New UFC signee says jet lag cost him KO: ‘I hate that guy’

Undefeated heavyweight Alvi Dasuyev secured a UFC contract at Dana White's Contender Series Season 10 Week 7, extending his perfect professional record to 10-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Jaden Ortega. The three-round war at Meta Apex in Las Vegas impressed UFC CEO Dana White, who awarded contracts to both fighters—a rare recognition of Ortega's competitive performance despite the loss.

Dasuyev's victory marked only the second time in his perfect record that he has been taken past the opening round, underscoring both Ortega's durability and Dasuyev's ability to sustain pressure across multiple rounds. The bout was competitive enough that White felt compelled to recognize Ortega's effort alongside Dasuyev's win.

In a post-fight interview, Dasuyev expressed his gratitude at achieving his dream of joining the UFC. "It's a dream that's coming true," he said. "Really thankful for that. I think it's a dream for every MMA fighter. I am happy." However, Dasuyev soon revealed a caveat to his performance, telling interviewer Laura Sanko that he believed jet lag affected his sharpness during the fight. "If I didn't have jet lag and stuff, I would knock him out," Dasuyev said. "I'm sure about that. I hate that guy, to be honest." Despite the frustration over his conditioning, Dasuyev has punched his ticket to the world's premier MMA organization while maintaining his unblemished record.