Some very young and very, very raw prospects look to make the most of an opportunity, leading to some volatile pairings.
As the Contender Series summer winds down, things are starting to get a bit wild. These fights aren’t bad, but it’s worth asking if some of the fighters here – win or lose – are ready for the big step up that awaits them with a win and eventual signing.
Aleksa Camur vs. Fabio Cherant – Light Heavyweight
Main event honors go to two gentlemen looking to become the next addition for the UFC’s light heavyweight division (which needs as much beefing up as it can get). Serbian-American Aleksa Camur (4-0) had a good amateur run, where he also went 4-0, but has blazed a more violent path as a pro. A teammate of former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, he’s not playing around. At all. He defends himself well on the ground, despite his takedown defense not being optimal, but really wants to stand and crack his opponent.
That lacking takedown defense will probably present a few problems. His opponent, Fabio Cherant (4-0), is a submission specialist. He’s also got a snappy jab and strong counterpunching. Like Camur, with an amateur record of 4-1, he’s got more cage time than his pro record suggests. He’s gone past the first round a few times and takes his time to zero in on his opponent’s gaps. This opportunity could pay off big for Cherant, who he recently quit his job at Amazon to focus on MMA.
Steven Nguyen vs. Aalon Cruz – Featherweight
Featherweight has gotten a lot of attention for this series, and this week that trend continues with Steven Nguyen (6-0) vs Aalon Cruz (7-2). Nguyen has a calm and composed striking game, but ends up in periodic lulls of inactivity. He’s also an opportunist, often snatching the first submission that presents itself. He fights smart, without overexerting himself. Five of his six professional wins have come inside the distance.
Across from him, Aalon Cruz uses a pawing jab, but isn’t afraid to clinch up or work his way into extended takedown duels while standing. His most notable win so far is over Bellator vet Steve Garcia, Jr., and both of his losses have been via rear naked choke. He does have some submissions on his record, so he’ll take the win where it comes.
Tracy Cortez vs. Mariya Agapova – Women’s Flyweight
Up next, former Invicta fighter Tracy Cortez (5-1)—who brutalized Mexico’s Karen Cedillo at Combate Americas last September. She didn’t succeed in her pro debut against Cheri Muraski, but obliterating Roxanne Ceasear in her second fight made up for it. She hasn’t looked back since, and won a split decision against grappling ace Erin Blanchfield this past February.
But she’s got a tough road ahead against Mariya Agapova (6-0), who came up in Fight Nights Global, Akhmat and BRAVE FC. She’s got an unending gas tank when she smells blood, and has won by decision and gone long into the third round. She may not have one-shot power, but she’s smart about her strike selection and conserves energy—and can flurry well to finish a fight.
Rico Farrington vs. Daniel Rodriguez – Welterweight
30-year-old Rico Farrington (7-2) has made some moves in the South Florida circuit, taking his lumps as well—against grapplers like ATT’s Mike Graves. But his wins have been pretty violent, and his improved, polished striking could serve him well against upcoming opponent Daniel Rodriguez (8-1). The California native is a Joe Schilling protégé on a four-fight win streak, and has some wild finishes on his record. Like this one. It doesn’t seem to matter where the fight is, he finds a way to land a hard shot. While his gas tank and ground game are still coming along, he’s a legitimate threat and a pretty big welterweight, who can capitalize on any loose ends his opponent might leave.
Rodrigo Nascimento vs. Michal Martinek – Heavyweight
Finally, we’ve got the heavyweights opening the card—with Rodrigo Nascimento (6-0) taking on Czech strongman Michal Martínek (7-0). Nascimento is craftier than the average big man on the regional circuit, with good feints and a solid fundamental boxing game that manages to include some kicks. His submission game is also of note, showing a more well-rounded skillset than some other fighters show at his stage of development. Martínek has carved a niche for himself in Czech premier org Oktagon (home of former Czech wrestling champ Karlos Vemola, still winning). Martínek prefers to settle things with his fists, but will certainly jump on a submission if need be. His cardio and use of range may be a problem here against a tall hard-hitter like Nascimento, but he might be able to use clinchwork to make things interesting.
Footage from the weigh-ins is available here:
Weigh-in results
Aleksa Camur (204) vs. Fabio Cherant (205)
Aalon Cruz (146) vs. Steven Nguyen (146)
Mariya Agapova (125) vs. Tracy Cortez (126)
Rico Farrington (171) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (171)
Michal Martinek (239.5) vs. Rodrigo Nascimento (257)
Dana White’s Contender Series takes place this Tuesday at the usual start time of 8:00pm ET, and will be streaming live on ESPN+.