We’re in week 6 of probably the most brutal and intense job interview on this planet, the place 10 new up-and-coming MMA fighters get the possibility to earn a contract with the UFC. All they acquired to do was impress the boss, Dana White. In a season which is already on observe to supply a report variety of new contracts provided. It was as much as the week 6 opponents to maintain the report tempo going.
It has solely been 6 weeks because the first spherical of fighters earned their contract, however a number of 2026 graduates have both already fought or have fights booked with the UFC. Evening 1 graduates Anthony Wint and Bilal Hasan have already fought and received their first fights within the UFC. In actual fact, Anthony Wint has additionally booked his subsequent battle, which is able to happen on October third towards Lucas Armand. In addition to Wint and Hasan, Joe Kropschot and Gabriel Lorenço even have their first fights booked throughout the organisation.
Battle 1: Tyshawn Williams vs Antonio Monteiro
Antonio Monteiro got here into this battle in search of a second probability, as he was additionally on the contender collection again in 2024, however was on the unsuitable finish of a battle and didn’t do sufficient to get himself a contract. The one factor in his method of a contract this time round is undefeated American prospect, Tyshawn Williams. To make an impression within the UFC’s featherweight division, each fighters knew they needed to carry out effectively and showcase all of their abilities.
To start out spherical 1, Williams landed an enormous takedown, clearly displaying his gameplay of utilizing his elite wrestling to win the battle. For a couple of minutes afterwards, an extended clinch battle occurred earlier than they lastly cut up up. Each fighters began to swing wildly earlier than Williams shot and landed one other takedown, getting his opponent to the bottom. Williams adopted up with some huge elbows to complete spherical 1.
Williams began spherical 2 how he meant to get on, capturing and touchdown 2 extra takedowns in fast succession. Nevertheless, as spherical 2 went on. It was clear to see simply how a lot fatigue was beginning to set in for the American, with increasingly more of his takedowns being defended. Monteiro began to search out some success of his personal close to the tip of spherical 2, touchdown some clear punches to Williams. Spherical 3 started with each fighters staying on their toes, making an attempt to deal as a lot injury as they may, however fatigue set in for each of them and the battle slowed down massively. Williams landed 1 final takedown on the finish of the battle, however didn’t have the vitality to complete his opponent. The battle went to the judges’ scorecards with Williams profitable by unanimous choice (29-28, 29-27, 29-27).
Battle 2: Luis Hernandez vs Hugo Guillon
Hugo Guillon was seeking to make historical past tonight by changing into the primary ever Frenchman to earn a UFC contract by the contender collection. In his method was full-time Miami sheriff Luis Hernandez.
As spherical 1 started, each fighters exploded out of the beginning blocks, equally sharing enormous punches from shut vary. Guillon discovered extra success within the clinch, touchdown some huge knees to the American’s physique. Hernandez then took management of the battle, touchdown some devastating physique kicks, quickly bruising the Frenchman’s physique. Hernandez landed a powerful left hand, stumbling Guillon again, however in doing so used a variety of his vitality.
Guillon, noticing this, landed an enormous proper hand of his personal. Each fighters went backwards and forwards buying and selling blows till they heard the horn to sign the tip of spherical 1. Because the fighters made their method again to the stools, Dana White was actively applauding the 5 minutes of preventing he simply witnessed. Hernandez didn’t begin spherical 2 in addition to the earlier spherical, getting knocked down by Guillon. Guillon adopted him to the ground, chasing an anaconda submission to finish the battle. Hernandez managed to slide out and get the Frenchman right into a rear bare choke. Guillon had no method out and was pressured to faucet. Luis Hernandez wins by way of submission.
Battle 3: Ednilson Santos vs Akbar Abdullaev
Akbar Abdullaev was already an enormous title within the MMA world earlier than this battle, however now its recognition has multiplied by 10. Combating out of Kyrgyzstan, Abdullaev had an ideal report of 13-0 (100% end fee, 9 being within the first spherical) earlier than this battle. His opponent, Ednilson Santos, is a long-time coaching associate of UFC legend Alex Pereira, who was additionally in his nook tonight. By way of betting, the battle was a whole mismatch, and it was. 19 seconds is all it took for Abdullaev to land a large proper overhand, knocking Santos out clear. Akbar Abdullaev wins by way of KO.
Battle 4: Oscar Ravello vs Igor Cavalcanti
Just like Monteiro within the first battle of the night time. Igor Cavalcanti has additionally been on the contender collection earlier than, however was in search of a special consequence this time round, and said that he has educated more durable than ever for this battle. Oscar Ravello is not any pushover, nonetheless, profitable 10 of his final 12 fights and displaying he’s by no means afraid of the battle getting messy.
Early in spherical 1, Cavalcanti threw an enormous proper hand down the center to counter Ravello’s kick, dropping him to the ground. Cavalcanti adopted his opponent to the ground and threw so many photographs it was a marvel that Ravello survived the ordeal. Nevertheless it wasn’t over but; Ravello acquired up however was put towards the cage as a consequence of Cavalcantis immersing stress, and the referee was pressured to cease the battle. Igor Cavalcanti wins by way of TKO.
Battle 5: Zevan Hunt vs Mayton Perea
Within the final battle of the night time, Zevan Hunt faces Ecuadorian prospect Mayton Perea. Perea got here into this battle with a 100% end fee of 5 Ko’s and three submissions, with 7 of these being throughout the first spherical. Zevan Hunt had an ideal report of 7-0 himself, and is named Cheese as a result of he’s all the time smiling. However after this battle, it was onerous to think about that he was nonetheless smiling.
Perea got here flying out of the blocks in spherical 1, touchdown 2 huge proper palms, the latter one knocking Search out to the ground. Hunt acquired again to his toes rapidly. Nevertheless it was one-way visitors, as Perea pressured Hunt to the cage and, after getting knocked down a second time, the referee stopped the battle 45 seconds into spherical #1. Mayton Perea wins by way of TKO.
Who will get a contract?
As all the time, on the finish of the night time, the mic is on Dana White, who pronounces who has earned that all-important contract.
Firstly, it was Tyshawn Williams vs Antonio Monteiro. “Tyshawn, I actually favored your battle, and I such as you! I wish to deliver you again to the contender collection!’
Secondly, it was Luis Hernandez vs Hugo Guillon. “I cherished this battle, 2 canine blasting one another with huge photographs! Unimaginable battle, welcome to the UFC.”
Then it was Akbar Abdullaev vs Ednilson Santos. “I don’t know what to say, that punch gave the impression of a baseball bat! I’m going to exit on a limb and say you’re presumably the best expertise that’s ever been on the contender collection. I can’t wait to see you battle once more. Welcome to the UFC.”
After that was Igor Cavalcanti vs Oscar Ravello. “Whole and absolute violence! You may not have carried out higher. Welcome to the UFC!”
Lastly was Mayton Perea vs Zevan Hunt. “What extra can I say? You took out an undefeated man in 45 seconds. Welcome to the UFC!”
How would you fee week 6 of the Contender Collection? Who’re you most wanting ahead to seeing battle once more? Share your opinions within the feedback under and be part of the dialogue!
