Dana White’s Contender Series continued its ninth season with a night full of action and decisive finishes in Las Vegas.
Since 2017, DWCS has launched the careers of many fighters now competing in the UFC. Some even went on to claim UFC championships. Known as “the ultimate job interview,” the series features five fights each week over ten weeks. Fighters battle to impress UFC President Dana White and earn a UFC contract.
Last year, 42 fighters secured UFC deals across ten events, slightly fewer than the 46 contracts given in 2023. Episode seven of season nine saw six prospects earn their chance to compete in the Octagon.
Tobias Stuns de Oliveira
Rafael Tobias opened the night by defeating Jair de Oliveira. Tobias landed a counter shot in the first minute, staggering de Oliveira. He forced de Oliveira to clinch and recover, but Tobias maintained relentless pressure. Constantly cutting off the cage, he delivered a body kick, secured a takedown, and finished with a rear-naked choke in the first round, earning his UFC contract.
Reyes Stages Dramatic Comeback
Javier Reyes pulled off a comeback against Justice Torres. Torres started aggressively, driving Reyes toward the fence. Reyes found an opening, landed a right hook to the body, and unleashed a flurry of power shots. Torres went down covering up, allowing Reyes to finish in the first round and claim his UFC deal.
Chaves and Montenegro Deliver a Bloody War
Jeisla Chaves and Sofia Montenegro produced one of the season’s most memorable fights. Both fighters traded strikes immediately, leaving blood on their faces within the first minute. Montenegro’s straight shots landed consistently, but Chaves’ combinations left a lasting impact.
Montenegro knocked Chaves down early in round two, controlling her against the fence for most of the round. Chaves recovered, landing strong shots before the round ended. In round three, Chaves earned a split decision victory. Dana White awarded contracts to both fighters, marking the season’s first instance where winner and loser both earned UFC deals.
Magomedov Secures Quick Finish
In the co-main event, Murtazali Magomedov defeated Brahyan Zurcher with a sharp finish. Both fighters exchanged strikes early, but Magomedov landed a jab that staggered Zurcher. He pressed the advantage and finished the fight within moments, securing a UFC contract.
Kondratavicius Ends the Night in Style
Main event fighter Mantas Kondratavicius faced Dani Barbir. Kondratavicius pressured immediately, aiming for a ground fight. Barbir scrambled to stand, but Kondratavicius landed a precise one-two combination that knocked Barbir out. He earned a UFC contract, capping one of the season’s most exciting DWCS nights.
Fight Recap
- Rafael Tobias vs. Jair de Oliveira – Tobias wins via first-round submission
- Javier Reyes vs. Justice Torres – Reyes wins via first-round finish
- Sofia Montenegro vs. Jeisla Chaves – Chaves wins via split decision (both earn UFC contracts)
- Brahyan Zurcher vs. Murtazali Magomedov – Magomedov wins via quick finish
- Dani Barbir vs. Mantas Kondratavicius – Kondratavicius wins via knockout
