Week 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) Season 8 brought intense action and high stakes as four fighters walked away with UFC’s league Tuesday night’s event at UFC APEX in Las Vegas featured five bouts, three of which came to an end in a wonderful ending. Dana White, president of the UFC, quickly awarded contracts to Andreas Gustafsson, Rizwan Kuniev, Cortavius Romeos and Cody Haddon, marking their official UFC registration
Gustafson channels his inner Viking in a variety of ways
Andreas Gustafsson put in a performance that left no doubt about his status in the UFC. When Gustafsson met Pat Pytlik, he vowed to bring the spirit of a Viking warrior, and he did just that. From the opening bell, Gustafsson continued to run relentlessly, pushing Pytlik back with consistent pressure and effective clinch work. Pitlick struggled to find any rhythm as Gustafson dominated with takedowns and strikes.
In the second round, Gustafson dominated the clinch, delivering a series of devastating knees to the head of Pytlik. The vicious attack sent Pytlik tumbling to the canvas, unable to continue. With this command role, Gustafson earned his UFC contract and left a strong impression on UFC brass.
Kuniva redemption story
Rizwan Kuniev placed second on the DWCS count, earning an impressive UFC contract finish. When Kuniev couldn’t match his previous Contender Series win, he was determined not to let this opportunity pass. Facing Hugo Cunha, Kuniv showed tremendous improvement and terrific determination.
Kuniev, best known for his victory over Renan Ferreira in the PFL—the win was later overturned due to a failed drug test—came into this fight suspended for a year and seemed sober built on and looked great, with Kuniev turning the pressure up in the closing moments of the first round. A knee to the body followed by a smashing elbow had Cunha wrapped up on the mat. Kuniev didn’t stop, landing punches until the referee stepped in, just a second before the round ended. The emphatic finish earned Kuniev a highly anticipated UFC contract.
Romeo’s second chance pays off
After suffering a brutal injury in the first tournament, Cortavius Romius returned to the Contenders Series with a point to make. This time, Romeos was laser focused, defeating Michael Imperato in their bantamweight match. From start to finish, Romeos was in control, using his sharp boxing skills and grappling to put Imperato on the defensive.
Imperato struggled to maximize any major offenses while Romeos dictated speed and action. While Dana White offered some harsh comments on Romeos’ decisions during the fight, he failed to acknowledge the young fighter’s talent. White signed Romeos to the UFC, noting that he was “one of the most talented athletes I have ever seen.”
Phinney’s winning streak isn’t possible
Having previously earned a submission win at DWCS without a contract, Torrez Phinney came back to prove something. This time he faced off against Cam Roston and once again showcased his powerful wrestling and wrestling skills. Finney knocked Roston to the mat repeatedly and landed heavy punches, but Roston’s resilience made the fight competitive.
Despite his dominance, Finney didn’t make it to the finals, and Dana White was incredible. White praised Phinney for his effort but advised him to gain more experience before returning, leaving Phinney without a contract this season.
Haddon’s star continues to rise
Cody Haddon, a 25-year-old Australian aspirant, took an impressive first place in DWCS, delivering in style. Facing Billy Brand, Haydon showed off his boxing skills early on, delivering crisp combinations that set the tone for the fight. A strong left hook dropped Brand and Haddon wasted no time in getting the change down.
