TLDR
- Roman Puga defeated Taner Trembley by unanimous decision at DWCS Week 2
- Dana White awarded UFC contracts to both fighters after their three-round battle
- White called fights like this ‘f*cking unicorns’ in the business because they’re so rare
- UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby vouched for signing Trembley despite the loss
- White stood up after each round and entered the Octagon to congratulate both fighters
Sources: sherdog.com | bjpenn.com
Dana White signed both the winner and loser of a featherweight bout at Dana White’s Contender Series Week 2 on Tuesday night. Roman Puga defeated Taner Trembley by unanimous decision, but both fighters earned UFC contracts after their three-round battle at the Apex in Las Vegas.
The fight started with Puga scoring an early knockdown. Trembley survived and rocked Puga at the end of the first round.
Both fighters exchanged heavy shots throughout the contest, visibly hurting each other multiple times. White stood up after each round during the fight, showing his excitement for what he was watching.
White Calls Fight a ‘F*cking Unicorn’
After the fight ended, White entered the Octagon to congratulate both fighters. Puga won by unanimous decision with one-round margins on all three scorecards.
White explained his decision to sign both fighters at the post-fight press conference. “It was incredible,” White said. “Tell me what fight was bad tonight. There wasn’t a bad fight on the card.”
White said fights like this are extremely rare. “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.”
WHAT. A. FIGHT. 🤯
Roman Puga & Taner Trembley left it all in the Octagon!
[ #DWCS is LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/MnhsdL06RD
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2026
The UFC president revealed that one top decision maker felt the bout should have been scored a draw. He also said longtime UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby vouched for Trembley to receive a contract along with Puga.
Puga admitted he was hunting for a knockout but gained respect for Trembley’s toughness. “I was hoping to put him out, but Taner is a dog. Great fighter. Really earned my respect,” Puga said in his post-fight interview.
Puga Prepared for War
The winner said he came ready for any scenario. “I told myself I can go for it in the first round and knock him out. But if not, be ready for a war,” Puga explained.
Puga said he felt his shots were causing damage but was surprised Trembley kept coming forward. “I was hitting hard and I felt like it was doing some wear and tear on him,” he said.
Despite wanting the knockout, Puga was satisfied with his performance. “I wanted that knockout, but I showcased I’m that dog and I got it,” he stated.
White awarded six UFC contracts total during Week 2 of the Contender Series. The show has produced several UFC champions including Sean O’Malley, Jamahal Hill, and Carlos Ulberg.
Top contenders like Carlos Prates, Caio Borralho, and Joe Pyfer also got their UFC opportunities through the Contender Series. The event took place on August 18, 2026, and aired live on Paramount Plus.
