Fighter 'living the dream' after UFC contract win

A mixed martial artist says he is living the dream after securing a contract with the sport's top organisation.

George Staines, from Hull, secured his spot with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with a 61-second win over Loai Abushaar in Las Vegas in September.

"The whole experience was mad. I was confident I would get the win but not as quickly as I did and to then hear that I'm now in the UFC was surreal," Staines said.

The 26-year-old said he hoped to make his official UFC debut with a fight before the end of 2026 in the United Arab Emirates or in Las Vegas.

"I'd love to be on the UAE card in October or fight in Las Vegas in November or December. That would be incredible," Staines said.

"There's also London in March. Home soil. I watched Luke Campbell box Lomachenko at the O2, so to fight there would be a tick off the bucket list."

Reflecting on his win, Staines said he made sure he savoured the moment and hoped it would be the start of a journey towards a world title.

"The celebrations were mad. I went to the hotel and we ended up at Steve Aoki's house. He's an international record producer, I'm a normal lad from Hull, so it was unbelievable," he added.

"The attention I've had on social media has also been amazing. The TikTok edits have been so funny, especially the ones about being 'mauled by George Staines' and the connection to Hull City."

Staines, who grew up in the Chanterlands Avenue area of Hull and took up the sport in 2007 aged seven, also hoped his achievement would help the sport to grow in his home city.

He said: "Me getting to the UFC will do the world of good. I'm the first person from East Yorkshire or from Hull to get there. I think it'll create some waves."

Staines, who is a lifelong Tigers fan, was congratulated on his win by striker Oli McBurnie, who he described as "the best player in the Premier League" and said he had been "gobsmacked" at City's start to the season.

Fighting in the lightweight division, potential opponents include some of the sport's biggest names, such as Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway - a fighter that Staines admits would have him "geeking out" if they were to ever meet.

Staines's teammate and UFC title contender Paddy Pimblett also fights in the same division but he insists the pair would never come face to face.

"Me and Paddy are like big brother and little brother. We have a really special relationship and I'm fortunate to have a friend like him. We'll never fight.

"Paddy is so skilful and he motivates me a lot. Seeing his camps, how professional he is, how well he does everything is a huge motivator.

"I want to be at his level and I know I will be," he said.

Staines was one of four fighters to earn a contract as part of Dana White's Contender Series. The show acts as an audition for fighters wanting to earn a contract. He was cheered on by Pimblett.

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