Dana White’s Contender Series Storylines | Season 6 Finale
It saddens me to say it, but we’ve arrived at the finale of a show that nothing compares to. Dana White’s Contender Series changed countless lives and produced numerous endeavours and opportunities for every contestant, regardless of whether they lost or won.
Jaw-dropping statements wrapped in inspirational stories are what this season’s theme has been throughout. Out of all the competitors who fought in the past few weeks, unquestionably, American wrestling phenom Bo Nickal is the guy everyone is watching closely, and tonight, what better way to end the show than placing Nickal at the top of the marquee with a UFC contract at stake. But first, let’s dive deep one last time this season and breakdown our 5 fights.
Bo Nickal vs Donovan Beard
Earlier this season, Bo Nickal came and conquered as he improved to 2-0 as a professional when he dismantled Borrego in the first. Tonight, he returns to make another statement but, most importantly, get that elusive contract. However, Donovan Beard has other plans.
Current CFFC undisputed middleweight champion Donovan Beard jumped on this opportunity with both hands, genuinely believing that he has everything it takes to stop the rising wrestler in his tracks.
Here’s an interesting fact: In the past 4 years, Beard has fought 17 times, combining his amateur and professional bouts. That is unheard of. Also, Beard has finished his last 5 fights before the final bell. That said, if Nickal gets him on the mat, it’s over.
Sam Patterson vs Vinicius Cenci
In the past few years, England’s Sam Patterson has been shining under the Brace CF banner, elevating him to be on a 9-fight unbeaten streak. On the other hand, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ace Vinicius Cenci looks to add another submission under his belt as he rides a powerful 7 fight-winning streak.
This season, 7 lightweight contenders rose from the ashes by delivering sensational performances, earning themselves a contract. With tonight’s stylistic clash between these lightweights, don’t be surprised if both get signed by the night’s end.
Two glaring questions regarding this matchup: how will the Brazillian deal with the 6’4 frame of Patterson if the fight remains on the feet? On the other hand, does Patterson really have what it takes to hang in the ground with elite grapplers? Or, after all, is Patterson simply a weight bully? Not long to find out.
Freddy Emiliano Linares vs Jack Jenkins
Two featherweight contenders with 17 combined wins of 20 fights clash as the hard-punching Ecuadorian Freddy Emiliano Linares squares off against Australia’s Jack Jenkins.
Since beginning his MMA journey roughly 5 years ago, Linares has only gone to a decision once. That alone speaks volumes about the frenetic pace he’s about to push from the opening bell.
On the other side of the world, Australia’s Jack Jenkins has taken a slower approach to be active in his career. But don’t be mistaken; regardless of a fight date or not, Jenkins has been working behind closed doors, patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity. The opportunity has arrived.
Furthermore, Jenkins competed in a 5 round gruelling affair when he fought for the EMMA championship in his homeland. And with him being on a 6 fight-winning streak, a quiet sense of confidence and momentum seem to be on the underdog’s side.
Joao Elias vs Rafael Ramos Estevam
It doesn’t get better than this: Two young Brazillian finishers collide in a featherweight showdown that could very well steal the show.
Fighting out of Ribeiro Team, Elias enters this contest riding a 3-fight winning streak and carrying an impressive 17-3-1 record. With already 2 submission victories under his belt this year, a UFC contract would surely close the year with style.
Rafael Ramos Estevam is undefeated (10-0) in his career. However, he has been a victim of inactivity, having his last fight in July 2021, at LFA 112.
It’s hard to gauge how this fight will unfold due to both men’s circumstances. After all, the more composed fighter on the night should get the victory.
Ashiek Ajim vs Mateus Mendonca
Bantamweights kick off the finale as Ashiek Ajim and Mateus Mendonca collide in hopes of earning this episode’s first UFC contract.
Fighting out of Long Island MMA, Ajim enters this fight with a 6-1 record and a 3-fight winning streak, with all victories coming in less than a minute while competing under the CES banner. His lone career loss was against former UFC bantamweight Kris Moutinho.
On the opposite corner, Mendonca carries an impressive record of 9-0. However, it’s been over 2 years since he fought. And even before that, the level of opposition has been invalid. So, we don’t really know what to expect from Mendonca.
Can Ajim stay consistent with another win, or will Mendonca pick up where he left off 2 years back?
