Dana White’s Contender Series has launched the careers of several future UFC champions, and this year’s edition will feature an unusual storyline. One of the fighters competing for a UFC contract is already employed by the organisation, with middleweight prospect Sal Everett balancing his pursuit of a fighting career while working closely with White and the promotion’s senior executives behind the scenes.
Dana White employee gets Contender Series opportunity
The UFC has confirmed that Dana White’s Contender Series will return for its 10th season on August 11, once again giving unsigned fighters the opportunity to impress White and UFC matchmakers in pursuit of a contract.Among this year’s contenders is Sal Everett, an undefeated middleweight who has quietly built a reputation on the regional circuit while working for the UFC in a non-fighting role.Everett owns a perfect 4-0 professional record, with every victory coming inside the opening round. His résumé includes two knockout wins, one of which came in just four seconds, alongside two submission victories.His most recent appearance saw him defeat Armus Guyton via rear-naked choke while competing for the Las Vegas-based Tuff-N-Uff promotion, whose events are regularly streamed on UFC Fight Pass.His inclusion in this season’s Contender Series was first reported by The Matchmaker, before UFC announcer Justin Bernard confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: “My man @salhahuddinbundy is going to @dwcs. See you in the octagon brother! Contract SZN.”
From UFC employee to UFC hopeful
Everett’s story stands apart because he already works for the promotion he hopes to join.Speaking to Darrell Harris in a YouTube interview, Everett explained that he initially joined the UFC through corporate security before eventually moving into a role within the executive offices.“I’m Dana White’s assistant’s assistant,” Everett said.“I’m the facility runner, I help around the office… I do most things around the office when it comes to stocking fridges and doing errands for Dana, Nichole (Durand), Hunter (Campbell), anybody that needs extra assistance in the executive office.”Everett revealed that the opportunity arose after the previous facility runner left the position“It was crazy how it came together. I just started off as security. I came through a third party group over here and then I got my way in through corporate security.”“I picked up a shift as overtime at one of the shows and Dana’s runner at the time said he was going to move on to another position and I thought it was just a good opportunity to jump on because I thought it fit a better schedule for me.”He added that the role allowed him to continue pursuing his fighting ambitions while remaining close to the sport.
White has backed Everett’s journey
Everett also revealed that White became aware of his ambitions during his amateur career and has supported his development ever since.“It just sounded like a fun opportunity. I like Dana White, I liked the job and it didn’t sound too crazy. I already had a boxing and wrestling background, Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu so I figured no time is better than now.”“Dana jumped behind me and started helping me out with the Performance Institute around my third amateur fight. Dana’s been backing me and helping me out ever since.”Everett only made his amateur debut in 2023, but his rapid progression has now earned him the biggest opportunity of his career.Since launching in 2017, Dana White’s Contender Series has become one of the UFC’s primary talent pathways, producing future champions including Sean O’Malley and Jack Della Maddalena. Everett will now attempt to follow the same path, hoping that the man he currently works for will soon offer him a place on the UFC roster.