10 fights remain in this, the eighth season of Dana White’s Contender Series. After next Tuesday’s show, the weeknight MMA program ends until sometime in the summer of 2025. Week nine takes place tonight from the UFC Apex in Enterprise, NV.
Live coverage begins at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT on ESPN+ inside the United States. As is customary, tonight’s show features five fights with prospects trying to impress UFC CEO Dana White in hopes of winning a promotional contract at night’s end.
#DWCS week is 9 is here! 👊
Great ready, it’s going to be a good one!
[ LIVE on @ESPNPlus | 8pmET/5pmPT | B2YB @DKSportsbook ] pic.twitter.com/aGG8S9vhyc
— UFC (@ufc) October 8, 2024
Main Event
At the top of the bill tonight is a light heavyweight fixture between Artem Vakhitov (2-1 MMA) and Islem Masraf (3-0 MMA). This is a five-round fight at five minutes per round to close the show.
Co-Main Event
Immediately beforehand, the co-main event features lightweight action between Kody Steele (6-0 MMA) and Cage Warriors competitor Chasen Blair (6-2 MMA.)
Rest of the Card
Also tonight, you’ll see a heavyweight affair between Mario Pinto (8-0 MMA) and Lucas Camacho (6-0 MMA), a welterweight contest pitting Islam Dulatov (10-1 MMA) against Vanilto Antunes (16-6 MMA) and a flyweight bout pairing Sean Gauchi (9-1 MMA) with Anthony Drilich (8-1 MMA).
DWCS Season 8, Week 9 Results: Card: 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT, ESPN+
Main Event: Artem Vakhitov def. Islem Masraf by TKO (Punches) at 4:23 into Round 1. Vakhitov awarded UFC contract.
Co-Main Event: Kody Steele def. Chasen Blair by TKO (Body Shot) at 4:07 into Round 2. Steele awarded UFC contract.
Mario Pinto def. Lucas Camacho by KO (Ground and Pound) at 1:43 into Round 1. Pinto awarded UFC contract.
Islam Dulatov def. Vanilto Antunes by KO (Strikes) at 2:44 into Round 1. Dulatov awarded UFC contract.
Sean Gauchi def. Anthony Drilich by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28.)
