Dilano Taylor has strengthened his case for a return to the UFC after delivering a brutal knockout at Fury FC 125.
Taylor stopped Nicholas Meck with a second round left hook at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota on October 2, capturing the vacant Fury FC welterweight championship in the process. The victory extended Taylor’s professional record to 15 – 5 and his winning streak to five fights.
The Fury FC 125 main event was staged as part of the promotion’s special Fight Force event at Minot Air Force Base. The card was not open to the public, but the main event still produced one of the weekend’s most impressive regional MMA finishes.
Dilano Taylor Controls Meck Before Finding the Finish
Meck entered the fight with a 10 – 4 record and experience from the PFL, making the vacant Fury FC title a meaningful opportunity for both welterweights.
The opening round was competitive, but Taylor gradually took control by mixing his striking with his wrestling. After securing a takedown, Taylor spent extended periods working from the top position and threatening Meck with submissions while adding ground and pound.
Meck survived the opening round, but Taylor’s pressure continued into the second.
Then came the decisive moment. Taylor landed a powerful left hook that immediately ended the contest. Meck went down and the referee stopped the fight at 3:23 of the second round, giving Taylor the Fury FC welterweight championship.
Dilano Taylor vs. Nicholas Meck: Taylor WIN, KO, Round 2, 3:23
The finish was particularly significant because Taylor did not simply outpoint his opponent. He produced a clean, decisive stoppage against a fighter with recent PFL experience.
Taylor Is Now Riding a Five Fight Winning Streak
Taylor’s victory continues an impressive turnaround following his run in the PFL.The Kill Cliff FC welterweight has now won five consecutive fights. His recent run includes a submission victory over Ismail Israilov, a decision win over Dante Schiro and the latest knockout of Meck.
Taylor’s career also includes one of the most notable victories on his résumé: a first round stoppage of former UFC title challenger and Bellator champion Rory MacDonald during the 2022 PFL playoffs. That victory came in just 3:59 and remains one of the biggest wins of Taylor’s career.
His five fight winning streak has now put him in an interesting position. Taylor is no longer simply trying to rebuild his career after leaving the PFL. He has established himself as a champion outside the UFC and has produced several finishes along the way.
Fury FC Believes Taylor Is Ready for the UFC
The biggest question following the victory is what comes next. Fury FC vice president and head matchmaker Rich Burmaster believes Taylor has done enough to earn another opportunity on the UFC roster.
We packed this card full of guys ready to get the call up to the UFC,”
Burmaster told MMA Mania. He specifically identified Taylor and Meck as two of the top unsigned welterweights outside the UFC and said he believes Taylor could receive the call.
That assessment carries weight given Taylor’s previous experience at the highest level of MMA outside the UFC.
Taylor competed in the PFL and reached the tournament final in 2022 before losing to Sadibou Sy by unanimous decision. He subsequently suffered consecutive knockout losses against Magomed Umalatov and Carlos Leal in the 2023 PFL season.
Rather than allowing those defeats to derail his career, Taylor has rebuilt himself outside the promotion. Now he has a championship belt and five consecutive wins.
Fury FC 125 Produced Another UFC Hopeful
Taylor was not the only fighter to make a statement at Fury FC 125. Former Contender Series competitor and former LFA lightweight champion JaCobi Jones captured the Fury FC interim lightweight title earlier on the card. Jones stopped Yehia Riles with punches at 2:43 of the first round.
The result reinforced the theme of Fury FC 125, with several fighters competing for opportunities to move toward larger promotions.
For Taylor, however, the spotlight belonged to him. A championship victory, a five fight winning streak and a spectacular knockout have given the former PFL finalist a strong argument for another chance at the UFC.
Is the UFC Next for Dilano Taylor?
Taylor has not yet been booked for another fight, so there is no official confirmation of his next destination.
But his latest performance makes the UFC an obvious possibility. At 15 – 5, Taylor brings significant experience, a history of competing against high level opposition and a recent run that has seen him win five straight fights. His ability to mix wrestling with powerful striking was on display against Meck, while his knockout power remains a major weapon at 170 pounds.
The Fury FC welterweight championship could ultimately become a stepping stone rather than the destination. After years of competing in major promotions and rebuilding his career, Dilano Taylor has once again put his name into the conversation for a UFC opportunity. And this time, he did it with one punch.
Fury FC 125 Main Event Result
• Dilano Taylor vs. Nicholas Meck: Taylor WIN, KO, Round 2, 3:23
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