Dana White has created an interesting concept for what could be called the most intense job interview ever. Through his Contender Series, he opens up opportunities for fighters from all walks of life. They all have to do one thing: impress the UFC boss. Each week during the season, fighters have the chance to earn their contracts by showcasing their skills and determination. Last week, fans witnessed some fighters securing their spots in the company with brutal performances. This week followed suit, as fighters once again showed their resilience and hunger to succeed, and 5 got signed for Dana White’s promotion.
Last night, after five action-packed fights, the UFC CEO signed contracts for all five winners, marking just the second time this season that every fighter walked away with a deal. Talking about the first, in the main event, Danylo Voievodkin shocked Bailey Schoenfelder with a first-round submission win. Voievodkin, the underdog, took control early. While Schoenfelder tried to stay mobile, Voievodkin quickly knocked him down and secured a rear-naked choke, ending the fight in just over a minute.
Just like the main event, in the second-to-last fight, Daniel Frunza won against Vadym Kutsyi by TKO in the second round. The Belarusi fighter coming to the fight had a strong record of 17-1. However, its fights are not about the numbers, and Frunza, with his fast start, landed good punches. Kutsyi used his wrestling for most of the round and landed some big hits, but he ran out of energy in the second round. Subsequently, Frunza’s strikes were too much for Belarusi, and he KO’d to get the contract.
3 Others Contract Winner At Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 7
Last night, Alexia Thainara was the first to earn a contract with a unanimous decision win over Rose Conceicao. Thainara and Conceicao had trained together before, which can sometimes make fighters hold back, but Thainara was strong from the start. Conceicao didn’t have an answer for Thainara’s speed and energy and got outworked in every round. With UD’s win, Thainara caught White’s attention for a contract.
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The most talked-about signing of the night was Kevin Christian. During the fight, Kevin outclassed Francesco Mazzeo with a textbook triangle hold in the second round, but it’s worth noting that Mazzeo had been dominant up until that point.
Kevin Vallejos came in hot and knocked out Cam Teague in the first round, earning himself a UFC contract. At just 22, Vallejos didn’t let last year’s loss on Contender Series hold him back. He lit up Teague with combos to the head and body, taking down the undefeated fighter. It was a flawless showing, and White didn’t hesitate to give him the contract.
Also Read: Dana White’s Boxing Venture Gets Glowing Recommendation From The ‘Baddest Man On The Planet’
