Dana White's Latest UFC Contract Decisions Come With One Notable Snub

Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) Season 10 finale wrapped up at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, bringing a historic, record-tying season to a close. UFC CEO Dana White handed out four more contracts to tie the all-time single-season record of 46 total signings. 

However, the night ended with a shocking twist when main-event winner Erick Visconde was snubbed, triggering endless chatter online.

Dana White Passes on Erick Visconde After Win Over Ilias Bulaid

Visconde, the reigning LFA featherweight champion, relied on early takedowns and heavy mat control to shut out Ilias Bulaid across three full rounds. He swept all three judges' scorecards 30-27 after 15 minutes of action, handing the previously undefeated fighter the first defeat of his professional career. Before this loss, "The Blade" held a perfect 9-0 record with 1 No Contest. 

After the fight, Visconde told commentator Laura Sanko that he broke his hand in the second round. The injury slowed his attack, forcing him to rely on wrestling to finish the three-round match and secure the win.

His performance also fell far short of the entertainment standard required to impress the boss. White made it clear that a main-event slot demands explosive action, telling Visconde that he failed to deliver what was expected.

"Erick, I know you were fired up for this fight, yelling stuff at me on the side of the cage," White said. "You put on a grappling masterclass tonight. But you did not do what I expect to see in the main event in the last episode of the Contender. Obviously, a f—-- tank and a really tough guy. Not tonight, my friend." 

To get a UFC contract now, Visconde must look for another opportunity next year, even though this victory improved his professional record to 18-3.

Dana White Signs Four Fighters After Mick Maynard Overrules Him

While Visconde left without a deal, four other fighters earned UFC contracts. Among them was 21-year-old Smilla Sundell, a former ONE Championship Muay Thai champion. She moved her MMA record to 3-0 by defeating Alex Pereira's sister, Aline Pereira, by a 29-28 unanimous decision. 

White initially wanted Sundell to get more experience elsewhere first, but UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard disagreed. White admitted his team outvoted him and gave her a contract anyway.

The other three winners earned their contracts with standout performances:

• Luis Francischinelli: The 6-foot-6 welterweight stopped Will Rentz via TKO (punches) at 2:18 of the first round. 

• Douglas da Lapa: The middleweight stopped Davi Cabral with a technical knockout at 0:19 of the third round. 

• Gregory Foster: The lightweight beat Jason Asher by a 29-28 unanimous decision.

Foster’s victory by decision contrasted with the main event, proving that a scorecard win does not rule out a contract. White signed 46 fighters across the season, leaving only a few decision winners without deals. The four newly signed fighters move directly into the official UFC roster.