LAS VEGAS – Dana White isn’t usually keen on signing older contenders, but he saw something in Kaynan Kruschewsky.
Kruschewsky (15-1) scored his fifth consecutive finish when he submitted Dylan Mantello (7-3) in the first round Tuesday at Dana White’s Contender Series 63 to earn a UFC contract.
White raved about the Brazilian lightweight and showed no hesitancy in signing him despite his age.
“This kid came out and absolutely dominated,” White told Laura Sanko of the 32-year-old. “He’s 15-1. When I talk about guys that are too young or guys that are too old, what I like about this guy is I can throw this guy right in the mix today. He’s got a ton of experience.
“Here’s the other thing I love about him: He’s got 16 fights, he’s got 13 finishes. This guy doesn’t mess around. This guy comes in to finish you and what makes him even more interesting is he’s been in multiple five-round fights before. So, he’s a guy that can come right in and fight anybody at anytime.”
Kruschewsky was happy with the UFC CEO’s praise and is confident his experience will pull through. He pointed to his 2019 win over UFC veteran Adriano Martins, who handed current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev the lone loss of his career when he knocked him out in 2015.
“It’s sensational to hear that,” Kruschewsky said through an interpreter at the DWCS 63 post-fight press conference. “I’ve always been like this. I love to fight. If you think about it, in my experience, I fought Adriano Martins, somebody that came in and beat Islam Makhachev.
“He missed weight by more than 10 pounds and I still took him. I went at him and that’s what I like to do, I’m always ready. Clowns make people laugh at parties, dancers dance, I fight. That’s what I do. I like to get out there. I like to get in bangers. I like to get it on with people.”
Check out the full interview with Kruschewsky in the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Dana White’s Contender Series 63.
