Nick Newell to fight at Dana White’s Contender Series this summer

Nick Newell has yet to receive a UFC contract, but he’s getting the closest thing to one.

After a meeting with UFC president Dana White earlier this week, Newell has secured a spot on an upcoming Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series card this summer, ESPNreported Wednesday night.

An impressive victory would most likely earn Newell a long-awaited chance in the Octagon. It’s not clear at this time who Newell’s opponent will be, nor which exact event he will be competing on.

Newell recently signed with MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz, who was a big part in making his Contender Series deal come together, per MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani.

“I want to thank Dana White, Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard for believing in me and giving me a shot,” Newell told MMAFighting.com. “I still have to go out there and deliver. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

After retiring from the sport in late 2015 due to injuries, Newell (14-1) returned to action last month at LFA 35. The 32-year-old defeated Sonny Luque via first-round submission and called for a UFC contract after the bout.

For years, White was not open to signing Newell to his promotion, due to the fact that Newell is a congenital amputee born without his lower left arm. But Newell has won nearly all of his MMA fights, proving he can be a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. His only career defeat was a stoppage to current top UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje.

Newell fought for WSOF from 2013 to 2015, when he stepped away from MMA. He compiled a 4-1 record with the promotion.

Contender Series is a feeder promotion for the UFC. Launched last summer, prospects compete at The Ultimate Fighter gym in Las Vegas with UFC contracts on the line.

The second season has yet to be formally announced by the UFC.