Dana White’s Contender Series returns tonight featuring an incredible group of prospects looking to stamp their way into the UFC.
Returning fighters like Bruno Lopes look to right last season’s wrongs while others like An Tuan Ho and Lone’er Kavanagh look to capitalize off their hype and turn it into a UFC contract.
Mansur Abdul-Malik (5-0) vs. Wes Schultz (6-1)
Fight Breakdown: Mansur Abdul-Malik last fought in LFA, where he dispatched Allan St-Gelais in under two minutes. This has been the common theme of Abdul-Malik’s fights, as he has never made it out of the first round. While his cardio is a big question mark, Abdul Malik is an absolute wrecker on the feet and floor. Wes Schultz has only ever lost to UFC newcomer Dylan Budka in his career and is a sneaky submission specialist. Schultz is able to recover from big shots and come back to secure unexpected finishes.
Result: Abdul-Malik def. Schultz via TKO (ground and pound) Round 2 3:55
Highlights:
Meng Ding (34-8) vs. Rami Hamed (12-3)
Fight Breakdown: Meng Ding is an absolute brawler, going toe-to-toe and putting on an exciting display every time out. Ding has a ridiculous 27 knockouts in his 34 wins while only being knocked out twice. His power seems to eventually get to his opponents, and his cardio keeps up throughout the fight. Due to visa issues, Rami Hamed makes the short-notice appearance after Islam Dulatov’s removal. Hamed fought most of his career in Titan FC, accruing a 4-1 record in the promotion. Hamed can grind his way to a decision or find an early finish, with leg kick finishes in the first round of his previous two fights.
Result: Hamed def. Ding via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
Highlights:
Bruno Lopes (12-1) vs. Mikheil Sazhiniani (13-2)
Fight Breakdown: LFA light heavyweight champion Bruno Lopes makes his second contender series appearance following an upset loss last year. Lopes has an incredibly well-rounded game but excels on the ground, where he can attack submissions and dominate with top pressure. Mikeheil Sazhiniani is the opposite, excelling on the feet with 12 knockouts in 11 wins. Most of his knockouts come in Round 1, where Lopes was caught last year. This fight will be crucial to show if Lopes can jump to reach his true potential.
Result: Lopes def. Sazhiniani via TKO (body shots) Round 2 4:14
Highlights:
Jose Delgado (7-1) vs. Ernie Juarez (8-0)
Fight Breakdown: A1 Combat’s undefeated featherweight Ernie Juarez is always happy to throw down. The brawler comes forward with ridiculous pressure, swarming with volume punches and powering through the fight. His competition has been better than most before their UFC careers. Short-notice replacement Jose Delgado steps into the fight on 11 days’ notice for Icaro Brito. Delgado comes in off a massive first-round KO in LFA and always starts quickly. From bell to bell, Delgado is pushing for the finish and can finish a fight in either method.
Result: Delgado def. Juarez via KO (knee) Round 2 1:35
Highlights:
Lone’er Kavanagh (6-0) vs. An Tuan Ho (6-0)
Fight Breakdown: The UFC knew what they were doing when they made this the first fight of the season. Cage Warriors alumni Lone’er Kavanagh is an electric striker who excels in spinning attacks and kickboxing. His overall game has rounded out so well throughout the years and led him to becoming one of the most acclaimed prospects of the season. An Tuan Ho is an MMA Lab product who went undefeated in LFA before getting his chance for DWCS. Ho is an extremely well-rounded fighter who compares similarly to Kavanagh. Ho’s kicks and spinning attacks both cause devastation, while his wrestling and submissions both could win him a fight.
Result: Kavanagh def. Ho via KO (left hook) Round 1 2:35
Highlights:
Contracts were awarded to Lone’er Kavanagh, Jose Delgado, Bruno Lopes, Mansur Abdul-Malik
What were your thoughts on Week 1 of Dana White’s Contender Series? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image Credit via UFC
