Exclusive: George Staines Reflects on Historic Contender Series Win and UFC Ambitions

The British fighter earned his UFC contract after producing the first slam knockout in Dana White’s Contender Series history, stopping Loai Abushaar in the first round on September 29.

Speaking exclusively to Combat Evolved, George Staines reflected on his journey through Cage Warriors, his development at Next Generation MMA and his ambitions after securing a UFC contract.

Staines looked back at his time in Cage Warriors, where he established himself as one of the promotion's most exciting prospects.

“I had the perfect storm at Cage Warriors.”

He became a fan favourite, fighting four times in just over a year as he built momentum towards his UFC opportunity.

By the time he stepped onto Dana White’s Contender Series, Staines had built an undefeated 10-0 record.

Asked if he always believed he would make it to the UFC, Staines said: “I was 100 percent sure.”

Staines delivered when his opportunity arrived, but earning the contract was only the first step. He now wants to prove he can carry his momentum onto the biggest stage.

Staines' victory over Loai Abushaar extended his undefeated record to 11-0, but the lightweight believes there is more to his game than his spectacular finish.

He explained how his approach to finishing fights has evolved, with a greater focus on capitalising on his opponents' mistakes.

“When they make a mistake, I expose them more.

“As you get a higher level fighter, you can punish people a lot more.”

The Englishman is also confident in his wrestling ability.

“Everyone knows I'm a good wrestler, Americans might be shocked some of the English can actually wrestle - I can.”

Staines believes he performs at his best when facing difficult opposition.

“If I'm fighting someone who is really good, I'll rise to the occasion and be better.”

Staines did not make the journey to the UFC alone, with Next Generation MMA playing a central role in his development.

“I spend all my time at Next Gen.”

The lightweight credited coaches Paul Rimmer and Ellis Hampson for his development.

“The environment at the gym that Paul and Ellis have created - we’re just a huge family.

“And then how they’re coaching and teaching, they’re second to none.”

Staines described Next Generation as the best gym in the world, highlighting the ambition and support within the team.

“They are by far the best gym in the world.”

“Everyone is so ambitious, but we’re all here for each other.”

With Paddy Pimblett and Luke Riley also representing Next Generation MMA in the UFC, Staines is the latest product of a gym continuing to make its mark in the sport.

Staines has barely had time to celebrate his UFC contract, but he is already looking towards his next fight.

“I'd love to get on November 28th or December 5th card.

“My weight is still really good, so if they said to me ‘Can you fight in four weeks?’, I would say yes, 100 percent, get me on now.”

Staines says he has continued training since his victory and would be ready to accept a fight at short notice.

“I've already trained 4 days this week - get me back in the fight, let's go.”

Despite his eagerness to return, Staines is prepared to take a measured approach to his UFC career.

“I'm okay taking my time with three fights a year.”

Staines is thinking beyond his next fight, with his focus on establishing himself in the UFC for the long term.

“This is just the start, I want to be in the UFC for a long, long time.”

The lightweight hopes to fight again before the end of the year and believes he could be competing for UFC gold within five years.

After making history on Dana White's Contender Series, Staines now wants to turn his UFC opportunity into a lasting career, with a world title firmly in his sights.