Ten weeks of MMA’s future prospects stars battling for a spot in the UFC has come to a close, with tonight being the last episode of Dana White’s Contender Series for 2022. Ten more fighters enter the cage in the UFC APEX, capped off by one of the hottest up-and-comers of all of MMA making his second appearance of the season. Stay tuned here for live Dana White’s Contender Series 56 results, as well as the UFC contract winners.
DWCS Week 10 – Fighters to Watch
Of course, the conversations surrounding this last week of DWCS 2022 are around Bo Nickal, making his second appearance of the season. Still just 2-0, Nickal takes a huge step up to fight Donovan Beard (7-1), the middleweight champion of CFFC. This is a proper test to see if Nickal is UFC ready, as Beard is also on the cusp of signing with the promotion. CFFC champions regularly sign with the UFC and do very well- see Sean Brady or Pat Sabatini as examples.
Questions remain about Nickal’s MMA game, concerning his striking or gas tank if he can’t get a quick finish. None of his four amateur or pro fights have lasted more than a minute or two, putting him in unknown territory if he can’t finish quickly. That’s not to say he isn’t in great shape, but at some point those questions will be answered.
Donovan Beard, although 32 years old, only went pro two years ago. He’s finished his last five wins and trains out of Arkansas. He’s an enormous underdog, and his skills don’t necessarily line up to give Nickal a world of trouble. However, he’s still dangerous wherever the fight goes. In his last fight, he pulled off a come-from-behind triangle choke to win the CFFC title. He’ll certainly have opportunities to work from his back against Nickal.
Another fighter worth mentioning from tonight’s card is Sam Patterson (9-1-1) of England. The lanky lightweight has won an astonishing six straight for the BRAVE CF promotion and is high on several pundits’ top prospect lists. He uses his length exceptionally well and has a nasty guillotine choke in addition.
Also on the card is Eternal MMA featherweight champion Jack Jenkins (9-2). “Phar” is on a six-fight win streak and takes on Budo Sento champion Freddy Emiliano Linares (9-1). Jenkins is well-rounded and fights on a strong pace, and this is one of the most competitive fights on paper of the night.
Follow below for full Dana White’s Contender Series 56 results, as well as the UFC contract winners.
DANA WHITE’S CONTENDER SERIES 56 RESULTS
ESPN+ (8pm EST / 5pm PST)
Bo Nickal def. Donovan Beard via Submission (Triangle Choke) at :52 of round 1– Bo Nickal wins a UFC contract
Sam Patterson def. Vinicius Cenci via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:18 of round 2– Sam Patterson wins a UFC contract
Jack Jenkins def. Emiliano Linares via TKO (Ground and Pound) at 4:30 of round 3– Jack Jenkins wins a UFC contract
Rafael Ramos def. Joao Elias via TKO (Ground and Pound) at 2:25 of round 2– Rafael Ramos wins a UFC contract
Mateus Mendonca def. Ashiek Ajim via KO (Right Cross and Hammerfist) at :48 of round 1 – Matheus Mendonca wins a UFC contract
