The Contender Series was back in action last night for the penultimate week of fights, as a new wave of MMA fighters fought to impress Dana White and earn a UFC contract.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe recent graduates of the tenth season of the Contender Series are coming into the UFC thick and fast, desperate to make their UFC debut and move on to the next fight up the rankings. Just ask Week 1 graduate Anthony Wint, who fought for the second time in the UFC last weekend at UFC 332. Wint continued his run of dominance with another first-round victory over Lucas Armand. It was also confirmed last night that Week 7 graduate Marcos Degli will be making his UFC debut on November 7th, where he will take on Mitch Raposo.
Fight 1: Summer Onley vs Alivia Bierley
The first fight on the penultimate night in season 10 of the Contender Series was between Summer Onley, who faced American Alivia Bierley in the bantamweight division.
The first round started slowly, as both fighters took their time trying to figure out their opponent. Onley began aiming for Bierley’s calf, landing multiple strong leg kicks. Towards the end of the round, Bierley turned up the pressure, landing some hits from her rapid-paced boxing combinations. In round 2, both fighters started throwing a lot more kicks, with Onley keeping on her opponents calf while Bierley begun doing work to the body. Onley started to land the better of the strikes, coming out of each exchange landing more damage.
But it was when Bierley landed a huge takedown that the tide began to turn. Bierley had top position and started landing heavy elbows, finishing round 2 dominantly. The last round in the fight did not produce as much action as one would have hoped. Bierley quickly took the centre of the octagon, controlling the pace of the fight. With 90 seconds left in the fight, Bierley landed another takedown, following with a submission attempt which didn’t come to pass. Onley managed to reverse position, but it was too late to do any damage, and the final horn sounded. The fight went to the judges’ decision, with Alivia Bierly winning via unanimous decision. (30-27) (29-28) (29-28)
Embed from Getty ImagesFight 2: Ryuho Miyaguchi vs Mateus Soares
The second fight of the night between Ryuho Miyaguchi and Mateus Soares did not last nearly as long as the first. Miyaguchi came in off his first professional loss, while Soares was hoping to get the 9th first-round win of his career.
The fight started with a very high pace, with Soares landing the majority of the shots. After some signature strong leg kicks from the Brazilian, he landed a huge right hand straight on to his opponent’s jaw, dropping him straight to the ground. Soares followed quickly to finish the fight, but there was no need, as referee Mark Goddard was already racing in as the fight was already over. Mateus Soares wins Via KO in 1 minute and 3 seconds in the very first round.
Embed from Getty ImagesFight 3: Roque Conceicao vs Alexander Chaves
The third fight of the night was always going to be a fireworks show as Brazilian fighter Roque Conceicao was looking for redemption after a loss on his last time out on the contender series. In his way was 2x Muay Thai world champion, Alexander Chaves. Both fighters were looking to get a quick finish, to bring a new challenge to the UFO flyweight division.
Conceicao started quickly in round 1, landing quick combos and heavy body kicks. He then landed a huge right hand, but Chez managed to shake it off. Chave began throwing leg kicks in an attempt to slow his opponent down. This didn’t stop the Brazilian, who landed a big body kick creating an impact sound which echoed throughout the Meta Apex Arena. That was then followed by another right overhand, rocking Chaves back. Chaves shot and landed a takedown, but Conceicao managed to find the triangle choke. Chaves lifted him up and slammed him on the canvas, but it wasn’t enough as the Brazilian kept the submission locked in, forcing his opponent to tap. Roque Conceicao wins via submission due to a triangle choke 3 and a half minutes into round number 1.
Embed from Getty ImagesFight 4: Salhauddin Everett vs Ozzy Martin
The second-to-last fight of week 9 was between 2 24-year-old welterweights looking to get their one-way ticket into the UFC. Salhauddin Everett does already work for the UFC, however, as a security guard in the Meta Apex Arena. He was looking to become the first-ever UFC employee to earn a contract and become a UFC fighter.
It was a scrappy start to the fight with both fighters going in close to land heavy hits. Everett looked a lot more composed from the start, landing clean jabs and 1-2 combinations, cutting Martin’s nose early. Everett pressured his opponent to the cage and landed another combination finishing with a right hook, knocking Martin straight out. Before Ozzy Martin could reach the floor, Everett was already walking off knowing victory was his. Salhauddin Everett wins via KO 2 minutes into round 1.
Embed from Getty ImagesFight 5: Nell Arianon vs Preston LaGrange
The final fight in week 9 of the contender series was between judo veteran Nell Arianon and Preston LaGrange, who normally fights at middleweight, but moved up to light heavyweight on 2 weeks’ notice for this fight.
The fight followed the familiar pattern of the night as both fighters came flying off the blocks, ks swinging with all their power to finish the fight early. After a moment in the clinch, Nell Arianon threw a smooth judo toss, taking the fight to the floor. LaGrange quickly got up and landed a big knee followed by a swift elbow. Both fighters started swinging again and landing, but LaGrange had more power, landing a right hook putting Arianon’s face into the canvas. Preston LaGrange wins via KO 2:24 in round number 1.
Embed from Getty ImagesWho gets a contract?
Embed from Getty ImagesAs always, after all the fights were complete, UFC President Dana White was given the microphone to announce which fighters impressed him and earned a contract to the UFC.
Firstly, it was Alivia Bierly vs Summer Onley – “Here’s my problem: in the last round, neither girl showed me that they wanted to win that fight. Unfortunately, tonight’s not for you, sorry, Alivia”
Secondly, it was Mateus Soares vs Ryuho Miyaguchi – ‘Soares. That was exactly what I was looking for tonight! You’re22 and you’re a killer! Welcome to the UFC!’
Then it was Roque Conceicao vs Alexander Chavez – “That was an incredible fight; both of you were killers. I loved everything about this fight; we saw you in lots of different positions. Welcome to the UFC, Roque Conceicao!”
After that was Salhauddin Everett vs Ozzy Martin – “Sal, I don’t think it’s ever been as loud in here as it was for your fight. This could not happen to a better person. You could not have won more impressively. Welcome to the UFC!”
Finally, it was Preston LaGrange vs Nell Arianon – “Preston, I thought I felt bad for you having to come out after what Sal just did! 4/1 underdog, that’s all I gotta say! Get your ass over here, welcome to the UFC!”
How did you rate the fights this week?
Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the UFC from this new batch of UFC fighters? Leave a comment below and join the discussion!
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