Torrez Finney's UFC Debut: A Controversial Victory Under Dana White's Watchful Eye

This weekend, UFC Fight Night 105 at the APEX Center in Las Vegas brought the debut of a highly anticipated prospect, Torrez Finney, who had been the subject of significant hype and scrutiny. Finney faced off against Robert Valentin in what was billed as a key moment for the undefeated fighter, who was touted as one of the future stars of the UFC’s lightweight division. However, his performance left many in the MMA world scratching their heads.

A Performance That Left Much to Be Desired

The bout between Finney and Valentin did not unfold as many had expected. Despite entering the fight with an undefeated record, Finney struggled to land any significant strikes, managing only a meager four significant hits throughout the entire fight. The fight’s pace was slow, with both fighters engaging primarily in clinch exchanges and failed takedown attempts. It wasn’t exactly the type of display that Dana White, UFC President, was hoping for from a fighter he had previously warned could be "absolutely decimated" in the UFC.

Finney secured a split decision victory, with the judges scoring it 29-28, 29-28, and 27-30 in his favor, but the fight was far from impressive. Valentin, while equally ineffective in his own right, at least demonstrated some offense, but neither fighter seemed to truly capitalize on the other’s weaknesses.

Dana White's Thoughts

In the lead-up to UFC Fight Night 105, Dana White had expressed his doubts about Finney's readiness for the big stage, predicting that his UFC debut could turn out to be a tough night. White had been vocal about his concerns, noting that Finney’s technical skills were not on par with the typical UFC-level fighter.

Following the fight, White didn’t mince words. Although he refrained from outright criticizing Finney’s effort, it was clear that the UFC President's skepticism had been validated. The lack of any meaningful offense or significant exchanges between the two fighters didn't inspire much confidence in Finney's long-term potential in the promotion.

White’s assessment echoed the reactions of many fans and pundits, who also found themselves disappointed by the lack of excitement in Finney’s performance. A lackluster debut in the UFC is a challenging hurdle for any fighter, but for a prospect like Finney—who had been heavily marketed—it’s an even harder pill to swallow.

What’s Next for Torrez Finney?

Despite the less-than-stellar performance, Finney walks away with a win, which is undoubtedly the most important factor. However, the nature of his victory raises questions about whether he is truly ready for the UFC’s elite competition. If Finney hopes to prove that he belongs at this level, he’ll need to significantly improve his striking, cardio, and overall fight IQ.

For Dana White, this result likely means a watchful eye on Finney's next few fights. White has shown time and again that he’s willing to give fighters the benefit of the doubt—if they show improvement. The coming months will likely tell whether Finney is the real deal or simply another flash in the pan who struggled to handle the UFC spotlight.

The Takeaway

In the cutthroat world of the UFC, a fighter's debut can often set the tone for their entire career. For Torrez Finney, his victory at UFC Fight Night 105 may have been a win on paper, but it certainly raised more questions than it answered. If Finney wants to prove that he belongs in the UFC, he will have to do much more than just get by in his future bouts. Whether he can make the adjustments needed to rise to the occasion remains to be seen.

As for Dana White, his skepticism appears justified—for now. But in MMA, one performance doesn’t define a fighter's career. Finney’s journey is just beginning, and how he handles the spotlight moving forward will determine whether this debut was a fluke or the start of something much bigger.

Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for more updates and analysis as we continue to follow Torrez Finney’s journey in the UFC.

Torrez Finney