Up until a couple weeks ago, Dana White had never signed someone from Contender Series over the age of 35.
It’s no secret that the UFC is on the lookout for the next generation of great MMA prospects to add to the roster.
Statistically, the premier promotion doesn’t sign many fighters in their mid-thirties, but there have been several exceptions over the years such as Bellator veterans Michael Chandler, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Austin Vanderford, and Patricio Pitbull, who had his UFC debut at 37.
There are many veterans on the regional scene looking to join them in the UFC.
One former Bellator fighter, Mandel Nallo, made his dream into a reality at 36 years old, becoming the oldest fighter in Contender Series history to win a UFC contract earlier this month.
Nallo speaks about what his signing might mean for other UFC hopefuls.
- READ MORE: Dana White’s Contender Series episode 5 results as five fighters win contracts in an exciting show
Mandel Nallo to UFC hopefuls 35 and over: ‘Ignore people’s perception of you’
A pro fighter since 2012, it took Nallo 13 years to enter the UFC.
Dana White admitted he ‘didn’t love’ Nallo’s age, but signed him anyway because of his highlight-reel knockout of Samuel Silva on Contender Series Week 4.
Nallo was asked if his win will give other veterans hope of making it to the big show.
“I certainly hope so,” Nallo told Bloody Elbow.
“I’m not trying to sell anybody a dream here, but, me and Jordan [Dykler] have been friends for a long time, he’s helped me out and seen what it is to live the life of a fighter.
“You just have to work day in and day out and ignore people’s perception of you,” Nallo continued.
“I was reminded on Tuesday that I’m the oldest guy in the world…
“Before that, I’m just a guy who loves to train and work hard. So, I think if you’re a fighter and you get these creeping thoughts, like, ‘I’m getting older, I don’t know, I think I might be slowing down…’
“Like, I feel like the youngest guy in the world,” the 36-year-old said.
“It’s a pleasure to do the work that we do. So if you still love it and you still think you’ve got it, then you do just go out and show people.
“I never stopped to think, it’s time to slow down. I can’t do this anymore. I need an exit plan. Like, when you start thinking like that, then you’re probably too old. But I know 27 year olds that think that way.
“It’s all mindset, so, yeah, just keep hustling,” Nallo advised.
Dana White’s Contender Series returns tonight
The UFC takes a bye week following Noche UFC on Saturday, but not for Dana White’s Contender Series.
Week 6 of Contender Series rolls on from the UFC Apex tonight in Las Vegas.
Ten fighters compete for a shot at a UFC contract. 13-1 Spaniard Hecher Sosa headlines the card against the undefeated Mackson Lee.
Tommy Gantt is one fighter to watch, as he faces a fellow undefeated prospect in Adam Livingston.