Torrez Finney secured his UFC contract through the demanding Dana White`s Contender Series. This opportunity followed a strong start to his professional MMA career, marked by five impressive fights.
Torrez Finney`s Path to UFC Debut
Despite a victory over Yuri Panferov in the Contender Series, UFC President Dana White initially hesitated to sign “The Punisher.” Finney, at 26, returned to regional circuits, achieving another knockout in the first round, further demonstrating his wrestling and ground-and-pound skills.
Earning a second chance on the Contender Series, Finney faced Cam Rowston, a training partner of Israel Adesanya. He dominated Rowston, winning by unanimous decision. However, White again declined to offer a contract, expressing concern over Finney`s fight frequency and even suggesting Finney would struggle in the UFC.
Despite this criticism, White presented Finney with a final Contender Series opportunity against Abdellah Er-Ramy. Finney`s subsequent first-round knockout performance left White with no choice but to sign him.
Now, the undefeated 26-year-old is prepared for his UFC debut against Robert Valentin at UFC Vegas 105 this Saturday.
Finney`s Unique Build for UFC Middleweight
Competing at 185lbs, Torrez Finney stands at 5`8″, a combination that presents a unique challenge for opponents, especially considering his 75.5″ reach. His upcoming opponent, Robert Valentin, will have a height advantage, standing at 6`2″.
Before MMA, Finney was a running back in American Football at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he weighed 230lbs.
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