Dana White Contender Series Season 7 Week 1 was advantageous for all winners as each were offered contracts in the UFC. The DWCS allows select fighters an opportunity to showcase their talent and fighting skills against other upcoming, hungry fighters for the ultimate goal of signing with the UFC, the pinnacle of competitive MMA in the world.
White explained to reporters at the post-fight press conference, how he intentionally comes into the contender series with no knowledge of any fighter heading into the event. This tactic allows the Massachusetts native to truly gauge a fighter’s ability and readiness to join the UFC, ultimately deciding a fighter’s future in receiving a UFC contract or not.
Kevin Borjas defeats Victor Dias by unanimous decision [29-28]
The opener for week one of DWCS goes the distance.
In comeback fashion, Borjas controlled the fight on his feet by delivering teeth-clenching strikes that earned him the nod from the judges and the UFC earning himself a contract. “El Gallo Negro” extends his winning streak to four, now 9-1.
Payton Talbott defeats Reyes Cortez Jr. by unanimous decision [29-28]
The northern Nevada native remains undefeated, 6-0, as Talbott showcases his talent in this bantamweight bout.
Talbott set a new UFC Bantamweight record landing the most significant strikes with 145, which more than doubled Cortez Jr. The 24-year-old displayed great dominance which rewarded him a contract with the UFC in the 135-pound division.
Caio Machado defeats Kevin Szaflarski by unanimous decision [30-27]
Machado effortlessly pieces an upset against Szaflarski, who was on an 11-fight winning streak. The 29-year-old Brazilian improves to 8-1-1 as he strings seven wins in a row.
This fight provides Machado a chance in the UFC heavyweight division.
Tom Nolan defeats Bogdan Grad by KO at 1:23 of Round 1
ONE-HITTER QUITTER!
The Australians celebrate as Nolan brings the wrath from down under with a vindictive left hook that sent Grad to the mat discombobulated. The knockout shocked UFC President Dana White with a dropped jaw.
Nolan remains undefeated at 6-0, and now is officially a lightweight in the UFC.
Cesar Almeida defeats Lucas Fernando by unanimous decision [29-28, 29-27, 30-26]
Almeida exits this dogfight with an incredible display of his kickboxing and impressive grappling skills.
The Brazilian dominated round two with great control in both the striking and ground game. The 35-year-old almost tripled Fernando in significant strikes and total strikes. Undefeated at 4-0, Almeida carries the momentum into the UFC’s 185-pound division.
Up Next
Dana White Contender Series continues Tuesday, August 15, at the UFC Apex. UFC Fight Night begins Saturday, August 12, at 4:00 p.m. EST/ 1:00 p.m. PST.
