This just got really, really good.
Hot action is on tap this week for Contender Series, as some more very polished talent looks to have the kind of breakout performance to get them into the big show. As usual, some of the matches aren’t as balanced as they could be. Some fighters are further along in their development as is expected, but the potential for action is very good this week.
Five fights, but no guarantees for contracts. That’s what we’ve got. It’s not the most fair system, but this is where we are and the fighters know they have to try to make it count.
First up is Canada’s Aaron Jefferey (6-1), hot off decimating fellow Canadian Jo Vallé back in March. His only loss was a decision in 2015, and he’s got a good foundation with an 8-1 amateur record. He’ll be up against LFA vet and Roufuspourt product Brendan Allen (11-3), who is another fighter that could have realistically been signed straight off the regionals.
It would be fine to disagree, but consider his only three professional losses are to current UFC talents Trevin Giles and Eryk Anders, as well as previous Contender Series contestant Anthony Hernandez, who fought to a no-contest. Looking how how he wins? He’s vicious. With some good hands, great cardio and a very focused submission game, Allen is capable of some real violence. It’s a great scrap waiting to happen between two talented middleweights in a division that’s in dire need for new talent.
Next up is featherweights Lance Lawrence (5-0) vs Kevin Syler (8-0). Lawrence is undefeated as both a professional and an amateur thus far, with four submission wins as a professional and six in the amateur ranks. Lance works his way into positions the hard way, despite some athletic disadvantages. His striking isn’t as polished, but gets the job done. Syler is the younger brother of former Ultimate Fighter: Latin America alum Bently “Dr Bolivia“ Syler, and didn’t get into the sport until he got out of high school. Under his brother’s guidance, he’s put in time at American Top Team. So far in both his amateur and pro experience, he’s netted no KO/TKO wins on record, winning by either submission or decision.
Next up is heavyweight action between returning Contender Series participant Dontale Mayes (6-2) and Brazilian Ricardo Prasel (10-1). Mayes had a previous loss to Allen Crowder at 2017’s Contender Series, but returned to the show last year, winning by TKO against Mitchell Sipe after defeating Mohammad Usman (brother of UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman) by decision. Prasel’s first taste of the big leagues was a wild up and down brawl in RIZIN against Ante Delija, resulting in a decision loss. Most of his wins have been finishes, including a toe hold victory earlier in his career.
Bantamweights get some screen time as Ode Osbourne (7-2, 1 no contest) and Armando Villareal (5-1) throw down. Villareal started out in XKO and moved on to LFA after his lone pro loss, and racked up three straight wins including a 16-second TKO victory in his last outing. Osbourne’s also riding a three-win streak, all finishes including two triangle chokes. Osbourne even survived a body slam that looked like it was delivered by Asbury Park’s Bam Bam Bigelow himself, and still bounced back for the win. The guy is tough, and never lets himself get counted out.
Finally, we’ve got Stephen Regman (9-3) against Brazil’s Antônio Aroryo (8-2). Regman’s another product of the Mid-Atlantic scene, butting heads with some of the tougher talents in CFFC. Despite losses to hard-nosed grapplers Darrell Horcher and Mike Wilkins, he’s won four straight including an action movie-like win over former Contender Series participant Will Santiago back in September.
Arroyo has a handful of finishes on his record, and his last fight was his only decision win to date against Diego Henrique in last year’s Contender Series. He’s got a reputation for being dangerous and some catlike reflexes. He was at one point scheduled to fight now current UFC fighter Wellington Turman, but that fell apart.
Full fight card is as follows:
Stephen Regman vs Antônio Arroyo – Middleweight
Armando Villareal vs Ode Osbourne – Bantamweight
Dontale Mayes vs Ricardo Prasel – Heavyweight
Kevin Syler vs Lance Lawrence – Featherweight
Aaron Jeffery vs Brendan Allan – Middleweight
Dana White’s Contender Series may have dropped the “Tuesday“ from the name, but it’s still on for Tuesday nights and this week is no exception. The action starts at 8:00pm EST and streams exclusively on ESPN+.