Dana White’s Contender Series returned with a bang for its seventh episode of Season 7, featuring 10 promising fighters vying for a coveted UFC contract. With UFC CEO Dana White presiding over the action, the stakes were high, and the results were nothing short of dramatic.
In a night filled with thrilling bouts, the standout moments came when White extended his hand to three victorious fighters, granting them the golden ticket to the UFC. Flyweight sensation Igor da Silva, lightweight contender Kaynan Kruschewsky, and heavyweight powerhouse Shamil Gaziev all emerged victorious and earned their well-deserved UFC contracts.
However, the evening took an unexpected turn when a rare unanimous draw unfolded in the Octagon. Stephanie Luciano and Talita Alencar engaged in a fierce battle for 15 minutes, leaving the judges with no choice but to score the fight a draw. Luciano’s late surge in the third round, which resulted in a dominant 10-8 round, not only won her the judges’ favor but also secured her a UFC contract in a remarkable twist of fate.
While all three fighters who finished their fights left with contracts in hand, there was a notable omission. Daniel James Allen, who secured a unanimous decision victory over JaCobi Jones, was left without a UFC contract despite his impressive performance. This serves as a reminder of the high standards set by Dana White and his team when selecting fighters for the promotion.
Dana White Contender Series Season 7, Episode 7: Contract Winners and Surprises
Now, let’s take a closer look at the full results of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Episode 7:
Shamil Gaziev showcased his grappling prowess, submitting Greg Velasco with a rear-naked choke in the first round, securing a contract in just 2 minutes and 38 seconds.
Daniel James Allen displayed his technical skills in a unanimous decision victory over JaCobi Jones, with judges scoring it 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.
Talita Alencar and Stephanie Luciano fought to a rare unanimous draw, with judges scoring it 28-28 across the board. Luciano’s late surge earned her a UFC contract.
Kaynan Kruschewsky wasted no time, securing a technical submission victory with a rear-naked choke in the first round against Dylan Mantello at 2 minutes and 52 seconds.
Igor da Silva proved his striking prowess with a second-round TKO victory over Jhonata Silva, finishing the fight at 2 minutes and 37 seconds.
In the world of mixed martial arts, the Dana White Contender Series continues to be a platform where dreams come true and fighters prove their worth. Season 7, Episode 7, was no exception, with thrilling fights, contract surprises, and a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport.