Salahuddin Everett, who serves as Dana White’s personal runner, has secured a UFC contract after delivering a devastating first-round knockout on the Contender Series. Everett put welterweight prospect Ozzy Martin to sleep in under two minutes, drawing huge applause—including from UFC president Dana White, who was already his employer prior to the fight.
At 29 years old, Everett has steadily risen through the UFC ranks, starting in April 2023 as a late-night security guard hired via a third-party agency before eventually becoming White’s assistant. With an undefeated 4-0 professional record, he earned a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series, a platform where up-and-coming fighters compete for UFC contracts, and Everett made the most of his chance.
White praised Everett after the bout, saying, “We’ve hosted title fights here, but I don’t think it’s ever been this loud for a fight like yours. Everyone at the UFC admires you. You’re an outstanding person beyond just your fighting and contract—you truly deserve this.” He added that even fans from Boston, who were rooting for Martin, acknowledged Everett’s impressive victory and welcomed him officially to the UFC family despite his unique position there.
Although now a contracted UFC fighter, Everett expressed a desire to maintain his role as White’s runner rather than dedicating himself fully to training. “I want to remain in this building,” he stated. “I love it here, and if it isn’t broken, why fix it? I’ll keep working hard both as an employee and a fighter.”
Fan Take: Salahuddin Everett’s story is a powerful reminder that dedication and hard work behind the scenes can translate into success inside the octagon. His unconventional path could inspire more fans and fighters alike, highlighting the unpredictable and inclusive nature of MMA’s evolving landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
