Episode 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 aired Tuesday, September 30th. Five fights took place at the UFC Apex. Four winners earned UFC contracts, signaling readiness for the big stage.
The fighters joining the UFC roster are:
- Kurtis “Pink Panther” Campbell – 8-0 Featherweight
- Louis “Mad Prince” Jourdain – 9-3 Bantamweight (brother of UFC fighter Charles Jourdain)
- Chris “The Newborn” Avidrez – 7-1 Welterweight
- Damian “Baba Yaga” Pinas – 8-1 Middleweight
All four fighters secured finishes. Winning on the Contender Series marks only the first step. Predictions for potential UFC matchups already spark excitement.
Kurtis Campbell Stuns With Explosive Finish
Kurtis Campbell delivered the night’s most viral finish. He crushed Demba Seck with heavy elbows from top position. He exited the cage to The Pink Panther theme, signaling UFC support for the 23-year-old Liverpool fighter.
Campbell resembles Paddy Pimblett in size and skills. He holds a former FCC England championship and showcases versatile striking and wrestling. On the ground, he overwhelms opponents with brutal ground-and-pound, as shown in his Contender Series fight.
The fight ended quickly, making a fast UFC debut likely. UFC matchmakers favor him, suggesting a favorable first matchup.
Prediction: Kurtis Campbell (8-0) vs Francis Marshall (8-3) – December 2025/January 2026
Louis Jourdain Dominates Every Phase
Louis Jourdain delivered the most well-rounded performance of the evening. He submitted Magno Dias in the third round using striking and grappling control.
The Canadian bantamweight is a Jiu Jitsu brown belt and has four professional boxing matches. He and his brother Charles became the first Canadian siblings on the UFC roster.
Injuries and lost time slowed Jourdain’s career, not cage losses. He requested a fight at UFC Vancouver, hinting at a fast return to the Octagon.
Prediction: Louis Jourdain (9-3) vs Kris Moutinho (14-7) – UFC Vancouver – October 18th
Christopher Avidrez Overcomes the Odds
Christopher Avidrez entered as the only underdog. He knocked out Eliezer Kubanza in the first round, showing courage and determination.
A former football player, Avidrez overcame a career-ending car accident. He relocated to Miami and fully committed to MMA at The GoatShed.
He remains the least polished of the winners but impresses with strength and clinch elbows. Questions remain about his complete skill set. A knee wrap may delay his debut.
Prediction: Christopher Avidrez (7-1) vs Daniil Donchenko (12-2) – February 2026
Damian Pinas Finishes Main Event With Knockout
Damian Pinas ended Vitor Costa with a first-round right hand. His contract was overdue after visa issues delayed his first fight.
Pinas is a powerful kickboxer and the second Surinamese fighter in UFC history. At 23, he has time to build momentum. His unique style makes him a rising star in the middleweight division.
Prediction: Damian Pinas (8-1) vs Jackson McVey (6-1) – January 2026
These fights remain unofficial, but the winners set the stage for exciting debuts. Episode 9 promises more contenders ready to claim UFC contracts.
