We’re getting to the tail end of summer, but Dana White’s Contender Series is just kicking into gear, offering another slew of Octagon hopefuls a shot at the big time tonight (Tues., Aug. 22, 2023).
Friendly programming reminder: We’re back to the usual 8 p.m. ET start time on ESPN+ for the rest of the season.
As has become standard for the program of late, all five of last week’s winners went home with contracts. Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady derailed the highly-touted George Hardwick in the main event, Hyder Amil took home a decision of his own against Emrah Sonmez, and Ibo Aslan, Eduarda Moura and Charalampos Grigoriou joined them in the Octagon thanks to first round finishes.
We’ve got just four fights this week because Luciano Pereira ran into issues while weighing in for his short-notice fight with Felipe dos Santos. Nevertheless, in the main event, Israel’s Eli Aronov (6-0) battles Fury FC veteran Zachary Reese (5-0) in a clash of undefeated Middleweights. One fight prior, Welsh Cage Warriors standout Oban Elliott (8-2) meets Oktagon Welterweight Champion Kaik Brito (8-2). GLORY vet Isis Verbeek (4-1) takes on K-1 vet Josefine Knutsson (5-0) in the evening’s sole women’s fight, while the opener sees Robbie Ring (6-0) look to keep his 100 percent finish rate intact against Peruvian knockout artist, Luis Pajuelo (6-0).
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
Zachary Reese defeats Eli Aronov via submission (armbar) Round 1, 1:14
Oban Elliott defeats Kaik Brito via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Josefine Knutsson defeats Isis Verbeek via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Luis Pajuelo defeats Robbie Ring via TKO (knee, punches) Round 1, 3:43
‘Contender Series’ Play-By-Play Results:
185 lbs.: Eli Aronov vs. Zachary Reese
Last bout of the evening @EliAronov vs @Savage185Reese cap off week 3 of #DWCS on @ESPNPlus! pic.twitter.com/IicnobryE1
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2023
SNATCHED HIS ARM!@Savage185Reese first round finish to close the show #DWCS pic.twitter.com/SRMw6LBTer
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2023
Final result: Zachary Reese defeats Eli Aronov via submission (armbar) Round 1, 1:14
170 lbs.: Oban Elliott vs. Kaik Brito
WOOOOW #DWCS pic.twitter.com/mOoUgYqbaP
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) August 23, 2023
Los golpes de Brito dañan a Elliot en el 2do round #DWCS pic.twitter.com/8HqKfjKSkJ
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) August 23, 2023
Brito y Elliot están dejando todo esta noche #DWCS pic.twitter.com/73tM0RfxoS
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) August 23, 2023
The closing seconds of an incredible fight
Who will get the nod on the scorecards? #DWCS pic.twitter.com/ntPY8KMv33
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2023
A hard fought majority decision for @ObanElliottMMA #DWCS pic.twitter.com/gBvZcIIgMs
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2023
Final result: Oban Elliott defeats Kaik Brito via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
115 lbs.: Isis Verbeek vs. Josefine Knutsson
30-27’s across the board for @JosefineThunder #DWCS pic.twitter.com/h99Y5wD8cs
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2023
An absolute showcase from bell to bell by @JosefineThunder! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/v6pPOWQMzt
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2023
Final result: Josefine Knutsson defeats Isis Verbeek via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
145 lbs.: Robbie Ring vs. Luis Pajuelo
One round is all it takes
Luis Pajuelo is coming for a contract! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/UPQbzIWmvA
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2023
Final result: Luis Pajuelo defeats Robbie Ring via TKO (knee, punches) Round 1, 3:43
For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.