Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 results: Four UFC contracts awarded

Dana White Contender Series week 6 concluded with four fighters securing UFC contracts after standout performances in competitive bouts.

We are in week 6 of the most brutal and intense job interview in the world, where 10 new up-and-coming MMA fighters get the chance to earn a contract with the UFC. All they got to do was impress the boss, Dana White. In a season which is already on track to produce a record number of new contracts offered. It was up to the week 6 competitors to keep the record pace going. 

Embed from Getty Images

It has only been 6 weeks since the first round of fighters earned their contract, but multiple 2026 graduates have either already fought or have fights booked with the UFC. Night 1 graduates Anthony Wint and Bilal Hasan have already fought and won their first fights in the UFC. In fact, Anthony Wint has also booked his next fight, which will take place on October 3rd against Lucas Armand. As well as Wint and Hasan, Joe Kropschot and Gabriel Lorenço also have their first fights booked within the organisation. 

Fight 1: Tyshawn Williams vs Antonio Monteiro 

Antonio Monteiro came into this fight looking for a second chance, as he was also on the contender series back in 2024, but was on the wrong end of a war and did not do enough to get himself a contract. The only thing in his way of a contract this time around is undefeated American prospect, Tyshawn Williams. To make an impression in the UFC’s featherweight division, both fighters knew they had to perform well and showcase all of their skills. 

To start round 1, Williams landed a huge takedown, clearly showing his gameplay of using his elite wrestling to win the fight. For a few minutes afterwards, a long clinch battle took place before they finally split up. Both fighters started to swing wildly before Williams shot and landed another takedown, getting his opponent to the ground. Williams followed up with some big elbows to finish round 1.

Williams started round 2 how he meant to get on, shooting and landing 2 more takedowns in quick succession. However, as round 2 went on. It was clear to see just how much fatigue was starting to set in for the American, with more and more of his takedowns being defended. Monteiro started to find some success of his own near the end of round 2, landing some clean punches to Williams. Round 3 began with both fighters staying on their feet, trying to deal as much damage as they could, but fatigue set in for both of them and the fight slowed down massively. Williams landed 1 last takedown at the end of the fight, but did not have the energy to finish his opponent. The fight went to the judges’ scorecards with Williams winning by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27). 

Embed from Getty Images

Fight 2: Luis Hernandez vs Hugo Guillon

Hugo Guillon was looking to make history tonight by becoming the first ever Frenchman to earn a UFC contract through the contender series. In his way was full-time Miami sheriff Luis Hernandez. 

As round 1 began, both fighters exploded out of the starting blocks, equally sharing huge punches from close range. Guillon found more success in the clinch, landing some big knees to the American’s body. Hernandez then took control of the fight, landing some devastating body kicks, rapidly bruising the Frenchman’s body. Hernandez landed a strong left hand, stumbling Guillon back, but in doing so used a lot of his energy.

Guillon, noticing this, landed a big right hand of his own. Both fighters went back and forth trading blows until they heard the horn to signal the end of round 1. As the fighters made their way back to the stools, Dana White was actively applauding the 5 minutes of fighting he just witnessed. Hernandez didn’t start round 2 as well as the previous round, getting knocked down by Guillon. Guillon followed him to the floor, chasing an anaconda submission to end the fight. Hernandez managed to slip out and get the Frenchman into a rear naked choke. Guillon had no way out and was forced to tap. Luis Hernandez wins via submission. 

Embed from Getty Images

Fight 3: Ednilson Santos vs Akbar Abdullaev 

Akbar Abdullaev was already a big name in the MMA world before this fight, but now its popularity has multiplied by 10. Fighting out of Kyrgyzstan, Abdullaev had a perfect record of 13-0 (100% finish rate, 9 being in the first round) before this fight. His opponent, Ednilson Santos, is a long-time training partner of UFC legend Alex Pereira, who was also in his corner tonight. In terms of betting, the fight was a complete mismatch, and it was. 19 seconds is all it took for Abdullaev to land a massive right overhand, knocking Santos out clean. Akbar Abdullaev wins via KO. 

Embed from Getty Images

Fight 4: Oscar Ravello vs Igor Cavalcanti

Similar to Monteiro in the first fight of the night. Igor Cavalcanti has also been on the contender series before, but was looking for a different result this time around, and stated that he has trained harder than ever for this fight. Oscar Ravello is no pushover, however, winning 10 of his last 12 fights and showing he’s never afraid of the fight getting messy.

Early in round 1, Cavalcanti threw a big right hand down the middle to counter Ravello’s kick, dropping him to the floor. Cavalcanti followed his opponent to the floor and threw so many shots it was a wonder that Ravello survived the ordeal. But it wasn’t over yet; Ravello got up but was put against the cage due to Cavalcantis immersing pressure, and the referee was forced to stop the fight. Igor Cavalcanti wins via TKO.

Embed from Getty Images

Fight 5: Zevan Hunt vs Mayton Perea

In the last fight of the night, Zevan Hunt faces Ecuadorian prospect Mayton Perea. Perea came into this fight with a 100% finish rate of 5 Ko’s and 3 submissions, with 7 of those being within the first round. Zevan Hunt had a perfect record of 7-0 himself, and is known as Cheese because he is always smiling. But after this fight, it was hard to imagine that he was still smiling.

Perea came flying out of the blocks in round 1, landing 2 big right hands, the latter one knocking Hunt down to the floor. Hunt got back to his feet quickly. But it was one-way traffic, as Perea forced Hunt to the cage and, after getting knocked down a second time, the referee stopped the fight 45 seconds into round number 1. Mayton Perea wins via TKO. 

Embed from Getty Images

Who gets a contract?

Embed from Getty Images

As always, at the end of the night, the mic is on Dana White, who announces who has earned that all-important contract. 

Firstly, it was Tyshawn Williams vs Antonio Monteiro. “Tyshawn, I really liked your fight, and I like you! I want to bring you back to the contender series!’

Secondly, it was Luis Hernandez vs Hugo Guillon. “I loved this fight, 2 dogs blasting each other with big shots! Incredible fight, welcome to the UFC.”

Then it was Akbar Abdullaev vs Ednilson Santos. “I don’t know what to say, that punch sounded like a baseball bat! I’m going to go out on a limb and say you are possibly the greatest talent that’s ever been on the contender series. I can’t wait to see you fight again. Welcome to the UFC.”

After that was Igor Cavalcanti vs Oscar Ravello. “Total and absolute violence! You could not have performed better. Welcome to the UFC!”

Lastly was Mayton Perea vs Zevan Hunt. “What more can I say? You took out an undefeated guy in 45 seconds. Welcome to the UFC!”  

How would you rate week 6 of the Contender Series? Who are you most looking forward to seeing fight again? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion!

World In Sport Forum

Continue the discussion

Join other fans in the World In Sport Forum and debate the biggest talking points from this article.

Visit the forum