Dennis Buzukja wins fight on Dana White's Contender Series
Dennis Buzukja, a Serra-Longo fighter who lives in Merrick, beat Kaleio Romero on Dana White's Contender Series on July 26, 2022, in Las Vegas. However, his unanimous decision victory did not earn him a UFC contract after the fight.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
Serra-Longo fighter Dennis Buzukja and Team Alpha Male's Kaleio Romero fought in featherweight bout on Dana White's Contender Series at the UFC Apex on July 26, 2022 in Las Vegas.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
Buzukja had the better of the standup, but Romero was able to hold Buzukja against the cage for most of the first round and in parts of the second and third rounds. Romero totaled 8:17 of control time, according to the fight stats.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
Buzukja landed 30 heads shots on Romero throughout the fight.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 26: (R-L) Kaleio Romero kicks Dennis Buzukja in a featherweight fight during Dana White's Contender Series Season 6 Week 1 at UFC APEX on July 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 26: (L-R) Dennis Buzukja punches Kaleio Romero in a featherweight fight during Dana White's Contender Series Season 6 Week 1 at UFC APEX on July 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
Dennis Buzukja connected on 94 of 149 strike attempts in the three-round fight. That includes 49 of 99 significant strikes.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
Buzukja scored the only knockdown of the fight.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
When Dennis Buzukja was able to keep Kaleio Romero at a distance, he saw success with his striking, mixing in kicks with jabs and hooks.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
Kaleio Romero, top, hit on 61 of 127 total strikes against Dennis Buzukja, incuding 39 of 80 significant strikes.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
Dennis Buzukja also scored one takedown of Romero, but he caused more damage with his strikes.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
Dennis Buzukja moved to 8-2 in his career with the win over Kaleio Romero.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
All three judges scores the bout, 29-28, in favor of Buzukja.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
It's the fourth straight win for Buzukja since losing on the Contender Series in 2020.
Credit: Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger
"Got the victory tonight!," Dennis Buzukja wrote on Instagram after the fight. "I was always looking for the finish and to put on a show but my opponent was just trying to hold on and stall. At the end of the day it’s my fault for not getting the finish but I’m grateful for the win and the opportunity. Thank you @danawhite @seanshelby and the @ufc for the opportunity. I will continue to work and grow from here! Thank you everyone for the support. We didn’t get the UFC contract tonight but my journey shall continue."
