It’s that time of year again!
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action. This week’s show starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ for the first two weeks (because of The Ultimate Fighter 32 final episodes), and then things switch back to the usual 8 p.m. ET time slot moving forward. Week No. 2 of Contender Series also has three returning fighters from past seasons.
In the main event, Middleweights collide as Sweden’s Andreas Gustafsson (10-2) fights Canada’s Pat Pytlik (9-1). The co-main event sees Rizvan Kuniev (12-2-1) return for a second shot at a UFC contract against Brazilian Heavyweight, Hugo Cunha (8-1). The “Featured” bout has former UFC fighter, Michael Imperato (12-6), seeking redemption (he was cut in 2014 for using homophobic and racist slurs) against a returning Cortavious Romious (8-2). Torrez Finney (8-0) looks to nab a contract after missing out last year against Australia’s Cam Rowston (8-2). Finally, 25-year-old Australian prospect, Cody Haddon (6-1), takes on Billy Brand (5-1) to kick off the show.
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
Andreas Gustafsson defeats Pat Pytlik via KO (knees) Round 2, 3:20
Rizvan Kuniev defeats Hugo Cunha via TKO (punches) Round 1, 4:49
Cortavious Romious defeats Michael Imperato via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Torrez Finney defeats Cam Rowston via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Cody Haddon defeats Billy Brand via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 3:09
‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:
185 lbs: Andreas Gustafsson defeats Pat Pytlik via KO
Back to back knees to finish him off
Do you think that was enough to earn Andreas Gustafsson a contract? #DWCS pic.twitter.com/cJ44st7W3D
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2024
265 lbs: Rizvan Kuniev defeats Hugo Cunha via TKO
AT THE BUZZER
Rizvan Kuniev gets the finish with just one second to go in the first round! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/ZkuEyBPoMc
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2024
135 lbs: Cortavious Romious defeats Michael Imperato via unanimous decision
Cortavious Romious get the UD victory
[ #DWCS | Streaming on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/BlXepP7zTJ
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2024
185 lbs: Torrez Finney defeats Cam Rowston via unanimous decision
Torrez Finney is leaving with the W
[ #DWCS | Streaming on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/NcaDnABL9B
— UFC (@ufc) August 20, 2024
135 lbs: Cody Haddon defeats Billy Brand via submission
Cody Haddon taps Billy Brand in the first round pic.twitter.com/5u3mZyJO1s
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) August 20, 2024
For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.