Portugal’s UK based MMA fighter Mario Pinto punched his ticket into the UFC last night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Dana White’s Contender Series delivered an electrifying night, showcasing four fighters who each secured knockout victories. Each competitor not only impressed the audience but also earned a coveted UFC contract. Among them was Artem Vakhitov, renowned for being the last fighter to defeat current UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in a kickboxing match. Pereira was in attendance at the UFC Apex, and UFC CEO Dana White remarked that he played a significant role in offering Vakhitov a contract following his triumph.
That said, UK MMA fans were excited to watch FightZone London’s Mario Pinto fight for a contract, and he earned his contract without breaking a sweat.
Mario Pinto Secures UFC Contract – Biggest Winners
Artem Vakhitov
Artem Vakhitov entered the spotlight due to his past victory over Pereira. This matchup attracted considerable attention as fans were eager to see how he would perform.
In the clinch, Vakhitov faced challenges against Islem Masraf. However, once he created distance, his knockout power was evident, and he finished the fight decisively in the first round.
Although Vakhitov has limited MMA experience, it’s interesting to note that Pereira was also relatively new to the sport when he made his UFC debut in November 2021. Observing how the 33-year-old adapts to the UFC stage will certainly be captivating.
Kody Steele
Kody Steele was set to compete earlier in the DWCS season, but his opponent’s withdrawal sidelined him. Returning for Tuesday’s fight, he made weight and appeared unfazed despite the pressure of two weight cuts to lightweight.
Steele, known primarily for his grappling prowess, delivered his fourth consecutive knockout by landing a well-placed liver punch on Chasen Blair in the second round.
Training out of Syndicate MMA, Steele initially sought to strike in order to set up takedowns but ultimately found greater success by focusing entirely on his striking.
Mario Pinto
Mario Pinto, who turned pro in 2021, improved his record to 9-0 with his fifth knockout victory. He faced Lucas Camacho, finishing him quickly in the first round.
Pinto demonstrated composure throughout the fight, accurately gauging his opponent’s movements before delivering a powerful left hook. At 26 years old, he has significant stopping power, although he has shown some difficulties dealing with pressure. Fortunately, Camacho did not test this aspect of Pinto’s game.
Islam Dulatov
With his latest win, Islam Dulatov advanced his MMA record to 11-1, achieving an impressive number of stoppages. The 26-year-old welterweight exhibited substantial power in his strikes but displayed moments of recklessness in his output.
When Dulatov focused on landing powerful blows, he proved to be highly effective. If he can rein in his eagerness and concentrate on precision, he may become a formidable striker in the UFC.
Sean Gauci
Sean Gauci displayed solid striking defense and showed notable power when he committed to his punches. However, early in the fight, he wasn’t very active, often opting for single shots.
Initially, Gauci concentrated on takedowns but struggled to keep the fight on the ground during the first two rounds. Once he adjusted his strategy and focused on striking, his performance improved considerably.
In the latter part of the fight, Gauci managed to secure a late takedown and capitalized on it, delivering effective strikes while on the mat.
