Sal Everett Earns UFC Contract With First-Round Knockout

Sal Everett moved to 5-0 as a professional after knocking out Ozzy Martin at 1:57 of the opening round during the Contender Series.

Sal Everett (5-0) secured a UFC contract on Tuesday night at the UFC Meta Apex by knocking out Ozzy Martin (4-1) at 1:57 of the first round. The welterweight matchup ended after Everett landed two right hands that folded Martin against the fence. According to ESPN, Everett has maintained a 100% finish rate across his amateur and professional careers, with his pro record now consisting of three knockouts and two submissions.

Everett, 29, entered the bout with a background as a UFC runner and personal assistant to Dana White, performing tasks such as stocking office refrigerators. Despite the quick finish, Martin found early success with body kicks before Everett established his jab to dictate the range. White noted that the atmosphere in the Meta Apex following the stoppage was among the loudest he had experienced in the venue.

The Las Vegas-based fighter received his invitation to the Contender Series directly from White. Following the victory, Everett stated he focused on following his coaches' plan to manage nerves during the high-profile welterweight contest.