harshly criticized Diop's fighting style post-match.
- •Diop became the first Senegalese fighter to join UFC.
- •White urged Diop to improve and take the opportunity seriously.
- 1:33 PMYahoo Sports — Dana White savagely roasts Contender Series fighter before awarding UFC contract
"Dana White ripped 'horrible, sloppy' heavyweight Adama Diop, but still signed him to a UFC contract after his Contender Series bout.
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