The latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series continued with some memorable highlights on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
DWCS, the inaugural season of which took place back in 2017, sees some of the top prospects in mixed martial arts enter the cage in front of White and the matchmakers, looking to put in a performance worthy of a place on the UFC roster.
Last year’s edition saw 46 fighters bag a deal with the sport’s premier promotion across 10 events, up on the 43 from 2022. Through three episodes of season eight, 12 prospects moved a step closer to their title dreams on MMA’s biggest stage.
And the fourth added another five talents to the UFC roster. That included Venezuela’s Yuneisy Duben, who delivered the highlight of the night in fight two by brutally knocking heavy favorite Shannon Clark out cold inside the very first round.
There was just one other finish on the lineup, with Austin Bashi locking in a tight rear-naked choke for the submission win over Dorian Ramos. While unable to stop their opponents inside the distance, Quilan Salkilld, Djorden Santos, and Seok Hyun Ko were also granted contracts to mark a perfect night for the victors.
"WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TONIGHT?!"
@DanaWhite reveals the signees from an amazing week of #DWCS Season 8 with @Laura_Sanko! pic.twitter.com/7sC7mxuoJ7
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2024
With that in mind, see below for the moments that landed five athletes contracts with the UFC.
Quillan Salkilld Def. Gauge Young Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
It's a big deal when The Boss comes into the Octagon after a fight!
[ Tune in LIVE to #DWCS on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/8RVa82Gxj6
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2024
Yuneisy Duben Def. Shannon Clark Via KO (punch): R1, 1:13
WHAT A KNOCKOUT!
Yuneisy Duben just delivered one of the best KOs we've ever seen on #DWCS! pic.twitter.com/LxJlbPLtjf
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2024
"You're in!"
Dana White told Yuneisy Duben she's already got a UFC contract! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/q5IZPHtajh
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2024
A KO so nice you have to see it twice!
Yuneisy Duben with the knockout of the season! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/7H2taF2fSy
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2024
Austin Bashi Def. Dorian Ramos Via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – R2, 3:15
Taking care of BUSINESS!
Austin Bashi dominates from start to finish! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/BcShGMuWB5
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2024
Djorden Santos Def. Will Currie Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
By UD!
Djorden Santos earns the victory in style! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/j4twEzBvve
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2024
Seok Hyun Ko Def. Igor Cavalcanti Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Unanimous Decision for Seokhyeon Ko!
He gets the victory in the featured bout! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/g3rZZJwrzR
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2024
Continue Reading Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 4 Highlights As 5 Prospects Secure Contracts at MMA News.