SMACK TO THE FUTURE

SAM PATTERSON took Danny Barlow's 0 and now he wants to add a few to his own bank account as he rises up the welterweight division.

- GARY HITCHCOCK

The Watford fighter upset the Las Vegas odds-makers as he KO'd red-hot favourite Barlow in the first round, handing the American his first loss and putting himself in the box seat as he began negotiations over a new UFC contract.

Having earned his initial deal on Dana White’s Contender Series with victory at the Apex in 2022, the Sin City venue is a happy hunting ground for Patterson, who is now out to break into the 170lb rankings and cash the big cheques those fights could bring.

‘The Future’ said: “I have just bought a property with my missus back home and any money will go towards that and keeping her happy - I'm as skint as a mother-****** right now.