Competing back in Connecticut for the first time since 2015, Newell made quick work of short-notice replacement Antonio Castillo Jr. (10-12) at CES 56 in Hartford on Saturday. Newell needed 2:06 to secure a rear-naked choke on Castillo and earn the first-round finish.
Post-fight, Newell called for another crack at a UFC roster spot.
“I’ve been grinding for 19 years, I’ve been fighting professionally for 10 years. I’m 15-2, I—what the f*ck are you thinking, UFC? Let’s make this happen.”
Newell, a congenital amputee, was competing for the first time since losing a unanimous decision to Alex Munoz last July on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.