Dana White Drops Three Word Reaction After ‘KO of The Year’ Contender Moment

Dana White praises Kevin Vallejos after his spinning elbow knockout of Giga Chikadze, highlighting the UFC prospect’s rise and proven potential.

Dana White Drops Three Word Reaction After ‘KO of The Year’ Contender Moment

Dana White reacts to Kevin Vallejos knocking out Giga Chikadze (via MMA Fighting, Yahoo Sports)

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UFC CEO Dana White has long emphasized the importance of fighters proving themselves through performance rather than hype. He has consistently shown a willingness to invest in younger fighters, believing their hunger and drive often separate them from the pack. That philosophy was reinforced when Kevin Vallejos delivered a statement performance against Giga Chikadze.

Vallejos earned his UFC contract in August 2024 with a first-round knockout of Cam Teague on Dana White’s Contender Series. He made his official UFC debut in March 2025 and stopped Seung Woo Choi with a first-round knockout. The Argentine prospect continued his momentum with a unanimous decision win over Danny Silva in August 2025. Those results established consistency early in his UFC run.

He added another defining moment at UFC Vegas 112 with a spinning elbow knockout over Chikadze. The finish stood out due to both its timing and execution against a seasoned striker. The performance further elevated Vallejos’ profile within the promotion. It also prompted White to explain his continued backing of the young featherweight following the win.

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Dana White via X

White’s support for Vallejos dates back to before his UFC signing. In 2023, Vallejos suffered his first professional loss against Jean Silva on the Contender Series. Despite the setback, White publicly vouched for his long-term potential during the post-fight press conference. He pointed to Vallejos’ age and development curve as reasons to remain confident in his future.

Before joining the UFC, Vallejos built his career by compiling multiple professional wins while remaining undefeated during his early rise. He began competing in mixed martial arts at just 17 years old, gaining experience at a young age. Vallejos spent the majority of his pre-UFC career competing under the Samurai Fighting Championships banner.

Spinning elbow knockouts have become increasingly prominent in recent UFC events. Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates both recorded spinning elbow finishes at UFC 319. The technique was also on display when Diego Lopes defeated Jean Silva via spinning elbow knockout at UFC Noche this year. Vallejos’ finish fit into that growing trend of dynamic striking outcomes.

The wider stakes of the moment extended beyond the result, as UFC Vegas 112 marked the final card under the UFC’s broadcast deal with ESPN. The promotion is set to transition to Paramount+ as its new broadcast partner. Dana White closed out the chapter by spotlighting emerging talent on the final card of the deal, and Kevin Vallejos stood out as a defining figure in that moment of transition.

Dana White starts scouting young talent for Zuffa Boxing

Dana White has launched a significant expansion into professional boxing through his new venture, Zuffa Boxing. The initiative is positioned as a structural shift in how the sport is promoted and organized. Its stated focus includes increased visibility for younger fighters and those lower on fight cards. Plans have also included streamlining weight classes into simpler divisions.

Dana White's plans for Boxing
Dana White’s plans for Boxing (via Yahoo Sports)

Zuffa Boxing operates under the TKO Group structure in partnership with Turki Alalshikh, WWE President Nick Khan, and Sela. The collaboration brings together combat sports promotion, global financing, and large-scale event experience. White was recently seen scouting amateur talent alongside Khan. Their visit to Lubbock, Texas, centered on evaluating emerging boxing prospects.

Zuffa Boxing has already staged its first event, headlined by a superfight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The bout brought together two established champions in a cross-divisional matchup. The event marked the operational debut of the new promotion. It reportedly drew an audience of 41 million viewers worldwide.

The broader stakes suggest Dana White intends to establish the United States as the foundation of his boxing operations. Talent identification, infrastructure, and promotion are being aligned around domestic development. White has signaled confidence in building a centralized system similar to his UFC model. Zuffa Boxing now represents a long-term shift in how his influence may shape the sport.

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