Dana White Surprisingly Sympathizes With UFC Seattle Fighter Who Pushed Austin Vanderford

It would seem that Nikolay Veretennikov isn’t getting the kind of heat from the promotion that he is from the fanbase after his actions at UFC Seattle on Saturday night. This weekend, the Kazakh-born fighter fell to a second straight loss since joining the UFC. That was courtesy of former Bellator title challenger Austin Vanderford, […]

It would seem that Nikolay Veretennikov isn’t getting the kind of heat from the promotion that he is from the fanbase after his actions at UFC Seattle on Saturday night.

This weekend, the Kazakh-born fighter fell to a second straight loss since joining the UFC. That was courtesy of former Bellator title challenger Austin Vanderford, who made a successful debut on just days’ notice.

“The Gentlemen” was on the ascendancy from the start, and his grappling superiority ultimately paved the way for a TKO with ground strikes in the second round at UFC Seattle.

Veretennikov was less than pleased with the stoppage and immediately disputed it. But rather than the official, the 35-year-old took his frustration out on Vanderford by shoving his victorious opponent.

Many were quick to slate Veretennikov, with some even suggesting he was likely to be cut from his contract as a result of his UFC Seattle actions. That, however, doesn’t appear to be a sentiment shared by the higher-ups.

“Listen, yeah, it’s never good when you go over (and push an opponent),” Dana White said during his post-fight press conference. “I don’t know why he went after him. I understand he was upset with the referee. And when you watch that fight, if you look, I get why he was upset. He was blocking a lot of the shots. He was blocking; he was still trying to get out of there.

“If a guy is taking a number of just unanswered shots, and he’s laying there on the ground — he was defending and moving around, and so I understand why he’s upset,” White continued. “But yeah, you know how we are here. He went over and pushed the guy. What should we do?”

In addition to his actions in the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC Seattle result, Veretennikov’s 0-2 Octagon record likely leaves him on thin ice in the UFC.

Should he be granted another opportunity to have his hand raised on MMA’s biggest stage, it would no doubt be a must-win scenario for the 35-year-old.

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay Veretennikov

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay VeretennikovAustin Vanderford delivered a dominant performance in his Octagon debut on Saturday, but it’s what happened after the fight…

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay Veretennikov

Austin Vanderford delivered a dominant performance in his Octagon debut on Saturday, but it’s what happened after the fight that had everyone talking.

Squaring off with Nikolay Veretennikov at UFC Seattle, Vanderford pounded out an impressive technical knockout in the closing minute of the second round. Vanderford celebrated the win by launching his mouthpiece into the crowd, but little did he know that Veretennikov was still looking scrap.

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As Mr. Paige VanZant played to the crowd, Veretennikov circled the Octagon in frustration before making a B-line for Vanderford and shoving the former Bellator star in the back. Vanderford shoved him back before security stepped in and separated the two.

Austin Vanderford says referee saved Veretennikov from taking more damage

Speaking with Full Send MMA backstage, Vanderford offered his take on the post-fight encounter.

“I’m not really sure what he was complaining about,” he said. “He was never getting out of that position we were in and he was just going to get hurt even worse. He’s lucky that the ref saved him, to be honest.”

Vanderford was also made aware that the double bird he flipped Veretennikov quickly went viral on social media, getting a laugh out of the UFC newcomer.

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“Of course, our emotions are running and he starts talking sh*t,” Vanderford added. “He comes up calling me a b*tch. I mean, who was cut up and getting their ass beat. That’s just the way it’s gonna go.”

Vanderford improved his overall record to 12-2 with the win in ‘Emerald City’ and has now won back-to-back bouts following a 65-second knockout of Victor Romero at LFA 194 in October. Vanderford’s wife, former UFC fighter turned OnlyFans model, bare-knuckle brawler, boxer, and Power Slap star Paige VanZant, joined him inside the Octagon to celebrate the victory.

“Welcome to the [UFC], baby!” VanZant wrote on Instagram.

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Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay Veretennikov

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay VeretennikovAustin Vanderford delivered a dominant performance in his Octagon debut on Saturday, but it’s what happened after the fight…

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay Veretennikov

Austin Vanderford delivered a dominant performance in his Octagon debut on Saturday, but it’s what happened after the fight that had everyone talking.

Squaring off with Nikolay Veretennikov at UFC Seattle, Vanderford pounded out an impressive technical knockout in the closing minute of the second round. Vanderford celebrated the win by launching his mouthpiece into the crowd, but little did he know that Veretennikov was still looking scrap.

gettyimages 2201363607 612x612 1

As Mr. Paige VanZant played to the crowd, Veretennikov circled the Octagon in frustration before making a B-line for Vanderford and shoving the former Bellator star in the back. Vanderford shoved him back before security stepped in and separated the two.

Austin Vanderford says referee saved Veretennikov from taking more damage

Speaking with Full Send MMA backstage, Vanderford offered his take on the post-fight encounter.

“I’m not really sure what he was complaining about,” he said. “He was never getting out of that position we were in and he was just going to get hurt even worse. He’s lucky that the ref saved him, to be honest.”

Vanderford was also made aware that the double bird he flipped Veretennikov quickly went viral on social media, getting a laugh out of the UFC newcomer.

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“Of course, our emotions are running and he starts talking sh*t,” Vanderford added. “He comes up calling me a b*tch. I mean, who was cut up and getting their ass beat. That’s just the way it’s gonna go.”

Vanderford improved his overall record to 12-2 with the win in ‘Emerald City’ and has now won back-to-back bouts following a 65-second knockout of Victor Romero at LFA 194 in October. Vanderford’s wife, former UFC fighter turned OnlyFans model, bare-knuckle brawler, boxer, and Power Slap star Paige VanZant, joined him inside the Octagon to celebrate the victory.

“Welcome to the [UFC], baby!” VanZant wrote on Instagram.

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Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay Veretennikov

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay VeretennikovAustin Vanderford delivered a dominant performance in his Octagon debut on Saturday, but it’s what happened after the fight…

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay Veretennikov

Austin Vanderford delivered a dominant performance in his Octagon debut on Saturday, but it’s what happened after the fight that had everyone talking.

Squaring off with Nikolay Veretennikov at UFC Seattle, Vanderford pounded out an impressive technical knockout in the closing minute of the second round. Vanderford celebrated the win by launching his mouthpiece into the crowd, but little did he know that Veretennikov was still looking scrap.

gettyimages 2201363607 612x612 1

As Mr. Paige VanZant played to the crowd, Veretennikov circled the Octagon in frustration before making a B-line for Vanderford and shoving the former Bellator star in the back. Vanderford shoved him back before security stepped in and separated the two.

Austin Vanderford says referee saved Veretennikov from taking more damage

Speaking with Full Send MMA backstage, Vanderford offered his take on the post-fight encounter.

“I’m not really sure what he was complaining about,” he said. “He was never getting out of that position we were in and he was just going to get hurt even worse. He’s lucky that the ref saved him, to be honest.”

Vanderford was also made aware that the double bird he flipped Veretennikov quickly went viral on social media, getting a laugh out of the UFC newcomer.

gettyimages 2201363674 612x612 1

“Of course, our emotions are running and he starts talking sh*t,” Vanderford added. “He comes up calling me a b*tch. I mean, who was cut up and getting their ass beat. That’s just the way it’s gonna go.”

Vanderford improved his overall record to 12-2 with the win in ‘Emerald City’ and has now won back-to-back bouts following a 65-second knockout of Victor Romero at LFA 194 in October. Vanderford’s wife, former UFC fighter turned OnlyFans model, bare-knuckle brawler, boxer, and Power Slap star Paige VanZant, joined him inside the Octagon to celebrate the victory.

“Welcome to the [UFC], baby!” VanZant wrote on Instagram.

01jmr3y6d70k9e7m5hbe

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay Veretennikov

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay VeretennikovAustin Vanderford delivered a dominant performance in his Octagon debut on Saturday, but it’s what happened after the fight…

Austin Vanderford Speaks Out on UFC Seattle Post-Fight Fracas with Nikolay Veretennikov

Austin Vanderford delivered a dominant performance in his Octagon debut on Saturday, but it’s what happened after the fight that had everyone talking.

Squaring off with Nikolay Veretennikov at UFC Seattle, Vanderford pounded out an impressive technical knockout in the closing minute of the second round. Vanderford celebrated the win by launching his mouthpiece into the crowd, but little did he know that Veretennikov was still looking scrap.

gettyimages 2201363607 612x612 1

As Mr. Paige VanZant played to the crowd, Veretennikov circled the Octagon in frustration before making a B-line for Vanderford and shoving the former Bellator star in the back. Vanderford shoved him back before security stepped in and separated the two.

Austin Vanderford says referee saved Veretennikov from taking more damage

Speaking with Full Send MMA backstage, Vanderford offered his take on the post-fight encounter.

“I’m not really sure what he was complaining about,” he said. “He was never getting out of that position we were in and he was just going to get hurt even worse. He’s lucky that the ref saved him, to be honest.”

Vanderford was also made aware that the double bird he flipped Veretennikov quickly went viral on social media, getting a laugh out of the UFC newcomer.

gettyimages 2201363674 612x612 1

“Of course, our emotions are running and he starts talking sh*t,” Vanderford added. “He comes up calling me a b*tch. I mean, who was cut up and getting their ass beat. That’s just the way it’s gonna go.”

Vanderford improved his overall record to 12-2 with the win in ‘Emerald City’ and has now won back-to-back bouts following a 65-second knockout of Victor Romero at LFA 194 in October. Vanderford’s wife, former UFC fighter turned OnlyFans model, bare-knuckle brawler, boxer, and Power Slap star Paige VanZant, joined him inside the Octagon to celebrate the victory.

“Welcome to the [UFC], baby!” VanZant wrote on Instagram.

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‘Can’t Touch Mr. VanZant And Not Get Walking Papers’ – Austin Vanderford Wins UFC Seattle Debut, Gets Assaulted By Opponent Post-Stoppage

Former Bellator standout and Dana White’s Contender Series alum Austin Vanderford came out on top in his UFC debut at UFC Seattle — and his opponent, Nikolay Veretennikov, may have simultaneously made his last appearance. Vanderford completely dominated the opening round, gaining top control with a takedown and riding out on top for about four […]

Former Bellator standout and Dana White’s Contender Series alum Austin Vanderford came out on top in his UFC debut at UFC Seattle — and his opponent, Nikolay Veretennikov, may have simultaneously made his last appearance.

Vanderford completely dominated the opening round, gaining top control with a takedown and riding out on top for about four of the five first-round minutes. The debutant showed little let up, with Veretennikov getting very limited offense in.

After a little defense from Veretennikov, “The Gentleman” returned the fight to the ground and got back to work, overwhelming the Kazakh fighter en route to a solid second-round TKO.

Following the fight, an upset Veretennikov could be seen shoving Vanderford during his post-fight celebration. This prompted the American to return a shove and flip Veretennikov off, also earning the defeated fighter a chorus of boos.

Austin Vanderford Shoved By Nikolay Veretennikov Following UFC Seattle TKO

Vanderford, the husband of former UFC fighter and current bare-knuckle boxer Paige VanZant, is 13-2 in MMA. He submitted Angelo Trevino in his DWCS appearance but was not given a contract.

He then appeared in Bellator between 2019 and 2022, winning five straight fights before an unsuccessful challenge of then-Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi and a loss to Aaron Jeffrey.

Meanwhile, this was Veretennikov’s second UFC appearance. He dropped a split decision to Danny Barlow in August.