Irish welterweight Adam Darby (8-1) became the first Irish fighter to earn a UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series after a TKO victory over American Patrick Rivera (13-5) in Las Vegas on 1 September. The Dubliner dominated before the bout ended via doctor stoppage in the third round. Darby reflected on his 10-plus year journey, which included a 20-second defeat by Mush Aslani and a 17-month absence due to serious hand injuries requiring multiple surgeries. "That's 10-plus years of work all coming to fruition," Darby told BBC Sport NI.

His 2018 note, "One life, one chance, UFC or nothing," highlighted his conviction. Despite being told he might never fight again after snapping his finger and breaking his hand, Darby returned on a seven-fight winning streak. He hopes his success inspires future Irish fighters, noting the sport's rising standard in Ireland with fighters like Paddy Mc Corry, Ger Harris, and Solomon Simon now training full-time.

Liverpool's Liam Mc Cracken also competed but lost to Silvestre Sanchez.