Dana White’s Contender Series Storylines | Week 4, Season 6
Aside from the first episode, this season has been spectacular, from Bo Nickal’s debut on the show to countless gunfights in the past two weeks. That said, talent and potential-wise, this episode might be the most stacked.
Thomas Paull vs Esteban Ribovics
Oftentimes, when two young lightweights headline a card, fireworks are guaranteed. And with high stakes on the line, this fight can only deliver.
Entering the fight on a three-fight win streak, Thomas Paull is the current Golden Ticket lightweight champion, but most notably, he’s an inspirational deaf combat athlete.
Paull is the embodiment of the phrase “kill or be killed.” All 14 professional fights of Paull have ended before the final bell. In preparation for his upcoming bout, Thomas sought the guidance of All-Stars Training Center, working alongside Khamzat Chimaev and Alexander Gustafsson.
On the other hand, 26-year-old Esteban Ribovics enters this contest undefeated (10-0), with all his victories coming before the final bell.
These two fighters are what the Contender Series is built on; young, exhilarating talents who always seek the finish. Bulletproof matchmaking by the UFC brass. Don’t be surprised if both men get a contract.
Ivan Valenzuela vs Claudio Ribeiro
For the longest, Mexicans have been known for their thrilling fighting style, which is an absolute treat for fight fans. So, it’s only fitting for a Mexican warrior to be on the show.
Mexico’s Ivan Valenzuela enters this contest with a record of 8-1, riding a five-fight win streak. Toughness and resilience are attributes the Mexican takes pride in, with his only loss going to the scorecards.
Claudio Ribeiro is also riding a five-fight win streak, being 9-1 in his last 10. And just like his opponent, Ribeiro also takes pride in his ability to bounce back from adversity, having lost his professional debut.
Middleweight prospects in the sport are taking over. One of these competitors will hopefully return home with a contract and with their name in the same bracket as fellow rising stars.
Jack Cartwright vs Jose Johnson
Throughout the years, Cage Warriors have produced some steller generational talent. And their current bantamweight Champion, Jack Cartwright, looks to showcase his skill under the brightest lights of all when he faces Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Jose Johnson.
Undefeated Brit Jack Cartwright has stamped his claim as the best bantamweight in Britain. In his most recent run, Cartwright won the Cage Warriors title back in 2019. Currently, he holds three title defences with momentum on his side.
Jose Johnson made his first appearance on the show in the fourth season when he fell short against Ronnie Lawrence. That loss has been haunting Johnson ever since. However, Lawrence refused to call it quits even though most of his close ones suggested he should.
Not many get a second chance at redemption. Will it be Johnson’s chance to get a contract, or is he playing a losing game by facing a generational talent in Jack Cartwright?
Hailey Cowan vs Claudia Leite
A bantamweight barnburner is on deck this week as two young contenders battle for a life-changing sequence of events.
LFA veteran Hailey Cowan made her debut in 2018 with hopes of joining the UFC roster like her fellow LFA compatriots. The 30-year-old holds a record of 6-2. On the other hand, Claudia Leite has won seven of her nine bouts. Currently, she’s riding a four-fight win streak, with three of them ending before the final bell.
The bantamweight division is wide open for a contender to kick in the doors with a performance of a lifetime. And both competitors have an opportunity of a lifetime.
Nazim Sadykhov vs Ahmad Hassanzada
You couldn’t ask for a more fiery start to a show when two hungry lightweight prospects square off as Nazim Sadykhov clashes against highly touted prospect Ahmad Hassanzada.
Nazim Sadykhov has been progressing incredibly in recent years due to his training alongside UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling and New York’s finest and UFC veteran Al Iaquinta.
On the other hand, Hassanzada hails from Team Alpha Male under the guidance of UFC legend Urijah Faber. The 26-year-old enters this fight riding a two-fight winning streak with a vision to give UFC boss Dana White an unforgettable first impression.
Both lightweight contenders train alongside the absolute elites of the sport. It has been far from an easy journey for both men. With them competing in the first fight of the show, there’s a responsibility to set the tone for the night. Who will emerge as the latest addition to the stacked lightweight division? Our answers will be answered on this week’s Dana White’s contender series.
