Dana White Defends Booking UFC Assistant for Contender Series Showcase

UFC CEO Dana White has defended the decision to book Sal Everett, a longtime assistant within the organization, for a prominent spot on Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS). White drew a parallel between Everett and boxer Callum Walsh, highlighting his own early involvement with Walsh's career.

Normally, Dana White is unfamiliar with the fighters on DWCS until they enter the Octagon. However, on October 6th, White will find himself in a unique position, watching from cageside as his own assistant, Sal Everett, competes. Everett, who has held various roles for the UFC's production team in Las Vegas, including a runner, was recently announced to face undefeated middleweight Ozzy Martin.

This matchup represents a significant personal moment for Everett. Should he perform impressively, White faces the intriguing challenge of evaluating his longtime employee as any other aspiring prospect. White emphasized that Everett will be judged solely on his performance, stating, "If Sal's good enough, then he's gonna make it, and he's gonna get a contract. If he's not, then he's gotta figure out what he's gonna do next."

Speaking at a recent media scrum at the UFC Apex, White expressed his anticipation for Everett's fight. "Yeah, I’m excited," White said. "He is a great kid, and everybody in this company loves him. I feel bad for whoever he’s fighting. He’s gonna feel like he’s coming into enemy territory, when that is not the case."

White elaborated on his comparison to Callum Walsh: "These are some of those – you know, it’s like Callum Walsh. I was working with Callum early on in his career, and I feel like anybody that comes into Zuffa Boxing feels like they’re the odd man out, which is not the case."

Everett's professional MMA career has been marked by quick finishes, with all four of his professional bouts ending in the first round, including a four-second knockout in January.