Latest news with #ContenderSeries78
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dana White's Contender Series 78: Grading the winners
Dana White's Contender Series 78 took place Tuesday in Las Vegas, and we're grading the winners from the five-fight card, which streamed on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. With a refreshing but digestible format that has had the MMA fanbase responding, this series has shown to have legs in multiple ways while serving as a crockpot for contenders whom the UFC matchmakers can use for future events. So, with that trend in mind, I will once again be taking a look at the winning fighters regardless of whether or not they won a UFC contract, grading their performances in regards to their probability of returning to a UFC stage. Ramiro Jimenez Weight class: Featherweight Result: Ramiro Jimenez def. Tommy Cuozzi via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:53 Grade: A Summary: Kicking off the night in stunning fashion was Ramiro Jimenez, who earns a solid A for his quick finish of Tommy Cuozzi. Sure, Jimenez may have been a 5-1 betting favorite coming in, but the Mexican fighter sure looked every bit the part with his southpaw savvy. From beautiful, building bodywork to his pro-level patience and composure, Jimenez appears to be UFC-ready getting off the bus. I know Jimenez has a slew of submissions on his record, but I'd love to see more of his ground game against a higher level of opposition. Although I could see the UFC booking him opposite someone like John Yannis for his promotional debut, I'd love to see him booked against a fellow undefeated fighter like Yoo-joo Sang right out of the gates for guaranteed fireworks. Josh Hokit Weight class: Heavyweight Result: Josh Hokit def. Guilherme Uriel via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:06 Grade: A Summary: Despite his bigoted comments pre and post-fight, I can't deny Josh Hokit an A when grading his fighting from a performance perspective. Sure, the bar may be inherently lower at heavyweight, but anyone who can competently wrestle can do some serious damage in this division. Though I expect we'll see more of Hokit's striking as time goes on, the American displayed a fairly fluid ability to transition through the phases, mixing in strikes throughout. From smart riding positions to punishing ground and pound, Hokit has some key tools that could be menacing for the majority of heavyweights on this current UFC roster. I'm not too worried about Hokit's size given his wrestling ability, but I will be curious to see if that aspect becomes more of a factor further down the road. Given the UFC's history of backing polarizing products like Hokit, don't be surprised if the matchmakers are somewhat cautious in building the 5-0 fighter. For that reason, I suspect we'll see him matched up with someone like Sean Sharaf on a North American card before the year's end. Louis Lee Scott Weight class: Bantamweight Result: Louis Lee Scott def. Kaushik Saikumar via TKO (strikes) - Round 3, 2:20 Grade: A Summary: Despite missing weight by half a pound and finding himself in some precarious positions throughout the fight, I had a hard time denying Louis Lee Scott anything short of an A for the savvy he showed opposite Kaushik Saikumar. Though I'm sure Scott and his coaches will be noting the spinning attacks that got them into some trouble, the Englishman displayed some solid submission defense against an incredibly sticky fighter like Saikumar (who was trained and cornered by Ryan Hall). Scott is an incredibly fun and dynamic bantamweight who can put together some wicked combos, so signing him was a no-brainer. I hope we see him booked opposite fighters like Quang Le or Ramon Taveras on the next UK or Middle East events. Cam Rowston Weight class: Middleweight Result: Cam Rowston def. Cameron Holmes via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:58 Grade: A Summary: Although it was another quick night at the office, it was difficult to deny Cam Rowston anything short of an A for stopping Cameron Holmes in what was his second swing at bat in this series. Despite dropping a decision to Torrez Finney in his first stint on the Contender Series, Rowston was able to string together three wins en route to this contract-winning performance. Many thought the path of least resistance could be on the floor for Rowston, but the City Kickboxing product was able to show off some of the striking he's been working on over at BangTao Muay Thai. From a wicked right hand to solid elbows off of frames, Rowston appears to be a well-trained middleweight who is still making strides in his game. For that reason, I hope that they don't throw Rowston right to the wolves. However, with Dana White insisting that we see Rowston make a quick turnaround on the next Perth card, we could see the Australian matched up with anyone from Antonio Trocoli to the UFC's new favorite toy – Baysangur Susurkaev. Jose Delano Weight class: Featherweight Result: Jose Delano def. Manuel Exposito via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Grade: A Summary: Despite being the lone decision of the card, only a casual would award Jose Delano anything less than an A for his complete and composed domination of Manuel Exposito. I know I give the current UFC matchmakers a lot of guff when it comes to their love of middleweights and rematches alike, but when Sean Shelby (someone who absolutely knows his stuff about this game) says that Delano is the most UFC-ready fighter from this season of the Contender Series, you'd best be paying attention. A Shooto Brazil champion who trains under the legendary former UFC middleweight champion Murilo Bustamante, Delano comes in with a fully fledged MMA game. Delano, who mainly operates out of southpaw, can smoothly shift stances when he needs to and offers building offense and bodywork from both sides. The Brazilian is very competent with kimura applications, utilizing attempts to create some crafty reversals that were on display last night. I'm sure Delano's deceptive wrestling and counter wrestling abilities will be further tested as he progresses, but I'm happy to see the Shooto and LFA vet signed to the promotion. Although I'd love to see Delano eventually run it back against Gabriel Santos, I suspect we'll see the Brazilian booked in action fights against anyone ranging from Bogdan Grad to Kevin Vallejos before the year's end.
USA Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
DWCS 78 video: Louis Lee Scott breaks down Kaushik Saikumar for TKO
Down it goes for Louis Lee Scott!!! 💪He gets the stoppage late in round three!📺📱💻 Watch #DWCS LIVE on @UFCFightPass Louis Lee Scott delivered a high-output showing against Kaushik Saikumar at Dana White's Contender Series 78, but a weight miss might hinder his chances at a UFC contract. After coming into the bantamweight bout half a pound over the contracted limit, Lee Scott (10-0) put on a performance against Saikumar (5-1) on Tuesday at the UFC Apex that ended in a third-round TKO. Lee Scott put pressure from the outset against Saikumar, who was fishing for leg submissions as a training partner of Ryan Hall. He couldn't get it, though, and as he stayed on the feet with Lee Scott, was eventually melted into a finish. Check out the replay of the finish below (via X): After the fight, Lee Scott explained what he said to UFC CEO Dana White through the cage and was apologetic for missing weight. "I said sorry about the half-a-pound," Lee Scott said in his post-fight interview with Heidi Androl. "I got sick cutting weight. Things happen. I've never missed weight before and it will never happen again. I still managed to put on a relatively good performance."
USA Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
DWCS 78 video: Cameron Rowston makes most of second chance, TKOs Brandon Holmes
Cameron Rowston has highly touted by City Kickboxing teammates Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker prior to Dana White's Contender Series 78, and he delivered an effort that will likely lead to a UFC contract. Rowston (12-3) put on a striking clinic against Brandon Holmes (5-1) in their middleweight bout on Tuesday at the UFC Apex, landing brutal punches and elbows until his opponent folded on the canvas at the 2:58 mark of Round 1. Check out the replay of the finish below (via X): After falling short in his contract opportunity in Season 8 of DWCS, Rowston came back for a second chance and maximized the platform to impress the UFC brass. "I've been knocking on the door," Rowston said in his post-fight interview with Heidi Androl. "I knew every night of this training camp I would get a finish and cement my contract."
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dana White's Contender Series 78 live results, round-by-round coverage
LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene reporting live from Tuesday's Dana White's Contender Series 78 event. Dana White's Contender Series cards see prospects fighting for the opportunity to sign a UFC deal, with UFC president Dana White on hand to make the decisions. The second week of the ninth season will see 10 fighters compete for their shot at a UFC contract. In the feature bout at featherweight, Manuel Exposito (13-2) takes on Jose Delano (15-3). The UFC Apex hosts the card, which streams live on ESPN+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Check out our round-by-round updates below. DWCS 78 full results DWCS 78 faceoffs
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dana White's Contender Series 78 faceoff highlights video, photo gallery from Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – The pre-fight activities are in the books for Dana White's Contender Series 78 following Monday's official weigh-ins and faceoffs. For the second event of the season, 10 fighters will vie for UFC contracts in their fights, including featherweights Manuel Exposito (13-2) and Jose Delano (15-3), who headline the show. At the conclusion of the official weigh-ins, the fighters came face to face for staredowns. Check out the highlights in the video above and a photo gallery from the weigh-ins and faceoffs below. Dana White's Contender Series 78 takes place Tuesday and streams on ESPN+.
