Dana White Offered UFC Contract to Ian Escuza Despite Disagreeing With His TKO Win at DWCS

The sequence lasted only 32 seconds. There was, however, a significant problem with the finish.

During the barrage, Escuza landed another knee while Borando was grounded, making the strike illegal under the rules. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight and consulted with the officials before allowing the result to stand as a victory for Escuza. The ringside officials determined that the illegal strike was incidental to the stoppage rather than the decisive blow.

Dana White Hated Escuza Result

White saw the situation differently. When it came time to hand out UFC contracts, the UFC boss openly explained that he believed the fight should have been ruled a no-contest.

“Ian, unfortunately for you, I disagree with the athletic commission,” White said during the contract announcement. “I think this fight should have been a no contest.”

White also acknowledged that he did not believe the illegal knee was intentional. That didn't change his view of the official outcome.

That left Escuza in an unusual position. He had done almost everything a Contender Series prospect is supposed to do: remain undefeated, finish his opponent quickly and produce an explosive performance. Yet the manner in which the fight ended had left the UFC president unconvinced.

Sean Shelby Goes to Bat for Ian Escuza

Normally, that might have been enough to send a prospect home without a contract. Escuza had someone important in his corner, however.

White revealed that Shelby had strongly argued for the Peruvian fighter backstage. The longtime UFC matchmaker believed Escuza possessed enough talent to warrant an opportunity in the promotion, and White ultimately listened.

“Sean Shelby just fought hard for you in the back,” White told Escuza. “Sean Shelby said, ‘This guy is great; he is very talented.’”

White then delivered the news Escuza had been hoping to hear.

“Welcome to the UFC.”

The contract means Escuza will enter the UFC at 8-0, having finished every professional opponent before the second round. His victory over Borando was his latest first-round finish and arguably his most significant performance to date, even with the controversy surrounding the stoppage.

Escuza's journey to the UFC has also been somewhat unconventional. The 30-year-old Lima native initially pursued soccer and surfing before discovering Muay Thai as a teenager. He eventually transitioned into MMA and opened his own gym at 21 to help finance his training and travel. UFC's own preview noted that he has spent more than 12 years committed to the sport.

That background made Tuesday's opportunity particularly significant for the Peruvian fighter, who had spoken before the bout about using the Contender Series to create new opportunities for himself and future fighters from Peru.

What Comes Next for Ian Escuza? 

The unusual circumstances surrounding his signing also provide an early storyline for his UFC career. Escuza did not receive the contract because White was convinced the official result was correct. He received it despite White's disagreement, with Shelby's belief in his ability ultimately proving decisive.

That distinction will make Escuza's next chapter particularly interesting.

For now, though, the 30-year-old can celebrate an outcome that mattered most: after seven professional fights outside the UFC and a controversial 32-second finish on the Contender Series, Ian Escuza is officially a UFC fighter.