Tom Nolan talks earning a UFC contract; hopes to make UFC debut in December
Tom Nolan is now in the UFC following a huge win on Dana White’s Contender Series.
For Nolan, the journey to the UFC has come with a lot of success.
First, Nolan was a great rugby player in his home country of Australia, but instead of turning pro in rugby, he made the decision to be a professional fighter.
Nolan, who is only 23-years-old, has been nothing shy of specular since coming to the fight game.
He stands six feet three inches tall and hits with a lot of power, which makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the lightweight division.
Back in Australia, Nolan fought in the Eternal promotion, which is known for producing a lot of the high-level Australian talent that is in the UFC today and after several great showing there, the UFC matchmakers noticed Nolan and asked him to fight on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Nolan of course accepted the fight for the second week of the current season and ahead of the fight, he made the decision to stop working at his full-time job and become a full-time fighter.
All of the moves that Nolan has made so far have all been perfect as he is now 6-0 has a professional fighter and his last win was an eye opener.
After Nolan was being trash talked by his opponent Bogdan Grad in the lead up to the contender series, Nolan was the one who did all the talking at the end.
Not long after the referee said go, Nolan was able to secure a knockout and while he didn’t get the finish immediately after the fight went to the ground, he would secure it right after.
As soon as the fight went back to the feet, Nolan once again landed another huge punch, and his next shot ended the fight immediately.
The huge first round knockout got big praise from UFC president Dana White, who could not wait to give Nolan his UFC contract.
Following the win, Nolan spoke with MyMMANews about his road to the UFC, his great performance on Dana White’s Contender Series and when he’s planning on making his UFC debut.
You can watch his full interview in the video above.
A full list of results from Dana White’s Contender Season: Season 7, Week 1 are listed below:
Cesar Almeida defeated Lucas Fernando by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)
Tom Nolan defeated Bogdan Grad by knockout (punch) – Round 1 (1:23)
Caio Machado defeated Kevin Szaflarski by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Payton Talbott defeated Reye Cortez Jr. by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Kevin Borjas defeated Victor Dias by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
*Bold names received a UFC contract
