It’s that time!
Contender Series keeps rolling on for 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action. Week five goes down tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, in front of UFC CEO, Dana White, as well as his cadre of matchmakers.
As has become standard for the program of late, all four fighters earned UFC contracts last week.
In the main event this evening, Dan Hooker’s protege, Aaron Tau (8-0), takes on Elijah Smith (6-1), the son of former UFC fighter, Gilbert Smith. The co-main event sees Heavyweights clash as 6’8” Brazilian Tallison Teixeira (6-0) fights fellow Brazilian, Arthur Lopes (6-1). The “Featured” bout has Welterweight knockout artists as Benjamin Bennett (6-1) clashes with Joey Hart (6-1). Yura Naito (6-0), who has all first round finishes, fights Cameroon slugger Ateba Gautier (5-1). To kick off week six, two Lightweight hopefuls return to the show for a second time as Dylan Mantello (8-3) takes on Ahmad Suhail Hassanzada (11-3).
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
Aaron Tau vs. Elijah Smith — Smith def. Tau via unanimous decision
Tallison Teixeira vs. Arthur Lopes — Teixeira def. Lopes via knockout (punches) in round one
Benjamin Bennett vs. Joey Hart — Bennett def. Hart via split decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
Yura Naito vs. Ateba Gautier — Gautier def. Naito via technical knockout (ground-and-pound) in round two
Dylan Mantello vs. Ahmad Suhail Hassanzada — Hassanzada def. Suhail via submission (rear-naked choke) in round three
‘Contender Series’ Highlights & Results:
135 lbs.: Aaron Tau vs. Elijah Smith
WHAT A FIGHT!!!
Aaron Tau and Elijah Smith left everything they’ve got throughout fifteen minutes! Who will walk away with the dub? #DWCS pic.twitter.com/Ri3KPdJRT2
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) September 18, 2024
Final result: Smith def. Tau via unanimous decision
265 lbs.: Tallison Teixeira vs. Arthur Lopes
ONE SHOT POWER
Tallison Teixeira adds another first round finish to his resume! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/4Ki9tZWxWi
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2024
Final result: Teixeira def. Lopes via knockout (punches) in round one
170 lbs.: Benjamin Bennett vs. Joey Hart
Oficial! Por decisión mixta: Benjamin Bennett #DWCS pic.twitter.com/Fs6UiywCy7
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) September 18, 2024
Final result: Bennett def. Hart via split decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
185 lbs.: Yura Naito vs. Ateba Gautier
Qué fuerza! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/0V82bzdpE1
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) September 18, 2024
Final result: Gautier def. Naito via technical knockout (ground-and-pound) in round two
155 lbs.: Dylan Mantello vs. Ahmad Suhail Hassanzada
Ahmad Hassanzada puts Dylan Mantello to sleep in Round 3 #DWCS
pic.twitter.com/zv4QlZ5dEh— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) September 18, 2024
Final result: Hassanzada def. Suhail via submission (rear-naked choke) in round three
For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.