George Staines Knocks Out Loai Abushaar in Record Fashion to Earn UFC Contract
George Staines made history on September 29, 2026, at Dana White's Contender Series 94, securing a UFC contract with the first-ever slam knockout against Loai Abushaar. The undefeated British lightweight moved to 11-0 with the first-round finish at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Fans in the USA can rewatch the momentous event on Paramount+.
George "Saint" Staines left an indelible mark on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) landscape last night, September 29, 2026, with a record-breaking performance at Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) 94. The undefeated British lightweight stopped American challenger Loai Abushaar via a spectacular first-round slam knockout, a finish never before seen in the series' history. Axel Sola Shocks Fares Ziam with Brutal First-Round Knockout at UFC Paris.
George Staines Win With Historic DWCS KO
The highly anticipated lightweight clash, held at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, served as the main event for DWCS Season 10, Week 8. Staines, entering the bout with a pristine 10-0 professional record, wasted no time asserting his dominance against the formidable Loai "Savage Bull" Abushaar, who brought a 7-1 record into the Octagon. The decisive moment came just 1 minute and 1 second into the opening round, sending shockwaves through the MMA world.
The Historic Finish
The fight began with both lightweights exchanging strikes, but Staines quickly closed the distance, securing a body lock on Abushaar. Demonstrating immense power and technique, Staines lifted his opponent off the canvas, his arm trapped, and drove him into the mat. The impact rendered Abushaar unconscious on contact, prompting the referee to intervene after a few follow-up punches. This decisive victory not only extended Staines's perfect professional record to 11-0 but also secured him a direct path into the UFC roster, a lifelong dream for many aspiring fighters.
Fighter Details and Records
Both fighters brought impressive credentials into this pivotal Contender Series matchup. Staines, at 26 years old, trains in the United Kingdom, showcasing a well-rounded skillset that now includes a unique knockout method. Abushaar, 30, from Tucson, Arizona, saw his four-fight winning streak snapped, moving his professional record to 7-2. Denise Gomes Stuns Yan Xiaonan With Brutal TKO in 1st Round at UFC Shanghai, Video Goes Viral.
Here's a look at their updated professional records:
| Fighter | Nationality | Age | Pre-Fight Record | Post-Fight Record | Stance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Staines | United Kingdom | 26 | 10-0-0 | 11-0-0 | Orthodox |
| Loai Abushaar | United States | 30 | 7-1-0 | 7-2-0 | -- |
Staines's monumental win was one of four contracts awarded on a night filled with finishes. UFC CEO Dana White praised the performances, signaling a strong new wave of talent joining the promotion's ranks. Staines is now expected to receive his official UFC contract and his debut assignment in the coming weeks, promising an exciting future for the British prospect in the premier mixed martial arts organization.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2026 09:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).