The 10th annual season of Dana White’s Contender Series continued with plenty of action in Las Vegas.
DWCS began in 2017 and has produced a notable number of fighters currently on the UFC’s roster. Since the show’s inception, four have even gone on to claim UFC championships. Known as “The ultimate job interview,” DWCS features five fights weekly, over the course of 10 weeks, as combatants compete to impress UFC CEO and President Dana White and earn a UFC contract.
Last year’s edition saw 46 fighters earn a contract with the world’s leading MMA organization across 10 events, slightly up from the 42 handed out in 2024. Episode seven of season 10 this week saw six prospects earn the opportunity to taste the Octagon’s bright lights.
Norbert Novenyi Jr. vs. Theo Haig
Novenyi landed a right hand that sent Haig to the mat, with Novenyi looking for a choke. Haig got to his feet, but Novenyi got to his back and brought him to the fence. Haig took a couple of shots but found a couple of takedowns, looking for a choke but settling for control and punches from the top.
Haig looked to continue the success and find another takedown in round two, but Novenyi wobbled Haig with another right hand. Haig looked for another takedown, but Novenyi threatened a kneebar unsuccessfully before the two had a grappling battle the rest of the round.
The fight stayed standing during the third round, with Novenyi edging out Haig on the cards.
RESULT: Norbert Novenyi Jr. def. Theo Haig via unanimous decision (29-28 x3): No contract awarded
Jaden Ortega vs. Alvi Dasuyev
Dasuyev put on a ferocious striking display early, dropping Ortega multiple times across the first two rounds and overwhelming him with striking pressure. Despite the knockdowns suffered, Ortega continued to fight back, getting back to his feet each time. Dasuyev’s striking was on point during that second round, but Ortega came forward despite the punishment.
By the end of the second, Dasuyev appeared fatigued, and Ortega continued to throw wild strikes in his answer back. Ortega found more of a groove as Dasuyev tired, even attempting flying knees and spinning attacks. Despite his fatigue, however, Dasuyev continued to land several big shots to keep control of the fight.
Dasuyev would score the decision win in a bout highly praised as being perhaps the most chaotic of this DWCS season.
RESULT: Alvi Dasuyev def. Jaden Ortega via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28): CONTRACT AWARDED TO BOTH DASUYEV AND ORTEGA
Paris Moran vs. Marcos Degli
Degli immediately showed his grappling ability in the first round, finding an early takedown and controlling Moran both against the fence and on the mat. Degli looked for the back to try and lock in a choke but couldn’t find it.
Moran managed to get on top in round two, landing some offense, but Degli got back to Moran’s back when he scored a takedown during that frame. Degli then worked over Moran with punches before sneaking an arm under the chin to score the tapout.
Marcos Degli def. Paris Moran via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 2, 4:46): CONTRACT AWARDED
Piero Guaylupo vs. Callum Connor
From the opening horn, Guaylupo looked to bring the heat on Connor, coming forward and delivering strikes with heavy power. It paid off well early for Guaylupo, as he dropped Connor in the first round with an overhand. Connor made his way back to his feet, but Guaylupo continued to pound away on Connor, pressuring him throughout the first two rounds.
Guaylupo’s striking continued to find its mark in the third round, as he unloaded massive punches, punishing Connor relentlessly. Connor remained in the fight despite being bloodied and battered, even landing a highlight spinning elbow in the final frame. The two slugged it out in the closing seconds, earning a standing ovation.
RESULT: Piero Guaylupo def. Callum Connor via unanimous decision (30-27 x3): CONTRACT AWARDED TO BOTH GUAYLUPO AND CONNOR
Damian Piwowarczyk vs. Emilio Quissua
After some trading of jabs, Quissua got Piwowarczyk near the fence and landed a big head kick. Piwowarczyk, however, quickly turned the tide by landing a couple of hard blows that knocked Quissua down. Piwowarczyk continued to pound away on Quissua, who tried to get back in the fight but was ultimately dropped twice more, earning Piwowarczyk a first-round TKO victory.
RESULT: Damian Piwowarczyk def. Emilio Quissua via TKO (Rd. 1, 4:55): CONTRACT AWARDED
