Dana White’s Contender Series Week 3 Storylines
Indisputably, last week’s fights were some of the best in the show’s young history. However, What if, just what if they were even better this week?
The show couldn’t have had a more anti-climactic start. However, after UFC president Dana White made the show’s objective heard loud and clear to the contestants, reminding them of how colossal the opportunity is for them. Whatever White said to the fighters, it almost killed the fear of losing, resulting in shootouts that had the entire world in awe. So, this week, best believe that everyone is coming with a point to prove.
Bo Nickal vs. Zachary Borrego
The name Bo Nickal started to ring bells when he moved to ATT and started helping names like Jorge Masvidal, Dustin Poirier, and others elevate their wrestling and conditioning. The Dan Hodge Trophy winner looks to impress the masses by securing a UFC contract after his second professional bout. However, the upset-minded Zachary Borrego is coming like an avalanche with a point to prove.
Bo Nickal was a three-time D1 NCAA champion and went to the Olympic trials in 2021. So, with his monumental achievements in wrestling, one would think that his game would revolve around a wrestling-heavy style. However, in Nickal’s pro debut, he scored a devastating knockout in 33-seconds, showing that his game is constantly evolving.
On the other hand, Angelo State University football player Zachary Borrego had five amateur fights to gain the experience he needed. Earlier this year, in February, Borrego decided to jump into the professional ranks, scoring three wins since then.
Nickal seems to be the complete package. However, we’ve seen countless times in the octagon that it’s the theatre of the unknown, and by the time the smoke clears, a star will be born.
Paulo Renato Junior vs. Jamal Pogues
Not everyone gets a second chance, and Jamal Pogues never thought he’d be back on the show after underperforming in 2019 despite winning. However, Jamal gets a second chance to earn a UFC contract. That being said, it won’t be easy.
Brazilian striking sensation Paulo Renato Junior started training Karate at four years old. Later on, the Brazilian fell in love with the art of striking, resulting in him transitioning to Boxing and Capoeira.
Momentum seems to be the storyline in this clash. On one hand, Renato Junior is entering the show riding a nine-fight winning streak, with three victories last year after a four-year layoff. On the other hand, Jamal fought twice since appearing on the show in 2019. Jamal is 1-1 since his last contender series fight.
When two giants clash, often times than not, one falls before the final bell. Whoever puts on a show might very well become a new addition to the UFC heavyweight roster.
Erik Silva vs. Anvar Boynazarov
It’s now or never for both men to earn a UFC contract, and when two hungry warriors clash for the last chance at claiming glory, you know they’re going to put it all on the line by giving their all.
Silva started training with his father at a very young age, and the results were remarkable. Silva won almost every kickboxing tournament he competed in as a kid. When he was asked what it would mean to earn a UFC contract, he said, “Legacy, for me, a UFC contract means legacy. Its legacy to continue in martial arts that my father taught me at a young age. It means the world will know my name, who I am, and I will continue my father’s legacy and create one of my own.” That said, a dangerous man stands between Silva and his legacy.
Uzbekistan’s most promising powerhouse Anvar Boynazarov is entering this matchup with an unmatchable experience in striking. Anvar moved to Thailand to sharpen his Muay Thai, and in less than five years, Anvar had over one hundred professional Muay Thai fights.
“I’m a problem for Silva because I have unlimited power. I can break him. I can knock him out. I can take him down and smash him or submit him.”
Edgar Chairez vs. Clayton Carpenter
Out of all the mouthwatering matchups this week, this one might be the most intriguing. Mexico’s proudest son Edgar Chairez is entering this fight with his newly born daughter in his mind and heart, knowing that this is the opportunity he has been praying for the longest to change his family’s life.
When asked about his style, Chairez said, ” I have Mexican style. I have heart. I like to bang, and I’m a gangster. I’m here to win.”
Currently, the 5’7 flyweight Chairez is riding a two-fight winning streak as he looks to follow in the footsteps of his long-time friend and training partner Brandon Moreno.
Four-time Muay Thai champion and golden glove boxing winner Clayton Carpenter enters this fight with an undefeated record (5-0) and a vision of stealing the show.
Clayton Carpenter has been competing since the age of four. However, nothing compares to the bright lights of all. So, will Edgar join his teammate Moreno in the UFC, or will Clayton keep his record unblemished?
Sandra Lavado vs. Karolina Wojcik
The show starts with an all-out strawweight shootout between Sandra Lavado and Karolina Wojcik.
The pride of Peru Lavado enters this fight riding a three-fight winning streak. She’s currently 10-2, with her last bout being a gruelling five-round war; it surely was a priceless experience before entering the big league.
That said, Karolina “The Polish Assassin” Wojcik looks to show why she’s the favourite ahead of this clash. She enters this fight also on a three-fight winning streak.
The strawweight division seems to keep blossoming with new contenders frequently. The winner looks to join the stacked UFC roster and make a run at gold. The UFC APEX is where it all goes down.
