Dana White’s Contender Series Winners September 2023, Week 6: All Fighters Name, Weight And Height

On September 12, 2023, the world of mixed martial arts bore witness to an extraordinary chapter in its history as Dana White’s Contender Series 62 unfolded at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This installment of the Contender Series, known for its ability to catapult talented fighters into the UFC, marked an all-time episode. Notably, all ten competitors showcased their skills, but it was the exceptional performances of five fighters that led to an unprecedented outcome.

Dana White’s Contender Series serves as a platform for emerging talents to earn coveted contracts with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). UFC President Dana White himself is at the helm, assessing the fighters’ performances and deciding who has what it takes to step into the octagon on the sport’s grandest stage.

The seventh season of the Contender Series reached its sixth episode, with ten fighters seeking to impress Dana White and earn their place among the UFC elite. What unfolded was nothing short of remarkable, as each winner was offered a UFC contract. The victorious quintet included Jean Matsumoto, Julia Polastri, Steven Nguyen, Jhonata Diniz, and James Llontop, each of whom left an indelible mark on this historic night.

The Action-Packed Night

The Contender Series episode was characterised by relentless action, especially in the initial three fights, which had White and the matchmakers on the edge of their seats. In an extraordinary show of sportsmanship, Dana White even entered the cage following the opening battle between Jean Matsumoto and Kasey Tanner, a three-round striking spectacle.

The intensity of the fights was further emphasized by the fact that even the fighters who didn’t secure contracts were recognized for their efforts. Two of the fighters who ended up on the losing side, Kasey Tanner and A.J. Cunningham, were compensated with win bonuses, underscoring the series’ commitment to recognising exceptional performances.

The full rundown

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the results from Dana White’s Contender Series 62:

1. James Llontop vs. Malik Lewis: James Llontop emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against Malik Lewis. Llontop secured a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26) victory after three intense rounds, showcasing his prowess in the lightweight division.

2. Jhonata Diniz vs. Eduardo Neves: The heavyweight clash between Jhonata Diniz and Eduardo Neves saw Diniz secure a dramatic victory via TKO (punch) in the first round, just 3 minutes and 15 seconds in. Diniz’s striking skills left a lasting impression.

3. Steven Nguyen vs. A.J. Cunningham: Steven Nguyen demonstrated his striking ability as he secured a TKO victory (punches) over A.J. Cunningham in the second round at 4 minutes and 6 seconds. Cunningham’s aggressiveness met its match in Nguyen’s precision.

4. Julia Polastri vs. Patricia Alujas: In the women’s strawweight division, Julia Polastri exhibited her submission skills, securing victory via rear-naked choke in the second round at 4 minutes and 5 seconds. Her technique and finesse were on full display.

5. Jean Matsumoto vs. Kasey Tanner: The lightweight battle between Jean Matsumoto and Kasey Tanner went the distance, with Matsumoto claiming a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Matsumoto’s striking and leg kicks set him apart in this thrilling contest.

Key Moments

Several key moments stood out during the event, showcasing the heart and determination of these aspiring fighters:

1. Matsumoto’s Leg Kicks: Jean Matsumoto’s relentless leg kicks in his bout with Kasey Tanner proved to be a defining aspect of his victory. The damage inflicted on Tanner’s left leg was evident, showcasing Matsumoto’s striking precision.

2. Polastri’s Submission: Julia Polastri’s victory via rear-naked choke highlighted her submission skills. Her ability to seize an opportunity and secure the win in the second round was a testament to her technical prowess.

3. Nguyen’s Striking: Steven Nguyen’s striking ability shone through in his fight against A.J. Cunningham. Nguyen’s precision and combinations ultimately led to a TKO victory in the second round.

4. Llontop’s Endurance: James Llontop’s endurance and ability to weather the storm in his battle with Malik Lewis were impressive. His unyielding spirit and stamina earned him a unanimous decision win.

5. Diniz’s Walk-Off KO: Jhonata Diniz’s walk-off knockout against Eduardo Neves was a highlight-reel moment. His powerful punch sent Neves crashing to the canvas, capping off a remarkable performance.

Dana White’s Contender Series 62 will be remembered as a historic episode where every fighter who stepped into the octagon left an indelible mark. The fact that all ten competitors brought their A-game, resulting in all five winners receiving UFC contracts, is a testament to the exceptional talent on display.

This all-time episode serves as a reminder of the dedication and hard work required to earn a spot in the UFC. It also reinforces the series’ commitment to recognizing outstanding performances, even in defeat, as demonstrated by the win bonuses awarded to two losing fighters.

As these five rising stars begin their journeys in the UFC, the world of mixed martial arts eagerly awaits their future battles. Dana White’s Contender Series continues to be a vital platform for emerging fighters to showcase their skills, with each episode holding the promise of uncovering the next big UFC superstar. With this unprecedented episode, the future of MMA looks brighter than ever, thanks to the relentless determination and talent of these fighters.