Nick Newell Just Needs ‘The Opportunity’ To Prove He Belongs in the UFC
Nick Newell knows he can hang with the fighters on the UFC roster.
With a 14-1 professional record and his only loss coming to top 10 ranked UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje, Newell has proven himself time and time again as a tough out for anybody in the sport.
Of course, Newell has had to prove naysayers wrong numerous times as he competes as a congenital amputee just below the elbow in his left arm but that has never stopped him from defending an opponent’s strikes or fending off submission attempts.
In fact, Newell has done far more than just prove he can hang with any opponent during his mixed martial arts career. Out of Newell’s 14 wins, 11 have been finished by way of knockout or submission while racking up several victories in World Series of Fighting as well as Legacy Fighting Alliance, which is a top regional promotion that regularly feeds fighters to the UFC.
Considering his resume, Newell just wants the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage in the world and that means competing in the UFC.
“I think that the knowledgeable MMA fans and the high level athletes and the hardcore fans are behind me. I have their backing,” Newell said in an exclusive interview. “The fighters can see what I’m capable of and the fans that really know what they’re watching know what I’m capable of. I think it’s only a matter of time.
“The thing is there’s no way to earn a spot in the UFC. There’s not a tournament you can win so you have to be invited. I just would like the opportunity and I think it’s only a matter of time but who knows.”
On Tuesday, Newell met with UFC president Dana White for the first time alongside his manager Ali Abdelaziz, who also represents lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov as well as Gaethje. In fact, Abdelaziz worked with Newell previously when he was the matchmaker at World Series of Fighting so he’s well aware of the kind of potential lies inside the 32-year old lightweight fighter.
Wasn't going to say anything about even meeting @danawhite but what I will say is that he was all class. Really hoping him & @AliAbdelaziz00 can get this deal done. I've sacrificed so much over the past 17 years to become the fighter I am but the last chapter still isn't written. https://t.co/XuPlwI3gsp
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) April 25, 2018
According to a report from ESPN, White is still mulling over his decision on whether or not to give Newell a chance in the UFC and he’s expected to let him know by Wednesday if he’ll have a roster spot waiting for him.
While it may seem like special consideration is being made, Newell isn’t looking for any unique treatment or favors to be paid to him.
In fact, Newell not only believes that he can handle anybody the UFC throws at him, but over time he’d love the chance to prove he could become a top 15 lightweight in arguably the deepest division in the sport.
First things first, Newell has to be given that chance and then he promises his fighting will do the rest.
“I think that I just need the opportunity. I just need the fights,” Newell said. “Once they get me the fights, when I go out there, I’ll fight whoever they want but after I start taking out those guys they put in front of me, I’d want better guys. Look at someone like Alex Hernandez. No one had heard of him and he came in and beat Beneil Dariush. He’s one of the best in the world.
“You don’t know what someone is capable of until you give them the chance to prove it.”
