TLDR
- Preston LaGrange knocked out previously undefeated Nell Ariano at 2:24 of Round 1 to earn a UFC contract
- LaGrange accepted the fight on two weeks’ notice and moved up to light heavyweight as a +400 underdog
- The victory improved LaGrange’s record to 7-1 and ended Ariano’s perfect 6-0 start to his career
- LaGrange said he is ready to fight whenever the UFC calls him for his official debut
- The UFC has awarded 38 contracts through competition during Season 10 of Dana White’s Contender Series
Sources: sherdog.com | mmafighting.com
Preston LaGrange earned a UFC contract Tuesday night with a first-round knockout victory over previously undefeated Nell Ariano at Dana White’s Contender Series. The fight headlined Week 9 of DWCS Season 10 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Oct. 6.
LaGrange entered the bout as a +400 underdog after accepting the fight on just two weeks’ notice. He also moved up a weight class for the opportunity, weighing in at 199.5 pounds for the light heavyweight contest.
Preston LaGrange pulls off a massive upset on short notice up a weight class 😮 #DWCS pic.twitter.com/FhGzI1Pe5Y
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) October 7, 2026
First-Round Finish Stuns Oddsmakers
The 7-1 fighter stopped Ariano at 2:24 of the first round with a knockout punch. Ariano came into the fight with a perfect 6-0 record and was heavily favored to win.
LaGrange’s performance impressed UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion’s matchmakers, who awarded him a contract to join the UFC roster. The victory marked LaGrange’s third win since suffering his only career loss.
“It feels good,” LaGrange said in his post-fight interview. “I am excited to be here, and I am ready to put on a show for the UFC.”
When asked about his timeline for returning to action, LaGrange made it clear he is prepared to fight whenever the promotion needs him. “I mean, I am always ready,” he said.
Fighter Ready for UFC Debut
LaGrange pointed to his quick turnaround for the Contender Series fight as proof of his availability. “I took this fight on a two-week notice, so, you know… I am always ready,” he explained.
The fighter added that he trains year-round and will be prepared whenever the UFC calls him for his official debut. He told interviewers he would accept whatever opportunity the promotion offers him.
The event also featured other fighters competing for UFC contracts on the undercard. Sal Everett, a former UFC employee, defeated Ozzy Martin via first-round knockout at 1:57 in the co-main event welterweight bout.
Roque Conceicao earned a submission victory over Alexander Chavez with a triangle choke at 3:37 of Round 1. Mateus Soares scored a quick TKO finish against Ryuho Miyaguchi just 1:03 into the first round.
Alivia Bierley defeated Summer Onley by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. Both Everett and Martin entered their fight with perfect 4-0 professional records.
LaGrange had won two fights by submission following his lone career defeat before taking the Ariano fight. He now improves his record to 7-1 with the knockout victory.
The UFC has awarded 38 contracts through competition during Season 10 of Dana White’s Contender Series. Four deals were handed out during the previous week’s event.
Week 9 of DWCS Season 10 aired on Paramount+ from the Meta Apex facility in Las Vegas. LaGrange will wait for the UFC to contact him about his official debut fight on the promotion’s roster.
