“This show has created so much talent from top-15, 10, five to a couple of world champions now,” UFC President Dana White said. “This show has become not just something we love to do every Tuesday night, but has become a very vital part to the organization and matchmaking.”
Bolaji Oki defeats Dylan Salvador by TKO at 2:46 of Round 1
Down goes Salvador!
Only halfway through the first, Oki’s precise striking and immense power earned the 27-year-old his sixth career KO/TKO.
“Everything went perfectly as planned,” Oki said. “I was one hundred percent confident in my pace and training camp was wonderful…I knew I could do it for three rounds, I was trained for it.”
Oki, representing three nations: Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Belgium, is now the newest UFC’s lightweight fighter.
Thomas Peterson defeats Chandler Cole by submission [Keylock] at 1:08 of Round 2
Takedown a heavyweight? No problem for Thomas Peterson.
The 28-year-old Minnesotan got to work in the ground game, as he recorded three successful takedowns that ultimately set up the win via submission.
“I don’t know what I can and can’t say I am a mechanic for a living,” Petersen told reporters post fight. “You say domination, I watched cocaine bear last night and I wanted to be like that bear when I got in. I was going to mug him.”
The LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance) alum produced his first professional career submission, which helped propel his way into the UFC heavyweight division.
Timothy Cuamba defeats Mateo Vogel by unanimous decision [29-28]
Home turf advantage for Cuamba, as many Cuamba fans roared in excitement when his arm was raised.
With a rosy pink golf ball for an eye, the Las Vegas fighter snuck past Vogel in an absolute slugfest. Both fighters combined almost 300 total strikes thrown in this featherweight showdown.
“Honestly, I knew I had this in the bag,” Cuamba said.
Despite his confidence, White had other thoughts.
“I think you need more experience,” White said. “I think you’ll be here someday, just not today.”
Cuamba is the second fighter to win a fight in this season’s series and not receive a contract. A week ago, Josefine Knutsson did not receive a contract, but is now entering a UFC card on short notice.
Time will tell if Cuamba receives a shot similar to Knutsson.
Marco Tulio defeats Yousri Belgaroui by unanimous decision [30-27, 29-28, 29-28]
It is the second fight this week to go the distance.
Tulio put on a clinic in every facet. “Matuto” recorded over six minutes of ground control time and almost doubled Belgaroui in total strikes landed with 76 total.
In addition to Cuamba, Tulio did not receive a contract from the UFC.
“I just didn’t see it tonight,” White said, “He just didn’t make me say, ‘I have to sign this kid tonight and have him in the UFC.’”
Carlos Prates defeats Mitch Ramirez by TKO at 1:14 of Round 2
A true finish with a bang!
Prates delivers a powerful right hook to drop Ramirez for the TKO, and as the referee calls the fight, Prates waves the Las Vegas fighter home.
“That was a long journey, I’ve been training with my dad and coach for 15 years,” Prates said. “Before it happened today, it happened in my mind. Now, my dream become true, and I am really happy.”
The Sao Paulo native delivered an incredible display of his potential heading into the UFC welterweight division. All of Prates’ 30 total strikes were additionally recorded as significant strikes.
“That kid put on about as good of a performance as you ever put on tonight,” White said. “Everything about his whole swagger was very old school Anderson Silva.”
The 30-year-old Brazilian received a contract to fight in the UFC 170-pound division.
Up Next:
Dana White Contender Series continues on Tuesday, Sept. 5. UFC Fight Night 141, headlining a rematch between Valentina Shevchenko and women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso on Mexican Independence Day at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, Sep. 16 at 7:00 p.m. PST.
