The ninth season of Dana White’s Contender Series continued in Las Vegas with another night of thrilling action.
DWCS began in 2017 and produced many fighters now on the UFC roster. Some even claimed UFC championships. The series acts as “the ultimate job interview.” Each week, five fighters compete over ten weeks to impress UFC President Dana White and earn a contract.
Last year, 42 fighters earned UFC contracts across ten events, slightly fewer than the 46 awarded in 2023. Episode five of season nine saw five prospects earn the chance to fight in the UFC’s bright lights.
Carol Foro Shines in Opening Fight
The night started with fireworks as Carol Foro defeated Shanelle Dyer. Foro struck early, dropping Dyer twice and cutting her badly around one eye. Dyer increased her strike volume in the second round, but Foro knocked her down again. Dyer rallied in the third round but could not finish the fight. Foro claimed the decision in a high-action battle. Dana White was impressed and awarded UFC contracts to both fighters.
Samuel Sanches Ends Fight Early
Samuel Sanches followed with a brutal first-round knockout of Chasen Blair. Blair tried to press Sanches against the cage. After close fighting, Sanches landed a powerful boxing combination. A left hook knocked Blair out cold against the cage. Sanches won the fight and earned a UFC contract.
Lerryann Douglas Delivers Highlight Knockout
Lerryann Douglas produced one of the night’s most spectacular knockouts against Cam Teague in the co-main event. Douglas landed leg kicks in the first 25 seconds, then a right hand that wobbled Teague. As Teague scrambled, Douglas hit him with a left hand to the face. The fast finish earned Douglas a UFC contract.
Steven Asplund Dominates Heavyweight
In the heavyweight main event, Steven Asplund finished Anthony Guarascio in under a minute. Both fighters started with powerful strikes. Asplund landed an uppercut, followed by ground-and-pound, prompting the referee to stop the fight. In just 20 seconds, Asplund earned a UFC contract.
Freddy Vidal Stages Comeback
The light heavyweight fight between Freddy Vidal and Felipe Franco ended dramatically. Franco controlled early grappling, but Vidal countered with strikes. On the ground, Vidal delivered heavy ground-and-pound.
In round two, Franco pressed Vidal and matched him in striking. Round three drained Vidal’s energy, but he reversed the fight on the ground. Vidal took the back and applied a choke. Franco tapped with 12 seconds left. White called the fight “horrible,” but Vidal’s short-notice performance earned him another shot at a contract in the season finale.
Night’s Results
- Shanelle Dyer vs. Carol Foro – both awarded UFC contracts
- Chasen Blair vs. Samuel Sanches – UFC contract for Sanches
- Felipe Franco vs. Freddy Vidal – Vidal to fight again for contract
- Cam Teague vs. Lerryann Douglas – UFC contract for Douglas
- Anthony Guarascio vs. Steven Asplund – UFC contract for Asplund
