Dana White’s Contender Series returned to Las Vegas with another night of explosive action.
Since 2017, DWCS has launched many fighters into the UFC. Some went on to claim championships. The show acts as “the ultimate job interview.” Each week, five fighters compete over ten weeks to impress UFC President Dana White and secure a contract.
Last year, 42 fighters earned UFC deals across ten events, slightly fewer than the 46 in 2023. Episode five of season nine saw five athletes seize the chance to step into the UFC spotlight.
Carol Foro Impresses in Opening Fight
Carol Foro kicked off the night with a win over Shanelle Dyer. Foro dropped Dyer twice in the first round and opened a deep cut near her eye. Dyer tried to increase her strike volume in the second round, but Foro knocked her down again. In the third round, Dyer could not finish the fight. Foro claimed the decision in an action-packed battle. Dana White rewarded both fighters with UFC contracts.
Samuel Sanches Knocks Out Chasen Blair
Samuel Sanches followed with a devastating first-round knockout of Chasen Blair. Blair pressed Sanches against the cage early. After close-range fighting, Sanches landed a powerful boxing combination. A left hook knocked Blair out cold against the cage. Sanches earned the victory and a UFC contract.
Lerryann Douglas Steals the Show
Lerryann Douglas produced one of the night’s most memorable knockouts against Cam Teague. She landed leg kicks in the first 25 seconds, then a right hand that wobbled Teague. As Teague scrambled, Douglas hit him with a left hook to the face, ending the fight. The quick finish earned Douglas a UFC contract.
Steven Asplund Dominates Heavyweight Main Event
Steven Asplund finished Anthony Guarascio in under a minute. Both fighters unleashed power early. Asplund landed an uppercut, followed by ground-and-pound, prompting the referee to stop the fight. In just 20 seconds, Asplund secured a UFC contract.
Freddy Vidal Pulls Off Dramatic Comeback
Light heavyweight Freddy Vidal battled Felipe Franco in a back-and-forth fight. Franco dominated early with grappling, but Vidal countered with strikes. On the ground, Vidal delivered punishing ground-and-pound.
In round two, Franco controlled the action and matched Vidal in striking. Round three drained Vidal’s energy, but he reversed the fight on the ground. Vidal took the back and applied a choke, forcing Franco to tap with 12 seconds remaining. White called the fight “horrible,” but Vidal’s short-notice performance earned him another shot at a contract in the season finale.
Episode 5 Results
- Shanelle Dyer vs. Carol Foro – both awarded UFC contracts
- Chasen Blair vs. Samuel Sanches – UFC contract for Sanches
- Felipe Franco vs. Freddy Vidal – Vidal to fight again for contract
- Cam Teague vs. Lerryann Douglas – UFC contract for Douglas
- Anthony Guarascio vs. Steven Asplund – UFC contract for Asplund
