Dana Whiteโs Contender Series is one of the biggest platforms for talented and hungry fighters to get their UFC contract. Over the years, names such as Sean OโMalley, Jamahal Hill, Brendan Allen, etc, have made big in the UFC through DWCS. As history suggests, there is always something interesting to look out for in the Contender Series.ย
Recently, the Contender Series Week 3 kicked off with a flyweight bout between Jack Duffy and Nick Piccininni. Duffy came into his first stint on the Contender Series undefeated, having won all seven of his professional fights. Meanwhile, Piccininni stepped in on short notice, undefeated with victories in all six of his pro fights. However, Duffy stole the show with unusual mannerisms inside the octagon.
While the fight was close, what got the attention of fight fans was the way Jack Duffy started his rounds. As the bell rang, the fighter lay down with his back to the canvas, legs up in the air. Duffy did the same in between the rounds, with his team telling him the strategy.ย Interestingly, unusual things always happen in the brutal sport of MMA.
The technique left the opponentโs team and the commentators in confusion as the fight continued. At the end of a close fight, Nick Piccininni was declared the winner via split decision. The controversial scoring in the UFC continued as fight fans clearly believed Duffy won the fight.ย
Fight fans react to Jack Duffyโs unorthodox way of starting his fights in Dana Whiteโs Contender Seriesย
Dana White was present at the UFC Apex to watch Contender Series 3 and addressed the ongoing controversy. While reviewing the Jack Duffy vs. Nick Piccininni, White mentioned that he believed the judges were wrong.ย As a result, the CEO offered both fighters another chance to get a fair and square result in a potential rematch.
Jack Duffy vs. Nick Piccininni (via X)Irrespective of all this, it was Duffyโs style that took most of the attention. DWCS is known for knockouts and submissions. The unusual resting pause and beginning mannerisms totally confused the fanbase. Here are some reactions;
thatโs a new one ๐ฅท๐
mind games? Or functional benefitโ AJ Londono (@flowwithaj) August 28, 2024
Thatโs one way to do it
โ Forge Tomorrow (@Forge_Tomorrow) August 28, 2024
Thatโs kinda smart for the blood flow
โ แดxแดแดแดแดแด ๐บ๐ฟ๐ (@jxkemma) August 28, 2024
Itโs to get rid of the lactic acid build up in the muscles
โ Nam bio loc web (@Anybodyaccount) August 28, 2024
Interesting way to recover between rounds but if it works for him, then so be it!
โ Tglizz (@TheRealTglizz) August 28, 2024
Aleksei Oleinik does this exact thing in his corner. If Iโm not wrong his trainer said it helps the heart rate between rounds
โ Jay๐คผโโ๏ธ (@JayMMA4) August 28, 2024
In the comments, many pointed out how Duffyโs technique helps blood flow and recovery. Few mentioned that former UFC heavyweight Aleksei Oleinik also used something similar to that in between rounds. Nevertheless, it was an unfortunate night for the fighter, who allegedly got robbed of a potential win.ย
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