The long wait is over, and the UFC is ready to welcome the next wave of the world’s best prospects to their roster. Dana White’s Contender Series season 6 begins today, in the first of ten consecutive weeks at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Following the conclusion of the fights, Dana White and the matchmakers discuss in secret which fighters have earned a UFC contract, dramatically revealed live at the end of the episode. Stay tuned here at MMA Sucka for live Dana White’s Contender Series 47 results, including the contract winners.
Five Seasons of Roster-Building
Beginning in 2017, Dana White’s Contender Series has bolstered the UFC roster with 119 direct additions, with several more fighters from the show signed down the line. While the promotion has yet to see an alumnus from the Contender Series claim a UFC title, several are inching closer, while others have made a name for themselves.
Sean O’Malley is likely the most popular fighter to pass through the Contender Series, as he is scheduled for a colossal fight with Petr Yan at UFC 280 this fall. In that same event, DWCS alum Marina Rodriguez likely competes for a title shot against Amanda Lemos. Most recently, the show produced high-flying prospects Chidi Njokuani, Jack Della Maddalena, and Michael Morales.
Season Six, Episode One: LFA Champion and DWCS Alums
The first episode of season six features Ozzy Diaz vs. Joe Pyfer in the main event. Diaz (7-1) is the current LFA middleweight champion, winning the belt with a first-round knockout over Bruno Assis in March at LFA 127. The rangy middleweight trains out of California MMA in Los Angeles and is a two-time Bellator veteran as well.
He will fight Contender Series alum Joe Pyfer, (8-2), who returns to the show after his first performance was just short two years ago. In that fight, a slam from Dustin Stolzfus injured his arm and cost him the opportunity to find a path to victory. After healing from the injury, Pyfer returned to the CFFC cage and knocked out Austin Trotman at CFFC 104 to earn his second chance on the show.
Another name to watch this week is Anton Turkalj of Sweden. Turkalj (7-0) was supposed to fight last year on DWCS, but had to drop out due to visa issues. The Brave CF veteran has finished all seven career opponents within two rounds and is coming off a spectacular thirteen-second spinning backfist KO over Konstantin Soldatov. At just 26 years old, the light heavyweight would be a welcome addition to the larger weight classes in the UFC.
Tonight’s episode opens with a flyweight bout between two men that have torn up the Mexican MMA scene the past few years. BJJ black belt Alessandro Costa (10-2) is the reigning LUX MMA flyweight champion, and he will fight UWC veteran Andres Luna Martinetti (12-0) of Ecuador. Both are talented grapplers, and expect fireworks if the fight hits the ground with wild scrambles and submission attempts.
Stay tuned below for live Dana White’s Contender Series 47 results.
Dana White’s Contender Series 47 Results
Full Card (ESPN+, 8pm EST / 5pm PST)
Joe Pyfer def. Ozzy Diaz via TKO (Left Hook and Punches) at 1:39 of round 2 – Joe Pyfer earns a UFC contract
Anton Turkalj def. Acacio dos Santos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Dennis Buzukja def. Kaleio Romero via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
Alessandro Costa def. Andres Luna Martinetti via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
