UFC president Dana White was in a giving mood for the second episode of the fourth season of the Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS). Every single winner on the fight card earned a UFC contract, a rare move for the series. Each new UFC fighter earned their way into the organization in a unique way, and will look to begin their UFC tenures on the right foot. This Post-Fight Matchmaker will determine the opponents for all five contract earners’ UFC debut fights.
Post-Fight Matchmaker: DWCS Season 4, Episode 2
Impa Kasanganay vs. Uriah Hall
Impa Kasanganay took full advantage of his second Contender Series opportunity, surging late to ensure a decision victory over Anthony Adams. Having turned pro just last year, “Tshilobo” has been fast-tracked to the UFC. He clearly has the athleticism and skills, however, to compete right away. Along with the contract announcement, UFC president Dana White also confirmed that the Congolese-American has a fight scheduled for the card on August 22. With the recent announcement of Yoel Romero‘s pulling out of his scheduled fight against Uriah Hall on the aforementioned card, it would make sense that this is the fight lined up for Kasanganay. “Primetime” Hall would certainly be a tough test for him, but a win would continue his meteoric rise.
TJ Laramie vs. Julian Erosa
“The Truth” TJ Laramie showcased menacing top control along with some excellent ground-and-pound in his one round of action against veteran Daniel Swain. In between the first and second round, Swain was unable to continue due to a rib injury. Laramie’s work in that round and his prior experience was more than enough proof that he deserves a chance in the UFC. The 22 year old comes into the organization on a four-fight win streak and a 12-3 record overall. His debut fight should be against another veteran in Julian Erosa. In June, “Juicy J” picked up his first UFC victory in four tries when he submitted Sean Woodson in the first round. Both fighters showcase a well-rounded skillset and a fight between them would be fun to watch wherever it goes.
Cory Mckenna vs. Hannah Goldy
Twenty-one year old Cory Mckenna scored a big upset over inaugural LFA strawweight champion Vanessa Demopoulos by picking her opponent off on the feet and controlling her on the ground. “The Hobbit” Mckenna will become the first female from Wales to grace the Octagon, coming in with a 5-1 record. The former Cage Warriors fighter should face fellow DWCS alum Hannah Goldy in her first UFC fight. The “Queen of Sparta” Goldy lost her first UFC bout over a year ago at flyweight but is looking to soon make a return ten pounds lower at strawweight. Goldy also sports a 5-1 record, and the winner will gain much-needed momentum for their young UFC careers in a thinning division.
Adrian Yanez vs. Andre Ewell
If the Contender Series had a Performance of the Night bonus like the UFC, it would have surely gone to Adrian Yanez for his 39-second destruction of Brady Huang. The quick win proved that he was UFC-ready as he moved to 11-3 in his career, with two of those losses coming to fighters now in the UFC as well. His inaugural UFC bout should be against “The Highlight” Andre Ewell. Ewell has had an up-and-down UFC career, alternating wins and losses since defeating former bantamweight champion Renan Barao in his debut. Both are excellent technical strikers, and pairing them up would make for a fun, high-paced fight.
Dustin Stoltzfus vs. Bevon Lewis
The night’s feature fight was just beginning to pick up action when a slam by Dustin Stoltzfus dislocated the elbow of opponent Joe Pyfer. It was an unfortunate end to the fight, but that performance combined with his impressive 13-1 record brings the Germany-based Pennsylvanian to the UFC. Fellow DWCS alum Bevon Lewis should be the Stoltzfus’s first opponent in his new organisaton. Lewis picked up his first UFC win in January over Dequan Townsend after losing his first two outings. Both fighters are similar in age, but their relatively contrasting styles would make for an interesting tactical battle.
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