Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9, Week 1 Full Show

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Event Overview:

Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series kicked off with Week 1 (DWCS 77), offering fresh MMA prospects the chance to impress Dana White and earn a coveted UFC contract. The evening delivered an electrifying mix of finishes, skilled showings, and intense competition.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT (U.S.)
  • Venue: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

  • Broadcast: ESPN+

Fight Card & Matchups:

  1. Middleweight – Main Event: Ilian Bouafia (6-0) vs. Neemias Santana (7-2-1)
  2. Welterweight – Co-Main Event: Ty Miller (5-0) vs. Jimmy Drago (7-2-0)
  3. Middleweight: Baysangur Susurkaev (8-0) vs. Murtaza Talha (7-1)
  4. Featherweight: George Mangos (7-0) vs. Radley da Silva (7-1)
  5. Middleweight: Christopher Ewert (7-0) vs. Yuri Panferov (8-1)

Event Highlights & Review:

  • Opening Bouts: The show kicked off strong with Susurkaev vs. Talha, showcasing fast-paced striking and sharp wrestling. Next, Mangos vs. da Silva leaned into featherweight flair and precision. Ewert vs. Panferov had veteran savvy versus grit, leaving the card’s early portion well-balanced.
  • Ty Miller vs. Jimmy Drago: A highlight co-main event with stark contrast: Miller’s technical striking met Drago’s power. The back-and-forth battle underscored both fighters’ hunger for the gold, though results remain pending at press time.
  • Main Event – Bouafia vs. Santana: A clash of styles capped off the night. France’s knockout-heavy Bouafia went head-to-head with Brazilian veteran Santana. It was a compelling showdown between raw power and well-rounded experience.

Note: Specific fight results and contract decisions have not yet been publicly confirmed.

Conclusion:

DWCS Season 9, Week 1 delivered exactly what the series is known for—high stakes, raw talent, and potential future stars. The mix of undefeated prospects and battle-tested veterans laid the groundwork for memorable performances. With multiple fighters showing franchise-worthy promise, the path to earning a UFC contract is wide open.