Reflecting on his win, Staines said he made sure he savoured the moment and hoped it would be the start of a journey towards a world title.
“The celebrations were mad. I went to the hotel and we ended up at Steve Aoki’s house. He’s an international record producer, I’m a normal lad from Hull, so it was unbelievable,” he added.
“The attention I’ve had on social media has also been amazing. The TikTok edits have been so funny, especially the ones about being ‘mauled by George Staines’ and the connection to Hull City.”
Staines, who grew up in the Chanterlands Avenue area of Hull and took up the sport in 2007 aged seven, also hoped his achievement would help the sport to grow in his home city.
He said: “Me getting to the UFC will do the world of good. I’m the first person from East Yorkshire or from Hull to get there. I think it’ll create some waves.”
Staines, who is a lifelong Tigers fan, was congratulated on his win by striker Oli McBurnie, who he described as “the best player in the Premier League” and said he had been “gobsmacked” at City’s start to the season.