LAS VEGAS – From working as a security guard and runner for the UFC, to incomes a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, Las Vegas native Salhahuddin Everett had himself the evening of his profession at the newly renovated META Apex.
“A dream come true. I was living the dream from the moment I got this fight announced,” Undefeated welterweight Sal Everett said during the post-fight press convention.
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Everett (5-0) defeated Ozzy Martin (4-1) via knockout with 1:57 left in the first spherical on episode 9 season 10 of the Contender Series. The efficiency was spectacular enough that it earned him a UFC contract. One of 4 contracts granted by White.
“He’s one of the greatest kids ever and it couldn’t happen to a better person. So I’m happy for him,” UFC President Dana White said to begin the post-fight press convention.
Just three years in the past, Everett was checking in at the UFC Apex working security. Back then, the concept of changing into a UFC fighter was only that – an concept. But Everett was persistent, climbing the native MMA ranks and incomes fast finishes in promotions like Tuff-N-Uff.
“I want to be very active. I’m here for a good time and I’m a fan of the whole welterweight division, so I want to build my resume by fighting everybody in the welterweight division,” Everett said.
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Sal’s alternative to battle in the UFC came during his shift as a runner for the UFC. One day, while Everett was stocking up Dana White’s fridge, the boss saw Sal and informed him ‘Has Hunter [Campbell] and Sean [Shelby] reached out to you yet?’ Sal said no and requested why.
“Because I want to see you on the Contender Series” Dana said. This exchange was highlighted in the bundle promo that performed prior to Sal’s battle.
“I was giddy like a little school girl. Me and my boss Nicole were dancing right behind his back as soon as he said that. Um, yeah, just pinching myself, you know, just living in this dream. It’s so surreal,” Everett added.
Everett obtained so much support inside the META Apex that it impressed both Dana White and longtime UFC media members. Dana went on to say during the post-fight press convention that some UFC Fight Nights do not get as rowdy as that. The likes of Jahmahal Hill and Sean Sharaf were seen celebrating Sal’s win cageside. Dana White later informed the media that, after the knockout, he left his seat and headed to the back to be away from the cameras so that he would not be seen celebrating.
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Everett, who trains out of Freestyle MMA Las Vegas, had had his share of adversity in life. Earlier this yr, him and his life lost their child 34 months into being pregnant. Despite life’s hardest challenges, Sal stays humble about the alternative forward of him, “Life is hard. Fighting is easy. And this is just all a blessing. I’m blessed to be here in this position.”
Everett joined Freestyle MMA Las Vegas in 2023 and went under coach Gokor Ambaryan’s wing. Ambaryan moved to Las Vegas in 2016 and started his MMA health club in a storage. Come October 17, he is opening a new 9,000 sq. foot facility.
“Gokor is the best. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He tells you how it is, wears his heart in his sleeve, and yeah, I’m so blessed to have Gokor be my coach and be in my corner.”
What’s next for Sal? The undefeated Welterweight now waits for his first battle under a new contract. It’s a life-changing evening for the 29-year-old who seems to be gaining more and more supporters by the second.
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