Episode 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9 took place Tuesday, September 30th. Five fights unfolded at the UFC Apex. Four winners walked away with UFC contracts, ready to join the big show.
The UFC will officially add the following fighters to its roster:
- 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 won by finish, showing they are ready for high-level competition. Winning on the Contender Series is the first step. We can already speculate about strong matchups for their UFC debuts.
Kurtis “The Pink Panther” Campbell Stuns with Viral Finish
Kurtis Campbell produced the most viral finish of the evening. He destroyed Demba Seck with massive elbows from top position. After the fight, he walked out to The Pink Panther theme, signaling UFC support for the 23-year-old Liverpool native.
Campbell resembles Paddy Pimblett in size and skill. He holds a former championship from England’s FCC promotion. His skillset includes long kicks, powerful punches, and an awkward yet effective wrestling game. On the ground, Campbell becomes exceptionally dangerous, delivering brutal ground-and-pound, which he demonstrated on the Contender Series.
The fight ended quickly, leaving Campbell likely to seek a fast turnaround for his UFC debut. He appears in favor with UFC matchmakers, suggesting a favorable first matchup.
Prediction: Kurtis Campbell (8-0) vs Francis Marshall (8-3) – December 2025/January 2026
Louis “Mad Prince” Jourdain Dominates All Phases
Louis Jourdain delivered the cleanest performance of the night. The Canadian bantamweight and younger brother of UFC fighter Charles Jourdain won via third-round submission against Magno Dias. He controlled the fight with lead-hand strikes, calf kicks, and excellent grappling.
A Jiu Jitsu brown belt with four professional boxing matches, Jourdain proves to be exceptionally well-rounded. His victory also makes history: Charles and Louis became the first Canadian siblings on the UFC roster.
Jourdain’s main setbacks stemmed from injuries and lost time, not cage defeats. He publicly urged Dana White to book him for UFC Vancouver. A fast turnaround is possible, allowing him to share a card with his brother.
Prediction: Louis Jourdain (9-3) vs Kris Moutinho (14-7) – UFC Vancouver – October 18th
Christopher “The Newborn” Avidrez Defies the Odds
Christopher Avidrez entered the night as the only betting underdog. He knocked out Eliezer Kubanza in the first round, displaying remarkable heart. A former football player, Avidrez overcame a career-ending car accident to fully commit to MMA. He trains at The GoatShed in Miami.
Avidrez remains the least polished of the winners. He shows toughness and strength and uses devastating elbows in the clinch. Questions remain about his overall skill set. He could face a tough matchup early, but his mentality will help him rise to the challenge. A large wrap around his right knee may delay his debut.
Prediction: Christopher Avidrez (7-1) vs Daniil Donchenko (12-2) – February 2026
Damian “Baba Yaga” Pinas Delivers Main Event Knockout
In the main event, Damian Pinas stopped Vitor Costa with a brutal right hand in the first round. Pinas’s contract was long overdue. He missed episode one of the season due to visa issues but returned to claim his UFC spot.
Pinas excels in kickboxing with significant power in hands and feet. He will become the second Surinamese fighter in UFC history, following Jair Rozenstruik. At 23 years old, he has time to build momentum. His unique heritage and fighting style make him a fighter to watch in the middleweight division.
Prediction: Damian Pinas (8-1) vs Jackson McVey (6-1) – January 2026
While no matchups are official, all predictions show exciting possibilities for the week’s winners. Episode 9 promises more action and new contenders aiming for UFC contracts.
