Against all odds, it’s Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023) again, and that means Dana White’s Contender Series is back with a fresh slate of challengers.
The action begins, as it will for the rest of the season, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+,
Last week was another five-contract episode, though admittedly well-deserved. Jean Matsumoto and James Llontop looked sharp in decision wins, while Jhonata Diniz, Steven Nguyen, and Julia Polastri each secured impressive finishes.
The big boys lead the way tonight, with Russian powerhouse Shamil Gaziev (10-0) battling CFFC champ Greg Velasco (6-0) in the main event. 110 pounds south, LFA Lightweight titlist JaCobi Jones (6-1) meets American Kickboxing Academy’s Daniel James Allen (4-0). Decorated BJJ ace Talita Alencar (4-0) squares off with Jungle Fight champ Stephanie Luciano (5-1) in the middle bout, fellow Jungle Fight champ Kaynan Kruschewsky (14-1) takes on Dylan Mantello (7-2) at Lightweight, and a third Jungle Fight champ in Igor da Silva (7-0) puts his 100% finishing rate on the line against Italy-based Flyweight Jhonata Silva (8-1)
‘Contender Series’ Quick Results:
Shamil Gaziev vs. Greg Velasco
JaCobi Jones vs. Daniel James Allen
Talita Alencar vs. Stephanie Luciano
Kaynan Kruschewsky vs. Dylan Mantello
Igor da Silva vs. Jhonata Silva
‘Contender Series’ Play-By-Play Results:
265 lbs.: Shamil Gaziev vs. Greg Velasco
Round one:
Round two:
Round three:
Final result:
155 lbs.: JaCobi Jones vs. Daniel James Allen
Round one:
Round two:
Round three:
Final result:
115 lbs.: Talita Alencar vs. Stephanie Luciano
Round one:
Round two:
Round three:
Final result:
155 lbs.: Kaynan Kruschewsky vs. Dylan Mantello
Round one:
Round two:
Round three:
Final result:
125 lbs.: Igor da Silva vs. Jhonata Silva
Round one:
Round two:
Round three:
Final result:
For more Contender Series news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
