Brok Weaver
Chata Tuska
USA
Earns contract despite decision
Weaver defeated Devin Smyth via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) at Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. He was one of three fighters to be awarded a UFC contract after the event.
ANALYSIS
Weaver was one of three underdogs to pick up victories on the night, as sportsbooks placed him in the (+140) range prior to the opening bell. His opponent was a Rashad Evans protege who based his game heavily on wrestling, and while Weaver was taken down on multiple occasions, he never stayed down for long. In the end, it was the boxing ability of Weaver that appeared to give him the edge on the judges' scorecards. While rare to see a fighter go to a decision and get a contract, Weaver may have helped his case with a memorable post-fight speech. There's surely skill here, but he'll be entering arguably the roster's deepest division at 155 pounds.
Weaver was one of three underdogs to pick up victories on the night, as sportsbooks placed him in the (+140) range prior to the opening bell. His opponent was a Rashad Evans protege who based his game heavily on wrestling, and while Weaver was taken down on multiple occasions, he never stayed down for long. In the end, it was the boxing ability of Weaver that appeared to give him the edge on the judges' scorecards. While rare to see a fighter go to a decision and get a contract, Weaver may have helped his case with a memorable post-fight speech. There's surely skill here, but he'll be entering arguably the roster's deepest division at 155 pounds.