The final episode of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 brought fireworks to Las Vegas, closing the season in style.
Since its debut in 2017, the Contender Series has become a key talent pipeline for the UFC. Many alumni now shine on the roster, with a few even claiming championship gold. The show, often called the ultimate job interview, runs for ten weeks each year and features five fights per night. Fighters compete to impress UFC CEO and President Dana White and earn the coveted UFC contract.
Last year, 42 fighters earned deals with the promotion, slightly fewer than the 46 awarded in 2023. This season ended with five more prospects joining the ranks, bringing the 2025 total to 46 contracts — matching the record from two years ago. The season also set a new record for finishes, with 36 of 51 bouts ending before the final horn.
Wes Schultz Finally Breaks Through
Wes Schultz, a returning contender, finally seized his moment. He defeated Mario Mingaj in dominant fashion to secure his long-awaited UFC contract. Schultz found his rhythm early, landing clean strikes and scoring a quick knockdown with a sharp left hand.
He followed with a takedown, where Mingaj tried to counter by taking his back. Schultz, however, displayed superior grappling and locked in a Suloev Stretch — the first in Contender Series history. The rare submission ended the fight in the opening round and earned Schultz a deal on his third attempt.
Michael Oliveira Delivers A Striking Clinic
Michael Oliveira lit up the cage with a second-round knockout over Victor Valenzuela. Oliveira pushed forward from the start, using low kicks and sharp boxing to corner his opponent. Valenzuela tried to answer with slick counters and a clean right hand, but Oliveira’s pressure never faded.
As the second round began, Oliveira broke Valenzuela’s rhythm. He smashed through the defense with crisp combinations and dropped him with a heavy right hand. Valenzuela tried to swing back with his trademark hook, only to be knocked down again. Oliveira sealed the deal with another crushing shot, earning the finish and a UFC contract.
Marwan Rahiki Survives Chaos To Earn Explosive KO
Marwan Rahiki and Ananias Mulumba delivered one of the wildest fights of the night. Rahiki started strong with a powerful right hand and spinning attacks, but Mulumba answered with a clean shot that dropped him. The two scrambled, with Mulumba threatening a choke before Rahiki escaped and regained control.
Both fighters traded knockdowns in a frantic first round. In round two, Rahiki nearly caught a ninja choke, then rocked Mulumba with a head kick. He followed up with brutal elbows and a vicious uppercut that ended the fight instantly. The knockout earned Rahiki a well-deserved UFC deal.
Juan Diaz Stuns With Historic Knockout
In the co-main event, Juan Diaz delivered one of the most memorable moments of the season. Facing the speedy Won Il Kwon, Diaz applied relentless pressure and used his grappling to control the pace. Kwon tried to respond with quick combinations and sharp elbows, but Diaz’s power and persistence proved too much.
Late in the second round, Diaz capitalized on a defensive lapse from Kwon. He spun and landed a devastating back elbow that knocked Kwon out cold — the first spinning back-elbow knockout in Contender Series history. The stunning finish secured Diaz a contract and a highlight that will live long in the show’s legacy.
Levi Rodrigues Jr. Impresses In Main Event
The finale’s main event saw Levi Rodrigues Jr. remain undefeated with a first-round finish over Freddy Vidal. Vidal pressed early, trapping Rodrigues against the fence with punches and knees to the body. Rodrigues stayed calm under fire and found his moment with a sharp counter.
He landed two powerful knees to the head that dropped Vidal to the canvas. Rodrigues followed with precise strikes to close the show, earning a first-round finish and a UFC contract.
Jovan Leka Wins But Misses Contract Opportunity
In another featured bout, Jovan Leka faced Azamat Nuftillaev in a grueling contest. Nuftillaev dominated early with top control, earning warnings for inactivity as he smothered Leka on the ground. Leka rebounded in round two, reversing position and unleashing elbows and punches from the top.
Nuftillaev caught a kick and briefly regained control, but his pace slowed as Leka pushed forward. Leka finished strong, landing heavy shots and stuffing takedown attempts. Despite his decision win, the performance lacked the spark Dana White looks for, leaving Leka without a contract.
Record-Breaking Season Ends On A High
Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series closed with drama, records, and five new UFC dreams realized. The show once again proved its role as the launchpad for the next generation of mixed martial artists.
