Anthony Romero reacts to Contender Series contract snub, Dana White’s comments: ‘I deserve to be in the UFC’

Canadian lightweight prospect Anthony Romero proved he was ready for the UFC when he picked up a unanimous decision victory over a gritty Mike Breeden at DWCS Season 4: Week 4 on Tuesday night.

Everything went almost perfectly for Romero, 23, until it was time for Dana White to award the UFC contracts for the night.

“The Genius,” despite a complete performance that left the MMA community impressed, was the only one of the five victors that didn’t punch his ticket to the UFC. White was critical of Romero’s showing, most notably when he had Breeden badly hurt due to a flurry of low kicks that left his opponent on one leg. Not finishing the fight ultimately led to the UFC president passing.

Check out an exclusive interview as Romero spoke with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck about sharing the cage with his toughest opponent to date, feeling confident after the victory that he would receive a contract, what was going through his mind when White passed and the other winners got their shot, his response to White saying other promoters should sign and develop him, where he goes from here, and more.