The 33-year-old lightweight, who was born as a congenital amputee with a left arm that ends just past his elbow, knew he would battle doubts and misconceptions from the start.
After amassing an impressive 14-1 record, with his only career loss a TKO against current UFC contender Justin Gaethje, Newell was offered a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series instead of a contract to fight in the UFC. When Newell came up short that night, losing a hard fought decision to Alex Munoz, his dream to fight in the UFC was effectively dead.
As much as it disappointed Newell not to get the chance to compete inside the world-famous Octagon, he didn’t let the setback linger.