Dana White’s Contender Series continued its ninth season with a night full of finishes and memorable performances in Las Vegas.
Since 2017, DWCS has launched the careers of numerous fighters now on the UFC roster. Some competitors have even claimed UFC championships. Known as “the ultimate job interview,” the series features five fights each week over ten weeks. Fighters battle to impress UFC President Dana White and secure a coveted UFC contract.
Last year, 42 fighters earned UFC deals across ten events, slightly fewer than the 46 contracts given in 2023. Episode seven of season nine crowned six prospects with the chance to step into the Octagon.
Tobias Dominates Early
The night began with Rafael Tobias defeating Jair de Oliveira. Tobias landed a counter shot in the opening minute, staggering de Oliveira. He forced de Oliveira to clinch and recover, but Tobias maintained relentless pressure. Constantly cutting off the cage, he landed a body kick and secured a takedown. Tobias finished the fight with a rear-naked choke in the first round, earning his UFC contract.
Reyes Pulls Off a Comeback
Javier Reyes delivered a dramatic comeback against Justice Torres. Torres started aggressively, driving Reyes toward the fence with early strikes. Reyes found an opening and landed a right hook to the body, unleashing a flurry of power shots. Torres went down to the mat covering up, and Reyes finished the fight in the first round, claiming his UFC contract.
Chaves and Montenegro Wage a Bloody Battle
One of the season’s most memorable fights featured Jeisla Chaves and Sofia Montenegro. Both fighters traded strikes from the opening bell, and blood appeared on their faces within the first minute. Montenegro’s straight shots connected, but Chaves’ combinations left a strong mark.
Montenegro knocked Chaves down early in round two, pinning her against the fence for much of the round. Chaves recovered and landed powerful shots before the round ended. In the third round, Chaves secured a split decision victory in a fight that could have gone either way. Dana White awarded contracts to both women, marking the season’s first instance where winner and loser both earned UFC deals.
Magomedov Finishes Quickly
The co-main event saw Murtazali Magomedov defeat Brahyan Zurcher with a sharp finish. Both fighters exchanged strikes early, but Magomedov landed a jab that staggered Zurcher. He pressed the advantage and quickly secured a finish, claiming his UFC contract.
Kondratavicius Caps a Stellar Night
The main event featured Mantas Kondratavicius against Dani Barbir. Kondratavicius applied immediate pressure, aiming for a ground fight. Barbir scrambled to stand, but Kondratavicius landed a precise one-two, knocking Barbir out. The win earned him a UFC contract and capped one of the best nights of the DWCS season.
Fight Recap
- Rafael Tobias vs. Jair de Oliveira – Tobias wins via first-round submission
- Javier Reyes vs. Justice Torres – Reyes wins via first-round finish
- Sofia Montenegro vs. Jeisla Chaves – Chaves wins via split decision (both earn UFC contracts)
- Brahyan Zurcher vs. Murtazali Magomedov – Magomedov wins via quick finish
- Dani Barbir vs. Mantas Kondratavicius – Kondratavicius wins via knockout
