Despite slow start, DWCS 46 winner Maheshate experienced ‘no nerves’ before earning UFC deal

It took a while for Maheshate to get into his flow at Dana White’s Contender Series 46, but when he did, he displayed his full striking arsenal.

LAS VEGAS – It took a while for [autotag]Maheshate[/autotag] to get into his flow Tuesday at Dana White’s Contender Series 46, but when he did, he was able to display his full striking arsenal.

Maheshate (6-1) became the first Chinese fighter to secure a UFC contract on the Contender Series when he defeated Achilles Estremadura in the featured bout at the UFC Apex.

In what was a wild affair to cap off the night, Maheshate got into his groove in Rounds 2 and 3 by throwing an array of strikes, from flying knees to elbows. The 21-year-old showed maturity by making the necessary adjustments to win the fight, and there were no signs of being affected by the big stage.

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“Definitely no pressure on me,” Maheshate said during the DWCS 46 post-fight news conference. “When I landed in Las Vegas, I was definitely very pumped up, I was very excited, and I wanted to get into the cage as soon as possible. No pressure at all.”

He continued, “There were no nerves. Just like I said I was very excited and pumped up when I landed in Las Vegas. … I was just a slow starter, so in the first round I still didn’t get into my rhythm as soon as possible.”

To see the full interview with Maheshate, check out the video above.

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