Fans Scratching Heads Over Unexpected UFC 293 Fight Announcement
The UFC has announced a new matchup which has fight fans confused. Nasrat Haqparast is scheduled to face TUF 31 alumni Landon Quiñones at UFC 293 on September 9, first reported by MMAJunkie on August 23.
Quiñones serves as a late-notice replacement for Sam Patterson, who withdrew from the bout with ill health.
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Some may recognize Quiñones as one of Conor McGregor's students from episode 7 of TUF 31. He lost to Jason Knight within the first minute by triangle choke, and subsequently couldn't compete on the show.
Quiñones' signing to the UFC has fans confused, since TUF alumni normally earn their UFC contract by winning the show finale. This had some mixed reactions by fans on Twitter:
One fan reacted, "The same Quinones that lost via first round triangle in the first round to Jason Knight???? in this years TUF?????"
Another remarked, "Don't know the point of TUF then if getting finished in 30 secs still gets you a contract."
Some defended the decision, explaining, "Remember y'all Andre Petroski lost in the semis, still got a contract and is on a 5 fight win streak in the UFC. Not saying Landon will too but TUF doesn't define them."
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One potential reason for all the commotion is the timing of the revelation. The two TUF 31 finale bouts occurred during UFC 292 on August 19, just four days before this announcement.
The swift signing of Quiñones shortly after the finale somewhat undermines the intended role of TUF as a platform for showcasing top-tier UFC prospects.
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